6lack facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 6LACK
6LACK in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.
Born	(1992-06-24) June 24, 1992 (age 33) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Alternative R&B R&B trap
Occupations	Singer songwriter
Years active	2011–present
Labels	Love Renaissance Interscope

Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born June 24, 1992), known as 6LACK (pronounced "black"), is an American R&B singer and songwriter. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia.

He became well-known after releasing his song "Prblms" in 2016. This song was his first to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He signed with Love Renaissance and Interscope Records to release his first album, Free 6lack (2016). This album was nominated for a Grammy Award and became platinum, meaning it sold over a million copies.

In 2018, he released his second album, East Atlanta Love Letter, which reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart. He also released the song "OTW" with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign. His song "Calling My Phone" with Lil Tjay in 2021 was a big hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. His third album, Since I Have a Lover, came out in 2023.

6LACK joined the music group Spillage Village in 2014. He has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

Early Life and Music Start

Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. was born on June 24, 1992, in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was five years old, in 1997, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his family. He is the oldest of three children.

Valentine first recorded music when he was only four years old, at his father's studio. He started rapping in middle school and took part in many freestyle rap battles. He even battled against another rapper named Young Thug.

Music Career

Early Years and First Album

In July 2011, 6LACK signed a record deal with Flo Rida's International Music Group. He left college to focus on his music career. For five years, he released music on his SoundCloud page. During this time, he often struggled financially, sometimes sleeping in the studio or outside.

6LACK eventually left his first record label because he wanted more control over his music. In 2015, he joined the music group Spillage Village. He lived with members of the group EarthGang and appeared on four songs from their EP called Bears Like This Too.

After leaving his first label, he signed with Love Renaissance and Interscope Records. In November 2016, Rolling Stone magazine named 6LACK one of the "10 New Artists You Need to Know." He then released his first album, Free 6lack. This album reached number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song "Prblms" from the album became his first platinum record. In 2017, he opened for The Weeknd on his "Legend of the Fall" tour in North America.

Recent Albums and Collaborations

6lack in January 2017

In April 2018, 6LACK released the song "OTW" with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign. This song reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. He released "Switch" as the first song from his second album on June 22, 2018. The music video for "Switch" came out in July.

His second album, East Atlanta Love Letter, was released on September 14, 2018. It featured other artists like Future, J. Cole, Offset, and Khalid. 6LACK went on tour to promote the album in October 2018. He also appeared on songs by other artists, including "Waves" by Normani.

In May 2020, 6LACK released the song "ATL Freestyle." On his birthday, June 24, 2020, he released the song "Float." He also announced his EP 6pc Hot, which came out on June 26. This EP included the song "Know My Rights" with Lil Baby. He also started his own hot sauce brand called 600 Degrees Original.

In September 2020, 6LACK appeared on two songs from Spillage Village's album Spilligion. He also worked with the virtual band Gorillaz and singer Elton John on the song "The Pink Phantom". In 2020, he collaborated with Lil Durk and Young Thug on the song "Stay Down".

In 2021, he released "Calling My Phone" with rapper Lil Tjay. In 2022, he was featured on Jessie Reyez's album Yessie in her song "Forever."

On March 24, 2023, 6LACK released his album Since I Have a Lover. This album had 19 songs and featured artists like QUIN, Wale, and Don Toliver. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award. In an interview, 6LACK said the album title answers questions about where he's been and what inspires him. On March 22, 2024, he released an acoustic project called No More Lonely Nights.

Music Style

6LACK's music often explores personal experiences and feelings. He has shared that his songwriting is greatly influenced by his own life. Billboard magazine has described his music as "moody hip hop." They noted that his songs show honesty in a way that young people can understand.

6LACK has mentioned that artists like Sade, T-Pain, The-Dream, and Usher have influenced his music.

Albums

• Free 6lack (2016)
• East Atlanta Love Letter (2018)
• Since I Have a Lover (2023)

Tours

Headlining Tours

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

Supporting Tours

• Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour (with The Weeknd) (2017)
• Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour (with Chris Brown) (2018)
• It Was You All Along Tour (with Russ) (2024)

Awards and Nominations