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Jack Harlow Unveils R&B Pivot ‘Monica’ as “Got Blacker” Remark Draws Criticism

The nine-track R&B pivot recorded at Electric Lady under no-rap, no-profanity rules is drawing mixed reviews alongside scrutiny of his “got Blacker” remark.

Overview

  • Harlow released Monica on March 13, his 28th birthday, marking his fourth studio album and first full project in nearly three years.
  • The concise set runs nine tracks with a neo‑soul, live‑band feel, featuring Harlow singing throughout rather than rapping.
  • Recorded in New York after his move to the city, the album was shaped by self-imposed constraints: no cursing, no rapping, and mostly live instrumentation.
  • Credits include executive producer Aksel Arvid with contributions from Robert Glasper, Ravyn Lenae, Omar Apollo, Jermaine Paul, Angel “BabeTruth” Lopez, Hollywood Cole, Clay Harlow and others.
  • On The New York Times’ Popcast, Harlow said he came from the “school of Drake,” emphasized finding his own voice, and described getting “Blacker,” a comment that prompted online backlash and responses from industry figures such as TDE’s Punch.