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Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born June 24, 1992), known professionally as 6lack (stylized as 6LACK, pronounced "black"),[4] is an American R&B singer and songwriter. Born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he gained recognition following the release of his 2016 single "Prblms", which marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Love Renaissance, an imprint of Interscope Records to release his debut studio album, Free 6lack (2016), which was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[5]

Two years later, he released his second studio album East Atlanta Love Letter (2018), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. That same year, he released the single "OTW" (with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign) and guest featured on Normani's single "Waves"—which earned an MTV Video Music Award. In June 2020, he released his debut extended play (EP) 6pc Hot, which included the single "Know My Rights" (featuring Lil Baby). Later that year, he guest performed alongside Elton John on Gorillaz's single "The Pink Phantom". His 2021 single, "Calling My Phone" (featuring Lil Tjay) peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked atop the Canadian Hot 100; it remains his highest-charting song on the former chart.[6][7][8] His third album, Since I Have a Lover (2023) was met with moderate critical and commercial reception.

6lack joined the Atlanta-Baltimore musical collective Spillage Village—founded by EarthGang and JID—in 2014. He has received three Grammy Award nominations.

Early life

[edit]

Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. was born on June 24, 1992, in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his parents in 1997.[9] He attended Stone Mountain High School and Newton High School.[10] He is the eldest of three siblings. Valentine's first recording experience was at 4 years of age, at his father's studio.[11] He began rapping in middle school as a battle rapper and was involved in many freestyle battles in his youth including against rapper Young Thug.[12]

Career

[edit]

2011–2017: Beginnings and Free 6lack

[edit]
6lack in January 2017

6lack signed a record deal with Flo Rida's International Music Group and Strong Arm Records in July 2011. He left Valdosta State University once he signed, and spent the next few years learning about the industry. 6lack spent five years with the label, putting music out on his SoundCloud account. 6lack had little financial security and spent most of his time sleeping in the studio or outside on the street after moving to Miami, Florida to work on music with the record label.[12] 6lack eventually left his label due to issues over artistic and creative license and management.[13] In 2015, 6lack announced that he had joined the musical collective Spillage Village after living with the members of EarthGang, and appeared on four tracks of Spillage Village EP called Bears Like This Too in 2015.[14]

Once he left the label, he signed with Love Renaissance and Interscope Records.[15] In November 2016, Rolling Stone included 6lack in their list of "10 New Artists You Need to Know".[4] He then went on to release his debut studio album, Free 6lack, which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart.[16] The album's single "Prblms" peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became his first platinum record.[17] In April 2017, he joined Canadian singer The Weeknd as opening act for his Legend of the Fall tour in North America.

2018–present: East Atlanta Love Letter, 6pc Hot, and Since I Have a Lover

[edit]

In April 2018, he released the single "OTW" with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign, which has reached at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100.[18] "OTW" became 6lack's highest peaking song on the Hot 100.[18] The first single for his sophomore album, "Switch", was released on June 22, 2018, with a music video released on July 16.[19] "Nonchalant" was released as the album's second single on August 17, with its accompanying music video.[20][21] On September 14, 2018, 6lack released his second studio album, East Atlanta Love Letter, featuring guest appearances from Future, J. Cole, Offset, and Khalid. The album's release was preceded by the singles "Switch" and "Nonchalant."[22] In October 2018, 6lack started a tour for the promotion of the album, with opening acts THEY., Tierra Whack, Boogie, Deante' Hitchcock, Summer Walker, and Ari Lennox.[23][24] 6lack later featured on several other songs, such as "Waves" by Normani.[25] and "Crowded Room" by Selena Gomez, in 2019 and early 2020, respectively.[26]

In May 2020, 6lack released the track "ATL Freestyle". A few weeks later, on June 24, 2020, 6lack celebrated his birthday with the release of the single "Float". He also announced his EP 6pc Hot, which was released on June 26 and included the Lil Baby-assisted single, "Know My Rights". He also launched his own hot sauce brand 600 Degrees Original.[27] 6lack appeared on two tracks from Spillage Village's Spilligion album, released in September 2020.[28] During 2020, he collaborated with British virtual band Gorillaz and singer-songwriter Elton John on the track "The Pink Phantom", for the band's seventh studio album, Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez,[citation needed] and with rappers Lil Durk and Young Thug for the song "Stay Down" from the former's sixth studio album, The Voice. The song peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.[29]

In 2021, he released "Calling My Phone" with Bronx rapper Lil Tjay.[30] In 2022, he was featured on Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez's album Yessie, in her song "Forever", and its accompanying music video.[31]

On March 24, 2023, 6lack released his album Since I Have a Lover. The 19-track album featured the artists QUIN, Wale, and Don Toliver. The album was nominated for best progressive R&B album at the Grammys. In an interview with Complex, 6lack stated that the title responds to questions such as "Where have you been? What have you been doing? What's the inspiration?" that people asked him.[32] On March 22, 2024, 6lack released his acoustic project No More Lonely Nights. It featured 6 songs off his album Since I Have a Lover.

Artistry

[edit]

6lack's music focuses or is based on personal and business relationships frequently, especially the topic of heartbreak.[33] 6lack has said that his songwriting is influenced mainly by his personal experiences and failed relationships.[34] Billboard magazine has described 6lack's music as "moody hip hop" that "spotlights vulnerability and honesty in a way the emoji generation can understand."[13] 6lack has cited Sade, T-Pain, The-Dream, and Usher as his influences.[35]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: 6lack discography

Tours

[edit]

Headlining

  • Free 6lack Tour (2017)
  • From East Atlanta with Love Tour (2018)
  • Since I Have a Lover Tour (2023)

Supporting

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Nominee / work Result
2017 Soul Train Music Awards[36] Best New Artist Himself Nominated
2018 Grammy Awards[37] Best Urban Contemporary Album Free 6lack Nominated
Best Rap/Sung Performance "Prblms" Nominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards[38] Best New R&B Artist Himself Nominated
Soul Train Music Awards[39] Best Collaboration "OTW" (with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign) Nominated
2019 Grammy Awards[40] Best Rap/Sung Performance "Pretty Little Fears" (with J. Cole) Nominated
MTV Video Music Award[41] Best R&B Video "Waves" (with Normani) Won
2024 Grammy Awards[42] Best Progressive R&B Album Since I Have a Lover Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

6lack

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
6lack (born Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr., June 24, 1992) is an American R&B singer, rapper, and songwriter raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He first gained widespread recognition in 2016 with the single "PRBLMS", which peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received platinum certification from the RIAA. His debut studio album, Free 6lack, released that November via LVRN and Interscope Records, debuted at number 34 on the Billboard 200, featuring introspective tracks blending R&B melodies with hip-hop elements. In 2018, 6lack released his second album, , which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, solidifying his reputation for emotionally raw songwriting on relationships and personal struggles. His third studio album, , followed in 2023, continuing his focus on vulnerability and themes across a discography that has amassed millions of streams.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr., known professionally as 6lack, was born on June 24, 1992, in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of five, in 1997, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with his parents. As the eldest of three children, Valentine has shared few public details about his parents or siblings. His father operated a home recording studio, where Valentine began experimenting with music as early as age four. The family settled in Zone 6, an eastern district of Atlanta noted for its role in shaping local hip-hop culture, including artists like Gucci Mane. Valentine described his childhood as that of a quiet, youth, influenced by witnessing friends and peers succumb to incarceration or violence in the neighborhood, which fostered a cautious demeanor. These early experiences in East Atlanta's challenging environment contributed to the introspective themes later prominent in his music.

Initial musical interests and education

6LACK, born Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. on June 24, 1992, in , , and raised in Atlanta's Zone 6 neighborhood, developed an early fascination with music after visiting his father's at age four, which ignited a lifelong obsession. By ages six or seven, he began writing his first lyrics, initially influenced by peers in Atlanta's rap scene and battle rappers like Cassidy, whom he cited as a key inspiration for freestyle techniques. During middle school, 6LACK immersed himself in battle rapping, participating in impromptu freestyles in school cafeterias, hallways, and even on the track field, often switching schools but maintaining his competitive edge across environments. This period marked his transition from pure rap battles to broader songwriting, while high school battles, including documented clashes with peers like , further honed his skills and confirmed his commitment to a music career. In 2009, he self-taught singing, drawing from R&B influences such as Sade, , and , expanding beyond rap into melodic territory. Post-high school, 6LACK briefly attended in 2011 to study but dropped out after one year to pursue music full-time, securing an indie deal with Flo Rida's International Music Group and Strong Arm Records, which prompted a move to . This decision reflected his prioritization of artistic development over formal , amid early industry experiences that shaped his independent path.

Career

Early career and industry entry (2011–2015)

In July 2011, Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr., professionally known as 6LACK, signed his first major recording deal with Flo Rida's International Music Group (also affiliated with Strong Arm Records), marking his formal entry into the music industry. This opportunity led him to drop out of , where he had been pursuing higher education, to relocate to and commit fully to music production. The contract, however, yielded no financial returns for 6LACK, who later described it as a restrictive "360 deal" that trapped him without payment or promotional support for approximately five years, exacerbating personal struggles including in despite access to a studio. In response, he shifted to independent efforts, uploading original tracks to to build an audience organically while honing his R&B-leaning hip-hop style amid limited resources. By 2014, 6LACK had released a remix of PARTYNEXTDOOR's "Break from ," signaling his growing online presence, and aligned with the Atlanta-based collective—comprising artists like and —contributing vocals to early group efforts such as the 2015 mixtape Bears Like This Too, which featured tracks like "Love Child." These steps laid the groundwork for his independent ascent, though mainstream recognition remained elusive until 2016.

Breakthrough with Free 6lack (2016–2017)

In June 2016, 6LACK released the single "PRBLMS", which served as his breakout track and introduced his introspective style addressing relationship struggles and personal vulnerabilities. The song, produced by , gained traction through organic streaming and buzz, eventually peaking at number 72 on the in 2017. Following the single's momentum, 6LACK signed with (LVRN), an imprint of , in late 2016, enabling wider distribution. His debut studio album, , was released on November 18, 2016, via LVRN and Interscope, featuring collaborations with artists like and guest production from [DJ Khalil](/page/DJ Khalil). The project debuted at number 68 on the with approximately 10,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, later climbing to a peak of number 34 amid sustained streaming growth. It also reached number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting strong genre-specific appeal driven by tracks like "Ex Calling" and "Free". Throughout 2017, solidified 6LACK's rising profile, with the album earning a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the . He toured extensively, including supporting acts on major bills, and collaborated on tracks like "Grab the Wheel" with MED, while preparing new material, marking a transition from independent releases to mainstream R&B/hip-hop recognition.

East Atlanta Love Letter and interim projects (2018–2020)

6LACK released his second studio album, East Atlanta Love Letter, on September 14, 2018, through LVRN and Interscope Records. The project served as a follow-up to his 2016 debut Free 6lack and explored themes of relationships, personal growth, and Atlanta roots, with 6LACK describing it as a "sonic love letter" to his experiences. It features guest appearances from Future on the title track, J. Cole on "Pretty Little Fears," Offset, and Khalid, with executive production by Singawd and Yakob. Production was handled by a range of contributors, including Cardiak, T-Minus, and Joel Little, contributing to beats characterized by rasping drum machines and ambient synths. The album debuted at number 3 on the chart, selling 77,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 20,000 in pure sales. It also reached number 1 on the Top R&B Albums chart, marking 6LACK's first leader there. Following , 6LACK focused on singles and collaborations rather than full-length projects from 2019 to 2020. He appeared as a featured artist on Normani's "Waves" in 2019 and Selena Gomez's "Crowded Room" in early 2020. Additional contributions included the of Kaash Paige's "Love Songs" in 2020 and "Yo Love" with and in 2019. During this period, 6LACK amassed over 30 features, emphasizing collaborative work amid a creative hiatus before his next album.

Hiatus, recovery, and Since I Have a Lover (2021–present)

Following the interim release of the collaborative LVRN tape No Idea What I'm Doing in September 2020, 6LACK entered an extended hiatus from major projects to address his challenges, including ongoing depression, which he had previously discussed in his work and . In a 2023 interview, he explained that the break was necessary to step back from industry pressures and prioritize personal recovery, marking a roughly five-year gap from full-length solo albums since in 2018. During this period, 6LACK focused on therapeutic practices and self-improvement, while advocating for resources in underserved communities. On October 11, 2021, he partnered with Mental Health America of (MHALA) and to donate six months of therapy sessions to 50 BIPOC students through his 6LACKBOX initiative, aiming to reduce stigma and improve access in Black communities where one in three adults needing care reportedly do not receive it. These efforts informed the introspective themes of his subsequent work, emphasizing healing and relational dynamics. 6LACK signaled his return with the third studio album , released on March 24, 2023, through LVRN and . The 19-track project was preceded by singles including the title track on March 1, "Talkback" on March 10, and "" on March 16, with earlier previews like "Rent Free" building anticipation. Drawing from his hiatus experiences, the album explores , vulnerability, and emotional growth, produced primarily by 6LACK alongside collaborators. To promote the release, 6LACK launched the Since I Have a Lover World Tour in October 2023, commencing with North American dates before extending internationally in 2024. This was followed by the shorter No More Lonely Nights Tour, running from May 18 to June 27, 2024, across select U.S. venues including and McKeesport. As of October 2025, no further major releases or tours have been announced, though the earned a Grammy in the R&B category in 2024.

Personal life

Relationships and fatherhood

6lack has been in a long-term relationship with singer and songwriter Bianca Leonor Quiñones, known professionally as Quiñ, with whom he shares two daughters. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Syx Rose Valentine, on February 21, 2017. In 2025, they had a second daughter, making 6lack a of two girls. Fatherhood has profoundly influenced 6lack's worldview and artistic output, with him crediting his daughter Syx for teaching him about and daily forgiveness. In interviews, he has described how shifted his priorities, emphasizing balance between career demands and family life, and how his daughter's presence provides irreplaceable validation that cannot. By 2024, with Syx then aged six, 6lack discussed his hands-on approach to raising her, including fostering emotional growth amid his touring schedule. He has integrated themes of paternity into his songwriting, noting that becoming a father altered his creative process and perspective on relationships.

Mental health challenges and self-improvement

In the years following the release of his 2018 album , 6lack grappled with profound depression, self-doubt, and creative stagnation despite earlier career highs, including three Grammy nominations in 2017. This period, spanning roughly four years, encompassed relational turmoil, blocks in artistic output, and instances of , which compounded his struggles amid the pressures of fame. He publicly attributed these challenges to the disconnect between external success and internal fulfillment, a theme echoed in his later reflections on industry burnout. To address these issues, 6lack initiated a deliberate hiatus from music production starting around 2019, prioritizing and introspective practices such as and to foster and prevent further depletion. This shift emphasized "sitting with himself" to process emotions without external distractions, marking a turn toward vulnerability as a tool for healing rather than suppression. In October 2021, he collaborated with Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) and to release a promoting therapy access, particularly for Black men facing stigma around emotional expression. These efforts culminated in personal growth that informed his 2023 album , where tracks like "" directly reference overcoming hiatus-induced fears and renewed creative clarity. 6lack has since advocated for ongoing dialogues in hip-hop, noting in 2024 interviews that confronting uncomfortable truths—rather than avoiding them—drives sustainable improvement, though he cautions that such processes remain nonlinear and demanding.

Artistry

Musical style and production

6LACK's musical style is primarily rooted in with hip-hop influences, characterized by a moody, atmospheric aesthetic that emphasizes emotional and . His vocal delivery features a consistent, gravelly tone reminiscent of a morning voice, delivered with confident restraint to convey vulnerability without excess ornamentation. This approach blends trap elements from his origins with soulful R&B, creating tracks that prioritize raw authenticity over flashy production, as seen in his debut mixtape (2016), where stark arrangements highlight personal narratives. In production, 6LACK favors calming, intricate beats that support rather than overshadow his vocals, often incorporating subtle trap percussion, 808 bass, and echoing guitars to foster an introspective mood. He employs a hands-on, DIY ethos, having recorded early hits like "" in makeshift spaces such as kitchens and lived in studios to refine his sound. Collaborations with producers like Singawd (on , 2018, for tracks including "Balenciaga Challenge" and "Seasons") and Yakob Rabitsch contribute to this signature minimalism, evolving toward even more subdued, healing-oriented arrangements in (2023), where R&B's calming production underscores themes of recovery. While preferring solitary work sessions for creative control, his output maintains a deliberate sparsity that aligns with broader trends in modern R&B toward emotional depth over bombast.

Influences and evolution

6LACK's early musical influences stemmed from his Atlanta roots, particularly Zone 6, where he developed a hip-hop foundation through battle in and high school, emphasizing authenticity and raw delivery akin to rap's core expectations. He self-taught singing around 2009, incorporating R&B and soul elements inspired by artists such as Sade, Usher, , , Frank Ocean's confessional style, and Future's gritty , blending these into a mumble-soul hybrid that echoes Drake's monotone introspection. Atlanta's trap-soul culture and collaborations with local figures like and further shaped his sound, while time in introduced broader industry perspectives and a global talent infusion, expanding his atmospheric production. His artistry evolved from this hip-hop-rooted base toward vulnerability-driven R&B, with debut album (October 6, 2016) capturing heartbreak and turmoil in a sepulchral, moody tone derived from reflective recording sessions away from . (September 7, 2018) broadened this palette to explore new romance and relational realism, addressing insecurities and conflicts without idealized narratives, as in tracks like "Unfair" and "Disconnect." Following fatherhood in 2017 and a subsequent hiatus marked by and focus, 6LACK shifted toward self-improvement themes in (March 17, 2023), adopting a breezy, psychedelic romanticism that prioritizes and over prior pessimism, reflecting pandemic-era insights on love and . This progression signifies a deliberate move from documenting relational pitfalls to transcribing growth, with 6LACK describing it as "playing a different game" focused on deeper impact.

Lyrical themes and songwriting

6LACK's lyrics predominantly explore the complexities of romantic relationships, emphasizing flaws, insecurities, and emotional conflicts rather than idealized portrayals of love. Tracks such as and "Loyal" from his debut mixtape (2016) depict mounting obstacles and decaying partnerships, with the artist adopting a self-aware stance that acknowledges personal mistakes and relational decay. In (2018), songs like "Unfair" and "Disconnect" further illustrate this through a journalistic documentation of love's tangible realities, questioning emotional commitment and fairness in partnerships. Mental health emerges as a recurring theme, intertwined with relational struggles, particularly in reflections on depression, unresolved trauma, and the pursuit of . 6LACK has described his earlier work as leaning on "the crutch of turmoil, heartbreak and disappointment," using music as a tool to process personal situations and guide listeners toward improvement. His 2023 album marks an evolution, shifting toward , grace, and post-therapy growth after addressing pandemic-exacerbated depression and relational issues through professional help. In songwriting, 6LACK prioritizes authenticity drawn from lived experiences, blending R&B singing with hip-hop elements to convey vulnerability without romanticizing hardship. He favors collaborations with female producers to foster a more open, "hug-like" creative environment that enhances emotional expression. This process, informed by since after , allows him to articulate internal thoughts more fluidly through melody, evolving from turmoil-focused narratives to those promoting emotional awareness and relational accountability.

Reception

Critical reviews

6LACK's debut album (2016) received praise for its atmospheric production and introspective themes of heartbreak and personal liberation, with critics noting its moody trap-influenced R&B sound as a strong introduction to the artist's style. However, some reviewers critiqued its generic beats and surface-level exploration of relationships, despite standout tracks like the hit single "." His sophomore effort (2018) garnered generally favorable reviews, earning a score of 70 based on five critic assessments, all positive, for its minimalist beats and emotional vulnerability in depicting romantic turmoil. highlighted 6LACK's chilly vocals and groove but faulted the project for offering little novel insight into human relations beyond familiar heartbreak tropes. The 2020 EP 6pc Hot was commended for its laid-back subtlety and assured delivery, with describing it as 6LACK's most refined work to date, emphasizing honest conversations on love and sacrifice amid polished production. (2023), 6LACK's third studio album, achieved a score of 68 from six reviews—four positive and two mixed—praised for its immersive runtime and psychological depth on personal growth and relationships, yet criticized for blending into repetition and lacking standout moments. noted the artist's skill as a mood but found the 19-track length dull and uncharacteristically uninspired compared to prior releases. appreciated the brighter romantic outlook and maturation in songwriting, signaling evolution from earlier cynicism. acknowledged shifts toward dancefloor elements but pointed to atmospheric fillers weighing down the project's coherence. Across his discography, reviewers consistently laud 6LACK's atmospheric R&B and trap fusion for evoking , though common critiques include lyrical predictability and overreliance on vibe over substance.

Commercial performance and sales data

6LACK's debut FREE 6LACK (2016) debuted at number 68 on the US chart before peaking at number 34. The lead single "" achieved 4× certification from the RIAA, representing over four million equivalent units . His second album (2018) entered the at number 3, selling 77,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including approximately 20,000 pure album sales and 56,000 streaming equivalent units. The album later received certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold in the . Since I Have a Lover (2023) debuted with 20,210 album-equivalent units in its first week, comprising 2,526 pure sales. This marked a decline from prior releases, reflecting a five-year gap between albums. The single "OTW" (featuring Khalid and Ty Dolla $ign, 2018) peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
AlbumRelease DateBillboard 200 PeakFirst-Week Units (US)
FREE 6LACKNovember 18, 2016#34Not publicly detailed; debuted #68
East Atlanta Love LetterSeptember 14, 2018#377,000 (20,000 pure)
Since I Have a LoverMarch 24, 2023Not top 1020,210 (2,526 pure)

Cultural impact and criticisms

6LACK's music has contributed to the evolution of by emphasizing raw emotional vulnerability and relational dysfunction, themes that resonated with listeners navigating modern interpersonal challenges. His 2016 debut single exemplifies this, amassing over 100 million streams within months largely due to algorithmic promotion on , which propelled the track from obscurity to mainstream exposure and helped define a subgenre blending trap beats with confessional lyricism. This breakthrough positioned him as a key figure in Atlanta's trap-soul scene, influencing subsequent artists to incorporate hip-hop introspection into melodic frameworks. Beyond commercial metrics, 6LACK has impacted cultural discourse on within hip-hop and R&B, openly discussing and personal growth in interviews following a creative hiatus prompted by relational feedback. His advocacy, including public repudiation of amid allegations in 2019, aligned him with artists prioritizing ethical stances over industry associations. This stance, rare among peers at the time, underscored a shift toward in male-dominated genres, though it drew limited broader emulation. Criticisms of 6LACK's work have centered on perceived stagnation in thematic depth, with early albums like (2018) faulted for reiterating heartbreak motifs without sufficient innovation, contributing to a five-year gap before his 2023 release . In response to broader industry complaints about R&B's dilution—echoed by figures like —6LACK in 2019 challenged critics to offer constructive alternatives rather than mere condemnation, highlighting tensions over genre purity. Fan-level critiques, such as his unremarkable verse on Gorillaz's 2021 track "The Valley of the Pagans," have surfaced in online forums, though these remain anecdotal and lack institutional weight. His early career volatility, marked by label disputes and unfulfilled promises under Flo Rida's imprint around , also drew scrutiny for delaying his potential impact.

Discography

Studio albums

6LACK's debut studio album, , was released on November 18, 2016, through LVRN and . The project peaked at number 34 on the chart and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA on August 26, 2020, denoting shipments of one million units in the United States. His second studio album, , arrived on September 14, 2018, also via LVRN and Interscope. The album debuted at number 3 on the , marking his highest charting release at the time, and reached number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Since I Have a Lover, 6LACK's third studio album, was issued on March 24, 2023, under the same labels. It debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200. The 19-track effort features guest appearances from QUIN, Wale, and Don Toliver.
TitleRelease dateLabel(s)Peak Billboard 200Certification
Free 6LACKNovember 18, 2016LVRN, Interscope34Platinum (RIAA)
East Atlanta Love LetterSeptember 14, 2018LVRN, Interscope3—
Since I Have a LoverMarch 24, 2023LVRN, Interscope24—

Extended plays and singles

6LACK released his debut extended play, 6pc Hot, on June 26, 2020, via LVRN and . The six-track project included "ATL Freestyle," "Long Nights," "Float," "Know My Rights" featuring , "Elephant in the Room," and "Outside," addressing themes of personal struggle and social issues amid the project's innovative promotional rollout involving robot deliveries. His second EP, , arrived on March 22, 2024, comprising acoustic renditions such as "Inwood Hill Park (Acoustic)" across six tracks, emphasizing stripped-down introspection. In addition to album lead singles, 6LACK has issued various standalone singles, often exploring relational dynamics and self-reflection. Key releases include "Rent Free/By Any Means," a double single dropped on December 17, 2021; "Homicide" on September 29, 2023; and "F**k " announced for June 21, 2024. Earlier breakthroughs like "" (2016) propelled his career, amassing significant streams prior to his debut album, while collaborative features such as "" with (2021) achieved commercial peaks, reaching number 3 on the Hot 100. These singles frequently precede or supplement full-length projects, with streaming platforms like hosting dedicated sessions such as Spotify Singles in May 2021.

Tours

Headlining tours

In 2017, 6LACK launched his debut headlining tour, titled the Free 6LACK Tour, which commenced on October 7 at The Observatory in , , and concluded on November 29 at The Ritz Ybor in . The itinerary included international dates in , such as October 11 in and October 13 in , alongside North American stops in cities like , New York, and . served as the primary supporting act for select U.S. legs, with the tour promoting his self-titled debut album FREE 6LACK. Following the release of his second album in 2018, 6LACK announced additional headlining dates as part of a world tour, starting October 5 in , , and extending to North American venues through late 2018. This run featured performances in major markets including and , emphasizing live renditions of tracks from the new project alongside earlier hits. In support of his third studio album Since I Have a Lover, 6LACK headlined the Since I Have a Lover World Tour, with the North American portion kicking off on October 1, 2023, at the Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon, and spanning over 40 dates across the U.S. and Canada. Key stops included November 5 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and November 8 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., with supporting artists such as Mereba, Spinall, and SadBoi on various legs. The tour extended internationally, reflecting the album's themes of personal growth and relationships through intimate theater and arena performances. In 2024, 6LACK undertook the No More Lonely Nights Tour, a limited headlining run produced by Live Nation across seven U.S. cities, announced on May 2 to promote evolving material post-. The dates focused on mid-sized venues, building on prior successes with stripped-down sets highlighting his R&B influences.

Supporting and festival appearances

In 2017, 6LACK joined The Weeknd's Legend of the Fall Tour as a supporting act across North American dates, performing alongside Rae Sremmurd and Belly from March to October. The tour supported The Weeknd's Starboy era and featured 6LACK on select arena shows, marking an early high-profile slot that boosted his visibility following the release of his debut album FREE 6LACK. 6LACK has made appearances at several major music festivals. He performed at the Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas on September 17, 2021, delivering sets including tracks from East Atlanta Love Letter. At Something in the Water Festival in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 2022, he showcased material from his catalog amid a lineup curated by Pharrell Williams. Other festival slots include Lovers & Friends in Las Vegas on May 4, 2024, where he joined past R&B and hip-hop acts. These performances often highlighted his introspective R&B style in multi-artist billings.

Awards and nominations

Grammy nominations

6LACK has earned four Grammy Award nominations across three ceremonies, spanning urban contemporary, rap/sung, and progressive R&B categories, with no wins to date. At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018, he received two nominations for his debut studio album Free 6LACK: Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Rap/Sung Performance for the single "PRBLMS." The following year, at the , 6LACK was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Pretty Little Fears" featuring , from his second album . His most recent nomination came at the in 2024 for Best Progressive R&B Album, recognizing his third studio album .
Year (Ceremony)CategoryNominated WorkResult
2018 (60th)Best Urban Contemporary AlbumNominated
2018 (60th)Best Rap/Sung Performance""Nominated
2019 (61st)Best Rap/Sung Performance"Pretty Little Fears" (feat. )Nominated
2024 (66th)Best Progressive R&B AlbumNominated

Other recognitions

6LACK won the Best R&B award at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards for the collaboration "Waves" with Normani. He received a nomination for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2021 BET Awards. At the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards, 6LACK was nominated for Best New R&B Artist. He earned a nomination for International Song of the Year at the 2022 Brit Awards for "Calling My Phone" with Lil Tjay. 6LACK was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards and for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist at the 2023 Soul Train Awards.

References

  1. https://www.bet.com/article/ymvhev/get-to-know-atlanta-rapper-6lack
  2. https://u92slc.com/life/the-beginners-guide-to-6lack/
  3. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=19635
  4. https://www.billboard.com/artist/6lack/
  5. https://www.6lack.com/
  6. https://www.billboard.com/pro/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-debuts-no-1-rb-albums-chart/
  7. https://www.xxlmag.com/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-debuts-no-3-billboard-200/
  8. https://www.6lack.com/shop/
  9. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/6lack-44998.php
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/24/atlanta-rapper-6lack-interview
  11. https://apprenticenation.co.uk/6lacks-inspiring-story/
  12. https://apprenticenation.co.uk/6lack-rapping-to-success/
  13. https://numero.com/en/non-classifiee/the-tumultuous-career-of-6lack/
  14. https://www.gq.com/story/6lack-interview-breakout-atlanta-rapper-singer
  15. https://umusic.co.nz/select/underground-hip-hop-rb/understanding-hip-hops-latest-mystery-6lack/
  16. https://www.sniffers.co.nz/article/6lack-sniffers-cover
  17. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/67194-everything-you-need-to-know-about-6lack-news
  18. https://djbooth.net/features/2018-09-06-6lack-flo-rida-signed-never-paid/
  19. https://www.okayplayer.com/6lack-reveals-he-never-earned-any-money-while-signed-to-flo-rida/702326
  20. https://zhiphopcleveland.com/4618645/postedonthecorner-dope-or-nope-6lack/
  21. https://open.spotify.com/album/15OA439HhJkwhuPzDHXtau
  22. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2018-09-27/45836/6lack-earns-first-no-1-on-top-rb-albums-chart-with-east-atlanta-love-letter
  23. https://www.musicchartsarchive.com/artists/6lack
  24. https://www.xxlmag.com/6lack-shows-no-signs-of-slowing-down/
  25. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/6lack-free-debut-album-interview-7573628/
  26. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/157518-6lacks-east-atlanta-love-letter-debuts-at-no-3-on-billboard-200-news
  27. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/51464/6lack/
  28. https://genius.com/albums/6lack/East-atlanta-love-letter/q/release-date
  29. https://earmilk.com/2018/08/17/6lack-writes-us-an-east-atlanta-love-letter/
  30. https://www.xxlmag.com/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-tracklist-future-offset-j-cole/
  31. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter/
  32. https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/10375188
  33. https://rateyourmusic.com/list/sjkwap/6lack-discography/
  34. https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathyolson/2023/07/14/mind-reading-6lack-on-his-new-album-his-endel-collab-and-the-self-care-hiatus-that-made-it-all-possible/
  35. https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-entertainment/qa-6lack-returns-to-music-after-prioritizing-mental-health/
  36. https://www.mhala.org/6lack-partners-with-mhala-betterhelp-for-world-mental-health-day/
  37. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover/
  38. https://americansongwriter.com/6lack-announces-track-list-for-since-i-have-a-lover/
  39. https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-world-tour-dates-1234751790/
  40. https://americansongwriter.com/6black-announces-no-more-lonely-nights-tour-in-2024/
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDlEux-88ak
  42. https://myforeignhalf.com/6lack-girlfriend-quin/
  43. https://www.ebony.com/the-wrap-up-6lack-and-quin-shaquille-oneal-and-jackie-aina/
  44. https://www.xxlmag.com/6lack-father/
  45. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/syx-valentine.html
  46. https://www.essence.com/entertainment/6lack-balance-life-music-fatherhood/
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zym8k6Cfsu8
  48. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2vesbyrvBs/?hl=en
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5M6KfdHAgI
  50. https://apnews.com/article/6lack-mental-health-album-0803097591bc8ba11be02b7bcf3040d4
  51. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/03/23/6-lack-since-i-have-a-lover-album-tour/11509161002/
  52. https://officemagazine.net/how-6lack-rejuvenates
  53. https://allhiphop.com/news/6lack-discusses-black-men-dealing-with-mental-health-struggles/
  54. https://www.thefader.com/2016/11/17/6lack-interview-rules
  55. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2019-05-02/46036/studio-sessions-singawd-is-6lacks-best-friend-whos-seen-him-record-himself-straight-into-the-hospital
  56. https://studiotalksevents.com/blog/jakob-yakob-rabitsch-interview-grammy-producer
  57. https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-album-interview
  58. https://genius.com/a/inside-the-studio-6lack-gives-a-tour-of-his-studio-explains-what-his-name-represents
  59. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/6lack
  60. https://djbooth.net/features/2019-07-09-6lack-realest-rnb-act-today/
  61. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/6lack-influences/pl.e41bbedb042844aeb861c65d8c957ee0
  62. https://uproxx.com/music/6lack-explains-influences-atlanta-la/
  63. https://www.grammy.com/news/6lack-sihal-since-i-have-a-lover-healing-therapy-parenthood-interview
  64. https://www.npr.org/2023/03/27/1166180062/6lack-new-album-since-i-have-a-lover
  65. https://www.popmatters.com/6lack-free-6lack-2495406632.html
  66. https://highclouds.org/6lack-free-6lack-album-review/
  67. https://www.metacritic.com/music/east-atlanta-love-letter/6lack
  68. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6lack-6pc-hot-ep/
  69. https://www.metacritic.com/music/since-i-have-a-lover/6lack
  70. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover/
  71. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-1234700360/
  72. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/mar/26/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-review-from-bedroom-beats-to-the-dancefloor
  73. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/121314-6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter.php
  74. https://ratedrnb.com/2023/11/6lack-scores-six-new-riaa-certifications/
  75. https://hiphopdx.com/news/hip-hop-album-sales-6lacks-east-atlanta-love-letter-debuts-at-no-3
  76. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/393
  77. https://hiphop-n-more.com/2023/04/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-first-week-sales/
  78. https://djbooth.net/features/2016-07-14-apple-music-blew-up-6lacks-problems/
  79. https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/6lack/
  80. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/295709-6lack-responds-to-criticism-about-the-current-state-of-randb-music-news
  81. https://www.reddit.com/r/gorillaz/comments/rv3rau/yall_were_wrong_about_6lack/
  82. https://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/6lack/free-6lack
  83. https://ratedrnb.com/2020/08/6lack-free-6lack-album-goes-platinum/
  84. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-album-release-date-cover-art-8473033/
  85. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/6lack-new-album-since-i-have-a-lover-release-date-1235277315/
  86. https://genius.com/albums/6lack/Since-i-have-a-lover
  87. https://ratedrnb.com/2023/02/6lack-teases-third-album/
  88. https://genius.com/albums/6lack/6pc-hot-ep
  89. https://6lack.lnk.to/NMLN
  90. https://genius.com/artists/6lack/albums
  91. https://www.billboard.com/pro/6lack-free6lack-headlining-tour-dates/
  92. https://thisisrnb.com/2017/08/6lack-announces-free-6lack-tour/
  93. https://theboombox.com/6lack-announces-dates-for-first-headlining-tour/
  94. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/6lack_maps_out_world_tour_announces_new_album
  95. https://ratedrnb.com/2023/04/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-world-tour-dates/
  96. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/6lack-announces-since-i-have-a-lover-world-tour/
  97. https://www.rttnews.com/3443780/6lack-announces-headlining-2024-no-more-lonely-nights-tour.aspx
  98. https://www.thatericalper.com/2024/05/20/6lack-announces-headlining-2024-tour-dates-6lack-no-more-lonely-nights-tour/
  99. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dIesf_vgPw
  100. https://concertful.com/tour/6lack/past
  101. https://www.grammy.com/artists/6lack/186846
  102. https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/before-his-grammy-nomination-6lack-focused-on-finding-inner-peace/MHHYTSEBY5CKBDYEG3PTIK3G4I/
  103. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammys-2018-complete-nominees-list-8047027/
  104. https://variety.com/2017/music/news/2018-grammy-nominations-list-nominees-1202623881/
  105. https://www.billboard.com/video/6lack-8096765/
  106. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8937386/awards/
  107. https://www.grammy.com/awards/61st-annual-grammy-awards-2018
  108. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-grammys-interview-1235591921/
  109. https://www.grammy.com/news/kendrick-lamar-rihanna-win-best-rapsung-performance-2018-grammys
  110. https://deadline.com/2019/08/vmas-2019-winners-list-mtv-1202704564/
  111. https://www.bet.com/article/w05hrj/bet-awards-2021-full-list-of-winners-nominees-and-honorees
  112. https://variety.com/2018/music/news/2018-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-list-1202723609/
  113. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59711692
  114. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-soul-train-awards-winners-list-sza-usher-1235509200/
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