Today (Oct. 6), Instagram and KFC announced their plans to match Jack Harlow’s recent philanthropic efforts. On Monday (Oct. 4), the Grammy-nominated rapper announced plans to donate to five local organizations in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky: AMPED, Center for Women and Families, Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, Louisville Urban League and Metro United Way.
The social media platform pledged to match up to $50,000 of what Harlow raises through their nonprofit fundraising tool, benefiting The Center for Women and Families. Additionally, the fast-food chain will make their donations to both AMPED and Grace James Academy, helping further the efforts of those organizations to feed the potential of Louisville’s youth.
“I spent all my life fantasizing about being someone that could put Louisville on a pedestal,” the 23-year-old MC tells Billboard. “There’s a spirit and pride that runs deep, and it becomes more obvious to me when I travel to other cities and realize that that doesn’t exist everywhere. The city has always been special to me and I think we breed very unique, often laid-back people.”
Last week, Harlow wrapped the first leg of his sold-out, headlining Crème de la Crème Tour. More details on his additional philanthropic efforts are to be announced soon.
“It’s important to me to keep some positive energy flowing through the city,” Harlow adds about the donations to the organizations that are close to his heart. “Everyone is living different lives and may be from different areas, but there’s still always a universal energy that everyone is aware of, and it’s important to me that there’s plenty of love in the mix. Things are not easy right now, I feel so privileged to be in the position I’m in and I feel a responsibility to give back and help pave a way for others. People need hope, they need love.”
Harlow has been riding high this summer thanks to his Lil Nas X collab “Industry Baby,” which ran up to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Rhythmic Airplay Chart on the list dated Sept. 25.