India Arie Unleashes On Jack Harlow For Making "Black Music" But Not Knowing Brandy's Vocals

BY Erika Marie 30.8K Views
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India Arie, Jack Harlow
Harlow listened to a Brandy song but thought it was Aaliyah, and after receiving hints he asked, "Who's Ray J's sister?" India Arie was irate.

He's been hopping from one outlet and publication to the next as he promotes his recently released sophomore effort, and his Hot 97 appearance gave Hip Hop fans pause. Jack Harlow delivered Come Home The Kids Miss You and while chatting with Ebro Darden and Co. Harlow revealed that he was unaware of Ray J and Brandy's connection. The pair are, of course, brother and sister, even co-starring on Moesha and Love & Hip Hp Hollywood together, as well as being featured on one another's songs, joining each other in interviews, and giving each other shout outs on social media.

Somehow, Harlow managed to never see any of those moments because he revealed that he wasn't aware that Ray and Brandy were siblings. Not only that, but Hot 97 played a Brandy favorite, "Angel in Disguise," and Harlow had no idea who it was. "Aaliyah?" he asked.

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When Ebro Darden gave the hint that her brother "had an amazing sex tape," a confused Harlow paused before posing another question: "Who's Ray J's sister?" It was an interview moment that was widely discussed on social media, but it seems to have just passed by India Arie's desk and she had quite a bit to say.

"Just because you make black [music] doesnt mean you know black culture," she wrote on her Instagram Story. "If U dont know Brandys voice when you hear it .... WHO EVEN ARE YOU?" In another slide she continued, "When an ACTUAL MUSICIAN! WHO MAKES BLACK MUSIC! Deduces ones of the industries MOST IMPORTANT VOICES! @brandy To Ray Jays SISTER who is famous (mostly) for his Proximity to Kim Kardashians."

"And WE HEAR @brandy Influence Eh-VER-REE-WHERE! PLENTY of Non Black signers. (Ask them) Even MALE singers. Gospel singers. AND PEOPLE KNOW RAY J BETTER? the sh*ts STUPID. STUPID. STUPID. STUPID!"

Her response gained mixed reactions. Check it out below.










About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.