The sample and production on this album is my favorite by far Edit: It's a welcomed change to see Jack get personal. The length is an added bonus as it doesn't overstay it's welcome
Gang Gang Gang is such an interesting and important song in Jack’s discography. It’s also his most divisive, you either love it or hate it. I’m excited for his next project to take the next steps off a heavier idea like this and execute it with a longer run time for each track. Your It Can’t Be distaste was pretty unexpected, but the criticism on the song is fair. I’m probably a sucker for the Bill Withers sample lol.
This is a fair evaluation, I love the way you articulate these ideas, for me I actually enjoy the instrumental on it can’t be, this album genuinely surprised me and it’s a solid 7 for me
I agree with your points on 'Gang Gang Gang', as well as 'Denver' and 'Blame on me' being the best songs. Those two are definitely going into the rotation.
I really disagree about Gang Gang Gang; I think the internal strife he experiences is reflected by how he is so shocked and almost like "that can't be true" when his friend tells him about the charges. Sure, it could have been fleshed out more, but I don't think its finished project is absent of substance. He continues the thoughts expressed in this song by saying "What am I supposed to do? Assume her accusations aren't true because I'm close to you? Who should I believe? Is it her? Just 'cause it happens so commonly," on his song Questions, which allows the thoughts to extend beyond the confines of Gang Gang Gang. As a woman, I really like what he did with this song. In fact, I think his exact message isn't talked about enough. Too often men find out the horrible things their friends have done and ignore it under the guise of friendship. It is good that he uses this song come out and condemn and call out this behavior and it feels like often those who don't take to it are just uncomfortable with the reality of the subject matter.
Blame on me is a great surprise from Jack. The great story telling presented just blew my mind. I never knew Jack was capable of making this type of emotion come from me.
I mean the homeless and rolex he follows it with feeling souless, I believe the line is he has trouble feeling why he deserves it but these people are suffering
i do think the criticism on his writing is a bit unfair. comparing him to mac millers career is just putting them in the same box. especially since mac miller always had the same criticism until he passed. They were always in different lanes - jack harlow was always a vibes artist. I think his approach to lyricism is more similar to jcole something a regular person could relate to. what exactly does executed the right way even mean when you can’t contextualize where the artists is coming from? not saying this project is the best thing ever but it does feel genuine. And it would be great to see him blend his pop hits and songs from this album.
You nailed the criticism of Gang Gang Gang. As someone who has cut a friend out for sexual assault, it isn't an easy thing to do and there is some mourning of a friendship lost. You feel betrayed that someone you trusted could do something so fucked up and you feel guilty that you couldn't stop it. Lots of feelings to explore but he just glosses over them all
Once you reach a certain mindset you put trust into people until they give you a reason not to. Cutting friends off becomes easier, you have em cuz you want em, not cuz you need em. I’ve cut off friends for sexual shit too, it’s not that I didn’t care, it’s that I personally decided not to mourn a loss from someone who’s capable of doing disgusting shit. Friends come and go, the only person you should give that much value to is yrself. Sometimes even family capable
Also: why would you feel guilty for not stopping something you didn’t even know was there ? That’s like stressing over something you can’t control. Doesn’t make sense to me
The first line in Denver feels kinda out of place yea, but I think it fits with the theme of the verse, by demonstrating his awareness of his position in life in comparison to others
I've seen some say that if another rapper dropped something the same as jackman in quality and length we wouldn't give them a pass like this; However, many of those rappers didn't drop a glorified ass of an album prior to it like we got with Jack's previous album. This project is an improvement and while some of the songs are unmemorable or just average I wouldn't say they are bad or completely uninspired. same as you I'd give it a 6/10, decent album but nothing to gush over nor worth pondering on its flaws.
I interpret gang gang gang as a critique on the street code. He gives us two fictional scenarios of friends (his “dogs”) who committed crimes that are socially perceived as disgusting and impossible to excuse and relates this via the hook to the streets, rapping common phrases like “ride for my dogs” or “lie for my dogs”, implying that he won’t snitch on his friends in case of them committing crimes. In my opinion this questions the common mentality of rejecting any kind of snitching for gang related crimes by relating them to “inexcusable” crimes which any ordinary person would report to the police. He closes off with a part about the hypocrisy in the streets which promote all members of a group as family, equal and brotherly loyal. This obviously isn’t true, not every gang member would die for their friends or show unquestioned loyalty and respect. These themes could relate to the case of 6ix9ine who snitched and told the police about the crimes he and the other bloods committed. Due to this he faces rejection and exclusion in hip hop and on the streets as seen by the recent attack he faced in a gym, even though his “friends” committed the exact acts of disrespect against him (sleep with his bm, beat him up, steal from him…) Jack raps about in the end of this track.
"Jackman" is a decent album, the production and sampling are what make it worth at least 1 listen, but I can't 100% say the same for his lyricism, like Volksgeist explained, he introduces topics but doesn't elaborate on them and that leaves more to be desired. If I'm being honest, I've been waiting on his "Mac Miller-type" of awakening but this is not it, and I think he has a LONG way to go and he may never get there.
I know music is subjective, but he was definitely nitpicky. He spent time talking about how the rolex bar didn't fit when it literally had purpose in the song.
I think Come Home The Kids Miss You is kinda overheated. It is not a great album, but a very ok album for me. Nail Tech, Churchill Downs, First Class and I'd Do Anything To Make You Smile were good songs. Yeah but I do agree some of the songwriting in this album is absolute trash and the general concept of the album was really so corny sometimes. Jackman. was absolutely better. Really great lyrics, more conscious bars, great instrumentals & samples. But Jack needs to go more unpredictable with his flows. He has a lot to say, and he says them in such a relatable way, but he should seek to switch styles between verses sometimes. Even though he conceptualized this album to be more introspective instead of energetic, this should not necessarily mean he has to go overly linear with the cadence of his lyrics. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, for example, has slow and lyrics-focused songs all over, however, all of them have a different vibe attached to them. Jackman. was still better than his last one, and he shows great potential regardless. Really enjoyed this record.
When interpreting “it can’t be” yr scolding him for saying “it can’t be the jeep instead of the rolls Royce” saying you don’t know why he was using that as reference as if he grew up with the jeep in the driveway and you grew up without a car, that’s not what he’s sayin 😂 what he IS saying is: once he had rolls Royce money he still chose to buy the jeep, he not saying he grew up with one, he saying he didn’t spend $300k on a rolls he didn’t need.
To me with Gang Gang Gang, I wish the song was at least a minute or so longer, maybe a minute and a half. He could’ve delved into the topics more. Still a great song to me, had a great idea and great concept, just wasn’t the best it could be.
Gang gang gang is only surface level with no substance. It just provides that feeling when you find out someone you knew did something fucked up. All you really do is show your friends and be like "that's crazy" then continue scrolling.
Gang Gang Gang is a dope and deep track, I agree he certainly ended it kind of abrumptly but when analysing what he is saying, he does condemn these guys' acts of violence. Saying years of comradery suddenly disappear. Nice review overall but It Can't Be is a good track and the beat kind of has that Timbaland vibe which is classic, you're totally tripping talkin about the beat is whack. On Denver literally on the next line he says he did a show and basically felt souless. Meaning all these good things he has attained from his music like having a roley also made him realize other people in the world are still in pain which takes a toll on him.
i know to some people the album may be mid(which i also agree) but mannnnn the production on it calls me to listen to it and man that track "They don't love it" does put me in a good mood albums overall not bad and hope he progresses more in the next project
i think (tbh why tf would u care what 'i think' because im ngl im definitely a casual when it comes to jack harlow) that during the beginning of the review it was a lot more structured and the ideas and criticisms showed the thought that went behind them, which made for a good review, but less entertaining. Towards the end however you sorta flipped and it became more of a rant. this was more entertaining and made for some funny moments but it gave the review (in my eyes) less credibility. It was an entertaining video for sure and i have been a fan on the channel for a long time now and it was nice to sorta see your personality come out a lot more like the funny voices and your own personal references which give the viewer a better understanding on yourself as a person all good things. but at times you may have gone over the line a little. for example when you talked about the the song 'it cant be' you sorta hated the premise pretty hard which is fair because i understand the point that you are coming from that its like a little idk 'forced'. but it came across more as belittling the idea. like hating on his style of expression because of his background and that its different to yours and because he didnt have the 'struggle' its not hip-hop. I may have mis-understood everything and again this is just my opinion so i might have it wrong but I like your content and I felt like maybe my 10 cents can help get your million. if yanno what i mean...
I don't like the direction Jack Harlow is going, not from his last album to this one, but over the course of his discography from 2017 to now. He's always been generic, but with his older music it felt like he was just having fun and not trying to make something crazy. There was a fun and authentic energy to it. Recently he feels generic in the sense that he's trying to do safe imitations of other successful formulas in hip hop. CMTKMY was a Drake impression, and this is a J Cole impression. It feels like the genericness is now coming from a desire to be appealing to the widest possible demographic and that authentic energy that made his older music fun is gone.
I agree, I think he’s now so hung up on being respected by hip-hop heads whereas before he was just doing his thing and making fun music. Now that his platform is so big I guess he wants to be taken more seriously but I don’t think that’s the lane he thrives in
Man I fudging love your breakdowns. Your very honest but with that honesty your not an ass and your very understanding of our human nature. Showing love from Michigan. Thank you for delivering and creating amazing content 👏🏽🔥🤩
I think the worst thing about Jack is that he's just alright, he's not dealing with too much in life, i think he doesn't have too many demons if any at all.😅
I love how everyone likes the beats and doesn’t care about his mediocre rapping. I’d expect this level of penmanship from a first year rapper in college.
Are you seriously gonna say jack Harlow is the best rapper of the new generation? JID exists bro he’s literally the next j cole but with even crazier flows
@@raccoonman4691 J.I.D reminds me more of kendrick than cole. Even though he is signed to dreamville. First time listening to Can't punk me, i was even convinced that there was a kendrick feature
Jack's had so many chances and still fails to impress, even with just being in his own lane of white rappers instead of being compared to every other rapper in the game today. There's no true signs of artistry or working on his craft, all he's proven is that he ain't a rapper but just a fan of rap and that's as good as it's gonna get
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The sample and production on this album is my favorite by far
Edit: It's a welcomed change to see Jack get personal. The length is an added bonus as it doesn't overstay it's welcome
Gang Gang Gang is such an interesting and important song in Jack’s discography. It’s also his most divisive, you either love it or hate it. I’m excited for his next project to take the next steps off a heavier idea like this and execute it with a longer run time for each track.
Your It Can’t Be distaste was pretty unexpected, but the criticism on the song is fair. I’m probably a sucker for the Bill Withers sample lol.
This is a fair evaluation, I love the way you articulate these ideas, for me I actually enjoy the instrumental on it can’t be, this album genuinely surprised me and it’s a solid 7 for me
I haven’t found a single review that hasn’t given it a 7… anyways I also give it a 7
I agree with your points on 'Gang Gang Gang', as well as 'Denver' and 'Blame on me' being the best songs. Those two are definitely going into the rotation.
All three highs from the album imo
I really disagree about Gang Gang Gang; I think the internal strife he experiences is reflected by how he is so shocked and almost like "that can't be true" when his friend tells him about the charges. Sure, it could have been fleshed out more, but I don't think its finished project is absent of substance. He continues the thoughts expressed in this song by saying "What am I supposed to do? Assume her accusations aren't true because I'm close to you? Who should I believe? Is it her? Just 'cause it happens so commonly," on his song Questions, which allows the thoughts to extend beyond the confines of Gang Gang Gang.
As a woman, I really like what he did with this song. In fact, I think his exact message isn't talked about enough. Too often men find out the horrible things their friends have done and ignore it under the guise of friendship. It is good that he uses this song come out and condemn and call out this behavior and it feels like often those who don't take to it are just uncomfortable with the reality of the subject matter.
Blame on me is a great surprise from Jack. The great story telling presented just blew my mind. I never knew Jack was capable of making this type of emotion come from me.
Fr, my favourite Jack Harlow song
(Idk how much that's saying though, but I like it)
I mean jack been had story telling songs ppl getting exposed for not listening his music
Dj kng I knew those songs but this one was much better imo
Most relatable song for me like damn
I mean the homeless and rolex he follows it with feeling souless, I believe the line is he has trouble feeling why he deserves it but these people are suffering
i do think the criticism on his writing is a bit unfair. comparing him to mac millers career is just putting them in the same box. especially since mac miller always had the same criticism until he passed.
They were always in different lanes - jack harlow was always a vibes artist.
I think his approach to lyricism is more similar to jcole something a regular person could relate to.
what exactly does executed the right way even mean when you can’t contextualize where the artists is coming from?
not saying this project is the best thing ever but it does feel genuine. And it would be great to see him blend his pop hits and songs from this album.
Umm no you Buffon j Cole has substance Harlow is a industry plant to make you mayo faces feel better 🤷🏿♂️
mac writes way better but i do agree they are in different lanes
love your vids bro
Bro TUV?
hey tuv
honestly first 3 tracks on this album, are epic. Im so happy Jack kept his pen writing through the last album not being as big as expected
You nailed the criticism of Gang Gang Gang. As someone who has cut a friend out for sexual assault, it isn't an easy thing to do and there is some mourning of a friendship lost. You feel betrayed that someone you trusted could do something so fucked up and you feel guilty that you couldn't stop it. Lots of feelings to explore but he just glosses over them all
Once you reach a certain mindset you put trust into people until they give you a reason not to. Cutting friends off becomes easier, you have em cuz you want em, not cuz you need em. I’ve cut off friends for sexual shit too, it’s not that I didn’t care, it’s that I personally decided not to mourn a loss from someone who’s capable of doing disgusting shit. Friends come and go, the only person you should give that much value to is yrself. Sometimes even family capable
Also: why would you feel guilty for not stopping something you didn’t even know was there ? That’s like stressing over something you can’t control. Doesn’t make sense to me
The first line in Denver feels kinda out of place yea, but I think it fits with the theme of the verse, by demonstrating his awareness of his position in life in comparison to others
i still have only listened to this album once, great review/analysis 💯 i gotta give it some more playtime
I've seen some say that if another rapper dropped something the same as jackman in quality and length we wouldn't give them a pass like this; However, many of those rappers didn't drop a glorified ass of an album prior to it like we got with Jack's previous album. This project is an improvement and while some of the songs are unmemorable or just average I wouldn't say they are bad or completely uninspired. same as you I'd give it a 6/10, decent album but nothing to gush over nor worth pondering on its flaws.
I interpret gang gang gang as a critique on the street code. He gives us two fictional scenarios of friends (his “dogs”) who committed crimes that are socially perceived as disgusting and impossible to excuse and relates this via the hook to the streets, rapping common phrases like “ride for my dogs” or “lie for my dogs”, implying that he won’t snitch on his friends in case of them committing crimes. In my opinion this questions the common mentality of rejecting any kind of snitching for gang related crimes by relating them to “inexcusable” crimes which any ordinary person would report to the police. He closes off with a part about the hypocrisy in the streets which promote all members of a group as family, equal and brotherly loyal. This obviously isn’t true, not every gang member would die for their friends or show unquestioned loyalty and respect. These themes could relate to the case of 6ix9ine who snitched and told the police about the crimes he and the other bloods committed. Due to this he faces rejection and exclusion in hip hop and on the streets as seen by the recent attack he faced in a gym, even though his “friends” committed the exact acts of disrespect against him (sleep with his bm, beat him up, steal from him…) Jack raps about in the end of this track.
"Jackman" is a decent album, the production and sampling are what make it worth at least 1 listen, but I can't 100% say the same for his lyricism, like Volksgeist explained, he introduces topics but doesn't elaborate on them and that leaves more to be desired. If I'm being honest, I've been waiting on his "Mac Miller-type" of awakening but this is not it, and I think he has a LONG way to go and he may never get there.
What do you expect him to do to have a “Mac Miller” awakening
@@MrHydro-to4mw a classic album. this is very close tho. give him some years
Thank you for the nuanced critique, I already saw some people call this album of the year and others call it trash 🙄
I thought this was a real good album but this review was pretty fair even though a little nitpicky
I know music is subjective, but he was definitely nitpicky.
He spent time talking about how the rolex bar didn't fit when it literally had purpose in the song.
The album is fine
People just like it a lot because there’s soul samples on this
or because its good?
@@D4nielP eh…
"I'm not gonna lie but I do wanna lie for the sake of white people" KILLED ME
The shirt goes crazy! You gotta drop that ASAP!!
I think Come Home The Kids Miss You is kinda overheated. It is not a great album, but a very ok album for me. Nail Tech, Churchill Downs, First Class and I'd Do Anything To Make You Smile were good songs. Yeah but I do agree some of the songwriting in this album is absolute trash and the general concept of the album was really so corny sometimes. Jackman. was absolutely better. Really great lyrics, more conscious bars, great instrumentals & samples. But Jack needs to go more unpredictable with his flows. He has a lot to say, and he says them in such a relatable way, but he should seek to switch styles between verses sometimes. Even though he conceptualized this album to be more introspective instead of energetic, this should not necessarily mean he has to go overly linear with the cadence of his lyrics. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, for example, has slow and lyrics-focused songs all over, however, all of them have a different vibe attached to them. Jackman. was still better than his last one, and he shows great potential regardless. Really enjoyed this record.
might actually listen to it now .. thanks !
I think the Rolex line is referenced later as he says it represents the old him and it’s a lyric left over from come home the kids miss you era.
When interpreting “it can’t be” yr scolding him for saying “it can’t be the jeep instead of the rolls Royce” saying you don’t know why he was using that as reference as if he grew up with the jeep in the driveway and you grew up without a car, that’s not what he’s sayin 😂 what he IS saying is: once he had rolls Royce money he still chose to buy the jeep, he not saying he grew up with one, he saying he didn’t spend $300k on a rolls he didn’t need.
Bro the beat on it cant be is one of the best on the album
First time watching your videos great video really enjoyed your commentary and review 🔥
Very interesting for person like you to say what is and isn't Hip Hop.
To me with Gang Gang Gang, I wish the song was at least a minute or so longer, maybe a minute and a half. He could’ve delved into the topics more. Still a great song to me, had a great idea and great concept, just wasn’t the best it could be.
Gang gang gang is only surface level with no substance. It just provides that feeling when you find out someone you knew did something fucked up. All you really do is show your friends and be like "that's crazy" then continue scrolling.
"Dog water content" Goddamn!! 🤣
I loved his last album 😭
Btw I'm fan Can you please do a video about Apollo XXL by Steve Lacy
A Kendrick stan made a more concise effort than his idol, never thought I'd see the day.
?
Gang Gang Gang is a dope and deep track, I agree he certainly ended it kind of abrumptly but when analysing what he is saying, he does condemn these guys' acts of violence. Saying years of comradery suddenly disappear. Nice review overall but It Can't Be is a good track and the beat kind of has that Timbaland vibe which is classic, you're totally tripping talkin about the beat is whack. On Denver literally on the next line he says he did a show and basically felt souless. Meaning all these good things he has attained from his music like having a roley also made him realize other people in the world are still in pain which takes a toll on him.
the album is class i think that that was def the best album from jack harlow
That’s sad
Lil Secret should’ve been kept for Jackman.
i know to some people the album may be mid(which i also agree) but mannnnn the production on it calls me to listen to it and man that track "They don't love it" does put me in a good mood albums overall not bad and hope he progresses more in the next project
i think (tbh why tf would u care what 'i think' because im ngl im definitely a casual when it comes to jack harlow) that during the beginning of the review it was a lot more structured and the ideas and criticisms showed the thought that went behind them, which made for a good review, but less entertaining. Towards the end however you sorta flipped and it became more of a rant. this was more entertaining and made for some funny moments but it gave the review (in my eyes) less credibility.
It was an entertaining video for sure and i have been a fan on the channel for a long time now and it was nice to sorta see your personality come out a lot more like the funny voices and your own personal references which give the viewer a better understanding on yourself as a person all good things. but at times you may have gone over the line a little. for example when you talked about the the song 'it cant be' you sorta hated the premise pretty hard which is fair because i understand the point that you are coming from that its like a little idk 'forced'. but it came across more as belittling the idea. like hating on his style of expression because of his background and that its different to yours and because he didnt have the 'struggle' its not hip-hop. I may have mis-understood everything and again this is just my opinion so i might have it wrong but I like your content and I felt like maybe my 10 cents can help get your million. if yanno what i mean...
It Can’t Be’s beat is fire
I don't like the direction Jack Harlow is going, not from his last album to this one, but over the course of his discography from 2017 to now. He's always been generic, but with his older music it felt like he was just having fun and not trying to make something crazy. There was a fun and authentic energy to it. Recently he feels generic in the sense that he's trying to do safe imitations of other successful formulas in hip hop. CMTKMY was a Drake impression, and this is a J Cole impression. It feels like the genericness is now coming from a desire to be appealing to the widest possible demographic and that authentic energy that made his older music fun is gone.
I agree, I think he’s now so hung up on being respected by hip-hop heads whereas before he was just doing his thing and making fun music. Now that his platform is so big I guess he wants to be taken more seriously but I don’t think that’s the lane he thrives in
what’s poppin came out 4 years ago btw, not 1 1/2 years ago
Visit 2016-2019 Jack
That shit straight for suburbans my guy
No lie this nigga is interesting. Got a like from me.
Why open by throwing in an easy race card?
It was funny
Man I fudging love your breakdowns. Your very honest but with that honesty your not an ass and your very understanding of our human nature. Showing love from Michigan. Thank you for delivering and creating amazing content 👏🏽🔥🤩
I love Michigan!!! Thanks so much
I’ve never listened to a Jack Harlow album… probs never will.
But being this early, I had to comment🥲
It didn't mind the album but it was decent but there is some bad tracks
2012 mid
first video i've ever watched from this creator. immediate dislike.
Why
He hurt your feelings
I think the worst thing about Jack is that he's just alright, he's not dealing with too much in life, i think he doesn't have too many demons if any at all.😅
I love how everyone likes the beats and doesn’t care about his mediocre rapping. I’d expect this level of penmanship from a first year rapper in college.
Mid Harlow
Best rapper of this decade I'm calling it his easily the best rapper of the new generation I wonder who will be the next j cole and Kendrick Lamar?
Are you seriously gonna say jack Harlow is the best rapper of the new generation? JID exists bro he’s literally the next j cole but with even crazier flows
@@raccoonman4691 J.I.D reminds me more of kendrick than cole. Even though he is signed to dreamville. First time listening to Can't punk me, i was even convinced that there was a kendrick feature
Delusional
Jack's had so many chances and still fails to impress, even with just being in his own lane of white rappers instead of being compared to every other rapper in the game today. There's no true signs of artistry or working on his craft, all he's proven is that he ain't a rapper but just a fan of rap and that's as good as it's gonna get