Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow: Defining a New Era in Hip-Hop and Pop

Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow are two of the most impactful American artists to emerge in the late 2010s, blending hip-hop with pop and country influences to achieve historic chart success. Harlow hails from Louisville, Kentucky, while Lil Nas X was born in Lithia Springs, Georgia, with both achieving diamond-certified singles and multiple number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Early career

Montero Lamar Hill, known as Lil Nas X, began his career in 2018 by promoting his music strategically on social media platforms like TikTok. Jack Harlow, born in 1998, started releasing music independently as a teenager in Louisville, forming the collective Private Garden and dropping his first mixtape, 'Finally Handsome', in 2014.

Breakthrough

Lil Nas X's 2019 genre-blending single "Old Town Road," featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, became a global phenomenon, spending a record 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Diamond certification. Jack Harlow's major breakthrough came in 2020 with the viral hit "Whats Poppin," which peaked at number two on the Hot 100 and led to a record deal with Generation Now and Atlantic Records.

Key tracks

Old Town Road — This record-shattering track fused country and trap, making Lil Nas X a household name and sparking industry conversations about genre.

Industry Baby — A 2021 collaboration with Kanye West and Take a Daytrip, this defiant anthem became Lil Nas X's second number-one single and showcased his theatrical flair.

Whats Poppin — Jack Harlow's charismatic flow on this remix with DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne catapulted him from underground buzz to mainstream recognition.

First Class — Sampling Fergie's "Glamorous," this 2022 single debuted at number one on the Hot 100, cementing Harlow's status as a hitmaker.

MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) — Lil Nas X's bold and visually striking 2021 single sparked widespread discussion and secured his third number-one hit.

Following their initial breakthroughs, both artists delivered successful debut albums. Lil Nas X's 'MONTERO' in 2021 debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with Elton John and Miley Cyrus. Jack Harlow's 2020 debut studio album, 'Thats What They All Say,' included the hit "Tyler Herro" and peaked at number five, while his 2022 follow-up, 'Come Home The Kids Miss You,' debuted at number three.

Their careers intersected directly on the 2021 remix of Lil Nas X's "INDUSTRY BABY,” where Harlow contributed a verse. Both artists are known for their savvy use of internet culture and social media to engage fans and promote their music, a key component of their modern success. Their work has accumulated billions of streams globally, with numerous platinum and gold certifications from the RIAA.

Fans of the melodic, genre-fluid hip-hop of Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow should also explore Doja Cat. She similarly masters viral trends and blends pop, R&B, and rap. Post Malone is another pioneer in merging hip-hop with rock and country tones, achieving massive crossover appeal. For Harlow's confident, lyrical style, check out Drake, a clear influence on his cadence and subject matter. The energetic, punk-infused rap of Megan Thee Stallion shares a similar commitment to charismatic, chart-dominating performances.

Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow are staples on contemporary hit radio and hip-hop FM stations across the network. Their frequent chart-toppers ensure heavy rotation on top 40 stations, while their distinct styles also find a home on modern rap and alternative hip-hop radio streams that cater to a younger, digitally-engaged audience.

The music of Lil Nas X and Jack H