Common Ground

Jack Harlow's song "Common Ground" delves into the cultural appropriation and superficial understanding of urban life by suburban youth. Through vivid imagery and sharp observations, Harlow critiques how suburban kids adopt elements of Black culture, such as ebonics and trap music, without truly understanding the struggles and realities that come with it. The lyrics highlight the disparity between the lived experiences of those in the suburbs and those in the inner city, emphasizing that the common ground they believe they share is, in fact, quite uncommon.

Harlow paints a picture of suburban life where privileged kids mimic the aesthetics and language of urban culture. He points out the irony of frat boys and white girls adopting slang and fashion from Black culture while living comfortably off their parents' wealth. This mimicry extends to their consumption of rap music, where they recite lyrics about violence and wealth without ever having faced such realities. Harlow underscores the disconnect by mentioning how these kids read about local homicides from the safety of their homes, never having to confront the trauma that inner-city kids endure daily.

The song also touches on the superficiality of suburban kids who grow up to become rap journalists, critiquing and defining what they believe to be 'authentic' hip-hop. Harlow criticizes their condescending attitudes and their attempts to feel connected to a culture they don't genuinely understand. The use of second-hand streetwear and the casual use of drugs like Adderall and Molly are portrayed as attempts to feel more 'real' or 'edgy.' Harlow's message is clear: the common ground these suburban kids think they share with urban culture is an illusion, built on a shallow understanding and a lack of genuine connection.