6lack
Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born June 24, 1992), known professionally as 6lack (stylized as 6LACK, pronounced "black"),[4] is an American singer, rapper, 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]
6lack
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]
Artistry[edit]
6lack's music focuses or is based on personal and business relationships frequently, especially the topic of heartbreak.[32] 6lack has said that his songwriting is influenced mainly by his personal experiences and failed relationships.[33] 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.[34]
Personal life[edit]
In February 2017, 6lack announced the birth of his daughter, Syx Rose Valentine.[35] He began dating soul singer Bianca "Quiñ" Quiñones in 2019, who later signed with Interscope herself.[36]
Headlining
Supporting