Jack Harlow Brought "Monica" to Minneapolis

8.7.26 - Minneapolis, MN

After 4 years, Jack Harlow finally hit the road again with another tour. His latest album, Monica, was written after his move to New York City. His tour has just kicked off with Minneapolis being the second night, so the anticipation and setlist were very much up for debate. August 7 promised to be a good one for the crowd.

At 7 PM, Clockwork DJ hit the stage. His DJ set was unbilled and surprised me and the audience. The crowd was admittedly a little slow to get into things. In an attempt to get the crowd hyped, he played “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco, which worked momentarily before the fans got quiet again. Things started to warm up as Clockwork DJ was closing out. He spun a good mix of R&B and rap, but it felt a little disjointed to the half-filled room. 

• 

• 

• 

Photos by Rebecca Ackerman @rackermanphoto

When it was time for the opener, James Savage, the crowd had filled in a little more. Savage released his first album, PINE, back in May of this year. The R&B and soul artist from Kentucky has collaborated with Harlow on the song “Move Along.” Savage’s voice and endearing personality made watching him fun. It was incredibly apparent that he carries such a passion for creating music. His vocals were highlighted throughout the set, but they were displayed the best during “100 Years” and “Higher Power.” I’m excited to see him continue to grow as an artist. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Photos by Rebecca Ackerman @rackermanphoto

The fans were warmed up and ready to go. The ones at the barricade were excitedly holding up their signs with bated breath. As the lights dimmed, Harlow’s crew of back-up singers and band members took the stage. Playing him in, Harlow walked out with swagger. Donning a knitted beanie and sunglasses, Harlow was drip personified. 

Starting off with three songs from Monica, the show was in full swing. Walking back and forth on the stage, his methodic steps matched the rhythm of his voice and the songs. 

After the first few songs, he took off his sunglasses and stated, “You didn’t think I’d keep this on all night, did you?” Dipping into some of his older songs, he played “Luv Is Dro,” “Like A Blade of Grass,” and “Already Best Friends.” He encouraged everyone there with their best friend to put their arms around one another and have a good time. He also brought Savage back out to sing “Move Along” together.

Harlow has a way of connecting with the crowd that was both personal and kept a healthy boundary between fan and artist. He was very candid about why the album was named the way it was and spoke about how he loves to write songs while on tour, so he made sure to bring all of his recording equipment with him on tour. He said one of his most vivid memories came from recording “Denver” and proceeded to play it, which was met with loud cheers. 

The setlist for this tour was long, coming in at 34 songs. Despite the long setlist, the show seemed to fly by, which, to me, is a sign that the show he put on was perfectly curated to be engaging and fun. Like any good artist, he saved his most popular songs for the back of the set. He closed out on the trifecta of songs: “WHATS POPPIN,” “First Class,” and “Lovin On Me.” 

Jack Harlow was everything that the Minneapolis crowd wanted and more. Fans of Harlow have so much to look forward to with this tour, and I highly recommend attending if you have the chance.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Photos by Rebecca Ackerman @rackermanphoto