Jack Harlow says his new album represents a solidification in his musical style, but his problematic statement about his latest sonic approach isn’t exactly winning him new fans.

Appearing on the New York Times’ “Popcast” last week, the Kentucky-born rapper and singer said he had chosen to emphasize his love of R&B while recording “Monica,” released Friday, rather than delve into genres like country or pop-rock.

“I have Blacker,” said Harlow, who is white. “I love black music. I love the sound of black music. And of course I’m very aware of current politics – the safest landing place many of my white contemporaries have found.”

The six-time Grammy nominee went on to note that he was hoping to take “the path that maybe wasn’t expected,” but that this time it’s “the one I really want to take” in the studio.

It didn’t take long for Harlow’s comments to spark a blistering response online, with many criticizing him for cultural appropriation, which he and his musical peers, including Machine Gun Kelly and Post Malone, have been accused of before, as well as simply an embarrassing choice of words.

“Got Blacker is crazy,” rapper and producer Terrence “Punch” Henderson Jr., who has worked with Kendrick Lamar and SZA, wrote on X. “How exactly do you get ‘Blacker’?”

On Instagram, another person wrote: “I don’t care what anyone is trying to say. I never want to hear a white man say ‘I got Blacker’ again.”

White rapper Jack Harlow says he became blacker on his new album and people have thoughts
“I’m very aware of today’s politics – the safest landing place many of my white contemporaries have found,” said Jack Harlow, explaining his decision to delve into “black music” on his new album.

Taylor Hill via Getty Images

While others criticized Harlow as “Ghostface Vanillah” and the “most performative white guy ever,” some pointed to the many white artists who have referenced the work of black musicians without recognition, and praised him for “being honest about the influence.”

“It’s a bold move that shows he’s committed to authenticity and respect for the roots of the music,” one person wrote.

Harlow’s representatives did not immediately respond to News’s request for comment.

It remains to be seen if the rapper and singer’s comments will affect the success of “Monica” in the long term.

Early reviews of the album, however, have been mostly positive, with Variety calling it “a reverent yet respectful reflection of its influences.”