Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jack Harlow Faces Backlash Over "Blacker" Comment

3/17/2026

50 10

Summary

Story summary

Jack Harlow (American rapper) sparked online backlash after saying "I got Blacker" during a New York Times Popcast interview about his shift toward R&B.
Critics say the phrase trivializes Black identity and signals a superficial engagement with Black culture.
Fans interpret the remarks as cultural appropriation.
Harlow has expressed a genuine love for Black music.
He has not publicly addressed the criticism.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jack Harlow (American rapper) sparked online backlash after saying "I got Blacker" during a New York Times Popcast interview about his shift toward R&B.
Critics say the phrase trivializes Black identity and signals a superficial engagement with Black culture.
Fans interpret the remarks as cultural appropriation.
Harlow has expressed a genuine love for Black music.
He has not publicly addressed the criticism.