# @etalkctv on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DV1V_OpDlI_
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59535157-etalkctv-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ed741e7112.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-13T17:45:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Etalk (@etalkctv) — https://gondola.cc/etalkctv

## Caption

Jack Harlow is opening up about the direction of his new album ‘Monica’ and the influences behind it. 🎧

During an appearance on ‘Popcast’ from The New York Times, the rapper explained why his latest project leans deeper into R&B and neo-soul, saying he “got Blacker” creatively instead of moving toward what he described as a “safer landing spot” some of his white peers take.

“I think I love Black music,” Harlow said. “I love the sound of Black music. Of course, I’m hyper-aware of the politics of today, that safer landing spot that a lot of my white contemporaries have found. Of course, it appealed to me to do something that I felt like, at a time when there’s plenty of people expecting me to take some of the routes that y’all are taking, to take the route that not only might not be expected, but is also the one I genuinely want to take.”

The Louisville artist also spoke about the artists who shaped his approach, adding that he comes from “the school of Drake,” pointing to the influence of melodic rap and genre-blending in his own work.

Harlow said the goal now is to find authenticity as an artist and make music that feels right to him. “I’ve become more concerned with finding my voice,” he shared.

SWIPE for the clips ➡️ and share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

(📷: Getty/Dave Benett, Getty/Vaughn Ridley 📹: YouTube/Popcast)
#JackHarlow #Monica #Drake #Popcast #NewYorkTimes MusicInterview

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 200
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 27

## Tags

newyorktimes, monica, jackharlow, drake, popcast

---
Copyright (c) Gondola