Lil Uzi Vert has shared his eyebrow-raising stance on Jack Harlow‘s relationship with white privilege. Specifically, he believes the “First Class” rapper, a white artist in a predominately-Black genre, doesn’t benefit from his whiteness.
The moment unfolded in West Hollywood, California, on Sunday. A TMZ Tour Bus happened to stumble across Lil Uzi Vert during a casual outing, and he ultimately decided to take a moment to hop into the bus for some photo ops.
Fans were immediately blown away by seeing the “XO Tour Llif3” rapper up close and personal, with people — including a self-proclaimed “old groupie” — fawning over his presence.
Meanwhile, the tour guide was on a mission to get a juicy headline out of Lil Uzi Vert.
Uzi showing love to fans on a bus 🦇🌴#liluzivert pic.twitter.com/rIQkruFdoh
— uziawge 👾🍄🌑 🦇 (@uziawge) May 30, 2022
“You’re friends with Jack Harlow. Do you think he deserves all the hate that he’s getting?” the guide inquired, referring to the widespread backlash against his latest album, Come Home the Kids Miss You.
“No. He’s really good,” Lil Uzi Vert responded.
In turn, the guide acknowledged the allegation that Jack Harlow isn’t a good rapper and has only gotten as far as he has because of white privilege.
“No, he doesn’t have white privilege. He’s signed to Black people,” Lil Uzi Vert proudly proclaimed amid the bus riders’ laughter.
The story swiftly began making rounds on the internet, and people understandably began chiming in on Twitter. Some users laughed about the situation, with one person acknowledging that Lil Uzi Vert was asked about Jack Harlow instead of his artistry.
Uzi said jack harlow signed to Black people he dont got white privilege 😂
— ǝ🪐 (@lilericburr) May 30, 2022
no way lil Uzi vert walks on your tour bus and the first real question you ask him is about jack harlow 💀 https://t.co/zi2lJ7mVXu
— fabe 🏂 (@stfufabe) May 30, 2022
It was also pointed out that Jack Harlow could be both a good rapper and someone who benefits from white privilege.
Jack Harlow can be good and also benefit from white privilege. Two things can be true. They’re not mutually exclusive.
— Katrina (@katrina_arrie) May 31, 2022
Jack Harlow’s past commentary on the subject was also referenced.
When asked whether he benefits from white privilege, @jackharlow said “Of course. white people’s whiteness is a benefit to them anywhere in the world. If white people run the structure, [whiteness] is going to benefit.” And THAT is the only right answer.
— Cam F*CK WHITE SUPREMACY Grant (@kiltedactivist) May 31, 2022
And, of course, others chimed in to defend Jack Harlow’s name.
So people are saying the only reason Jack Harlow is a rapper is because of his white privilege???????? 🤔 I’m convinced y’all say anything. Just fuck talent and what the people in the industry sees in him. 🥴 😂
— 🌻 (@bhun__) May 31, 2022
Ok we have had plenty of whit rappers now so why is Jack Harlow getting all the white privilege heat now???
— 𝑱𝑴𝒂̈𝒓 ✞💪🏾 (@JaredAndrewMar1) May 31, 2022
Neither rapper has yet to acknowledge Lil Uzi Vert’s comments publicly.