Plenty of Punch as Harlow Maintains Hometown Vibe

Zachary Crumes, Staff Reporter

Punchline after punchline after punchline. A lot of the lyrics in modern day hip hop are empty. There are, however, a few fruitful punchlines that are indeed “Heavy Hitters.”

An example: “Shout-out to the hometown; I know that they gon’ feel this.”

This shout-out to his hometown of Louisville comes from Jack “Missionary” Harlow, who released his groundbreaking second official album, “Confetti,” on multiple platforms this past September.

Sitting on 12 tracks, the 21-year-old Kentucky rapper breaks down some of his life’s victories, struggles and experiences, giving his fans the satisfaction and spice they so eagerly desire.

Despite sparking substantial regional buzz as a teenager, Harlow has always been known for representing his hometown by clearly displaying it in his music. 

These shout-outs are good for the city, according to Alex Crumes. He said, “Jack continues to get a lot of support from his fans and other artists, and really is putting Louisville on the map.”

From a fluctuating cadence, complemented by a diversified flow from song to song, it’s almost impossible to not nod your head to the catchy melodies that come along with rhythmic beats.

Harlow’s single “Thru the Night” takes a sample from Usher’s “U Don’t Have to Call,” rapping alongside Louisville’s very own Bryson Tiller, with the track being the first single released.

According to Rolling Stone, it took a while for the two to get together, but they made it happen.

The video for the song is even more unique, with most of it primarily shot in an old-fashioned roller skating rink. The video shows the swagger of the Louisville artists in fun fashion as they skate around the rink with all kinds of people dancing on roller skates around them.

From clothing to set design, the video definitely has a nice retro feel to it.

Tiller is arguably Louisville’s most well known rap and R & B artist but is not the only native artist featured on the album.

The album features two other artists, including 2forwOyNE and EST Gee on tracks “Rotten” and “Warsaw.” Both are “underground” well-polished Louisville artists who have also gained regional buzz on their own.

Trinity Senior Colin White said, “I thought the album was fire mostly, but my favorite song is definitely Heavy Hitter.”

Harlow’s “Heavy Hitter” was the second single to be released before the album. The song and music video helped create a lot of hype for the album, with its catchy melody and it’s attractive visuals showing off the architecture of Louisville.

Another fan favorite and arguably the most soulful song on the album is the last track, “River Road.” Throughout the track Harlow really puts his life in perspective, breaking down some of his childhood and opening up about some of his flaws.

All in all, it’s safe to say everyone is “gon’ feel” these high quality songs found on a possibly award-winning album. Well done, Mr. Harlow.