Jack Harlow “First Class” Hits No. 1, Sparks Race Debate in Hip Hop

Jack Harlow‘s on top of his game and at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart thanks to his new single “First Class” — but some fans, critics and industry execs wonder if race is playing a role in his success.

Of course, Jack’s hit samples Fergie’s 2006 multi-platinum track, “Glamorous” … and we all know it absolutely blew up on TikTok, which definitely helped it grab the top spot.

Still, Top Dawg Entertainment President Terrence “Punch” Henderson sparked a debate Tuesday on Twitter by proclaiming Black artists have to be more exceptional compared to their White counterparts.

Even though “Punch” never mentions Jack by name, the twitterverse got his point.

He also seemed to reference Macklemore and Ryan Lewis‘ “The Heist” album beating Kendrick Lamar‘s “good kid, m.A.A.d. city” at the 2014 Grammys as an example.

The debate came up on Tuesday’s episode of TMZ Hip Hop … as our DJ Hed and Rodney Rikai challenged each other on what’s really fueling the Kentucky-born rapper’s rise to the top.

Great convo, and you gotta check out the clip, because they actually answered this hypothetical: IF Jack were a Black rapper, whose career would his most resemble???

Dave East and Saweetie fans, pay attention!

All in all, Jack is having a renaissance year within a still blossoming career. His new album “Come Home the Kids Miss You” is set to drop May 6, he’s starring in the “White Men Can’t Jump” reboot … and he’s fresh off a KFC campaign that benefits several social justice and youth groups.