Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow continues to live the glamorous life.
The Lexington native co-hosted the Aug. 28 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards) alongside Nicki Minaj and LL Cool J, but he wasn’t content to simply introduce nominees. Harlow, who headlined the Forecastle Festival in May, kicked off the show dressed as a flight attendant inside a set designed to look like an airplane cabin. Singing his hit “First Class,” he strode past nonchalant “passengers” like Avril Lavigne and “Industry Baby” collaborator Lil Nas X before ripping off his “uniform” and showing off a sequined black shirt while stepping onto the VMA stage.
At that point, Harlow already had viewers in “first class, up in the sky,” but then he made good on a much-rumored duet partner. Former Black Eyed Peas member Fergie came out in a sparkly dress and black stole to perform her solo No. 1 single “Glamorous,” which serves as the base sample for Harlow’s “First Class.”
“If you ain’t got no money, take your broke ass home,” the two sang-shouted to a cheering audience.
Harlow took home four of MTV’s “moon person” statues out of his eight nominations, winning best collaboration, best art direction and best visual effects for “Industry Baby” alongside Lil Nas X. Harlow’s “First Class” also won song of the summer.
Below, watch Harlow and Fergie perform “First Class” at the MTV VMAs on Aug. 28.
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This article appears in Aug 24 – Sep 6, 2022.