Renaissance Man: Get To Know Atlanta Rapper 6LACK
Most people aren’t sure how to say 6LACK's name when they first see it. Considering the low profile he keeps most of the time, you could argue that’s exactly how the Atlanta native likes it. The real story behind his name is a special connection to the number six, representative of the Zone 6 section of Atlanta’s east side where he grew up. But even though he prefers you pronounce the “6” like a “b,” 6LACK won’t trip if it takes you a while to adjust to his unique way of doing things. His main concern is expanding his one-of-a-kind sound to reach even more new fans around the world.
Whether he’s rapping alongside Best Male Hip Hop Artist nominee J. Cole and fellow Dreamville MC’s or delivering disarming vocals from the depths of his moody R&B bag, 6LACK is never lacking a new trick to treat our ears with. Tune in to this year's BET Awards to see if he can take home his first ever prize for Best Male R&B / Pop Artist and keep reading to learn more about one of the game’s most enigmatic stars.
He Battled Young Thug As A Teen
Growing up in Atlanta, 6LACK (born Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.) was always infatuated by music. But after spending time in his father’s recording studio at four years old, his interest turned into a full-blown obsession, which led to him battle rapping other kids around town. In middle school and high school, 6lack honed his skills against the city’s best spitters, including a youthful Young Thug.
He Left College For Music
While studying computer science at Valdosta State in 2011, 6LACK took a big risk and signed to Flo Rida’s labels, International Music Group and Strong Arm Records. He stopped going to class, moved to Miami and started logging long hours in the studio that wouldn’t fully pay off until years later. Eventually he left Flo Rida's camp over a conflict about ownership, but quickly found a new lane collaborating with EarthGang and J. Cole’s Dreamville team.
He Used To Live In The Studio
As a young Black man with an indie record deal, 6LACK spent five of his first years in the music business struggling to make ends meet. “That was me at my financial low,” he remembered in a 2017 interview with GQ, “But all I wanted to do was work. Not knowing where I was going to eat or not knowing where I was going to sleep didn't matter as much as knowing I had a studio to record in everyday” When he wasn’t couch surfing he’d spend the night in his studio. After getting a new deal with Interscope records in 2015, he worked his way up to a coveted spot as opening act on The Weeknd’s 2017 tour. Now, if the 28-year-old is sleeping in the studio, it’s not because he has to.
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He Was Inspired By Sade
Upon hearing 6LACK’s deep mood-inducing music, it should be no surprise that he lists Sade as one of his biggest inspirations. Songs like the neo-soul duet “NOT TOO DEEP” with India Shawn prove 6LACK is indeed a smooth operator, who would sound heavenly alongside Sade herself. When you mix in his other influences like T-Pain, Usher and The-Dream, it’s hard to imagine a sound that 6LACK couldn’t find his groove on.
Summer Walker Was Once His Opening Act
During the tour for his 2018 sophomore album East Atlanta Love Letter, 6LACK gave a national platform to rising stars Tierra Whack, Ari Lennox and Summer Walker, all of whom performed as opening acts on the tour. Now he and Walker are both nominees for the "Best Male" and "Best Female R&B / Pop Artist" honors at BET Awards 2021. That’s what you call God’s plan.
Watch the 2021 BET Awards on June 27 at 8/9C p.m.
