Jack Harlow has always been in tune with who he is, contemplating love around Valentine’s Day on his latest single “Set You Free.”
“I love you, but I love my freedom too,” he raps over the uptempo beat produced by Angel Lopez, Jenius, and Don Alfonso, as Jack’s chilly offering continues a string of deep, introspective cuts leading up to the Louisville native’s next project. “Set You Free” follows Harlow’s “Hello Miss Johnson” and “Tranquility,” both of which explore more mature themes and showcase the evolution of his craft. As fans anticipate a new album, these tracks hint at a more reflective direction in Harlow’s music.
His last project, Jackman., addressed the critique he faced on 2022’s Come Home the Kids Miss You, digging into his lyrical rap bag and stepping out of the pop genre his music had started to trend toward. Come Home the Kids Miss You was his biggest production to date, tapping Pharrell, Drake, Justin Timberlake, and Lil Wayne for features on his first major project since the Billboard hits “First Class” and “Lovin On Me.” Since these industry-altering moments, Harlow has significantly changed his style, swapping bouncy pop beats for laid-back Drake Views-era production.
Last May, Harlow hosted the first annual Gazebo Festival, featuring a packed lineup of artists including SZA, Vince Staples, Veeze, James Blake, PinkPantheress, and more. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Gazebo Fest is Harlow’s way of giving back to the city.
“With all I have done and will do in my career, my home is where my heart is, my refuge, and the place that shaped me. Giving back to Louisville represents the dream I have of making a difference,” Harlow told the Louisville Courier Journal. “My vision is to make Louisville a better place. Know that this is just the start of my philanthropic legacy, and I look forward to transforming our community and, as a result, the success and happiness of its citizens.”
“Set You Free” is accompanied by a music video featuring Harlow and his hometown friends running around New York in a similar fashion to the video for “Tranquility.” The stylistic similarities in both the songs and videos have fans wondering: when are we getting the next Jack Harlow project?
Listen to “Set You Free” below!