# 6lack
**6LACK** (pronounced "black") is the stage name of Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born 1992 in Baltimore, Maryland), an American contemporary R&B singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). He broke through in 2016 with the single "PRBLMS" and the album *Free 6LACK*, both of which were Grammy-nominated and went platinum, and he has since placed repeatedly on Billboard's R&B/hip-hop and pop charts as a lead and featured artist[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). His four studio albums are *Free 6LACK* (2016), *East Atlanta Love Letter* (2018), *Since I Have a Lover* (2023), and *Love Is the New Gangsta* (2026)[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656).
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.; born 1992 in Baltimore, Maryland[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) |
| Name | Pronounced "black"; the 6 references Atlanta's Zone 6 and his numerology Life Path number[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) • [2](https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a33030648/6lack-6pc-hot-ep-interview/) |
| Labels | LVRN (Love Renaissance), distributed by Interscope, since 2016[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) |
| Breakout single | "PRBLMS" (2016), No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100, platinum, Grammy-nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) |
| Best-charting album | *East Atlanta Love Letter* (2018), No. 3 on the Billboard 200, with four gold or platinum singles[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) |
| Highest-charting single | "Calling My Phone" with Lil Tjay, No. 3 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B/hip-hop chart (2020)[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) |
| Grammy record | Five nominations, no wins, spanning 2018 to 2026[3](https://www.grammy.com/artists/6lack/186846/) |
| Group affiliation | Member of the Spillage Village collective (joined 2015)[4](https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/6lack-2/) |
## Early life and the Atlanta years
6LACK was born in Baltimore and moved to Atlanta as a child; his family settled in the city's east side, the district known as Zone 6[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) • [5](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/24/atlanta-rapper-6lack-interview). His father, who rapped under the name Ricardo FLO, encouraged him to start rapping at age 4[6](https://www.spinmagazine.com/featured/6lack-interview/) • [7](https://www.thecharlottepost.com/clientuploads/CPPDFs/cp081023B.pdf). He was a quiet child but became known in middle school as a battle rapper, competing through his teens and facing a pre-fame [Young Thug](https://www.edgepedia.org/young-thug) along the way[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) • [8](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover/). He has credited the rapper Cassidy as an early inspiration[9](https://old.raptv.com/artist/6lack-the-full-profile/).
The stage name came from two sources: his interest in numerology, where six is his Life Path number, and his home base in Zone 6, East Atlanta[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). He attended [Valdosta State University](https://www.edgepedia.org/valdosta-state-university) before leaving to pursue music[10](https://www.xxlmag.com/the-break-presents-6lack/).
## The stalled first deal
In 2011, while still in his late teens, 6LACK signed with [Flo Rida](https://www.edgepedia.org/flo-rida)'s International Music Group/Strong Arm imprint[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). The label pushed him toward upbeat, radio-friendly pop hits, which he refused to make, and the deal produced little progress over several years[11](https://pastduereviews.com/2026/06/27/1106/) • [10](https://www.xxlmag.com/the-break-presents-6lack/). In a 2018 Guardian interview he described the period's low point in [South Florida](https://www.edgepedia.org/south-florida), when he was broke and considered eating discarded food[5](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/24/atlanta-rapper-6lack-interview).
He left the label, returned to Atlanta, and in 2015 joined the hip-hop collective Spillage Village, appearing alongside EARTHGANG and J.I.D.[4](https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/6lack-2/) • [9](https://old.raptv.com/artist/6lack-the-full-profile/). The album title *Free 6LACK* later served as a declaration of that independence[11](https://pastduereviews.com/2026/06/27/1106/).
## Breakthrough: Free 6LACK
After signing with the Interscope-distributed label Love Renaissance (LVRN), 6LACK released "PRBLMS" in 2016[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). The trap-styled slow jam, written about a sour relationship, reached No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). *Free 6LACK*, an 11-track album released November 18, 2016, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard rap chart, No. 11 on the R&B/hip-hop chart, and No. 68 on the overall Billboard 200[12](https://www.allmusic.com/album/free-6lack-mw0002999645); it later peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard 200[6](https://www.spinmagazine.com/featured/6lack-interview/). Both the single and the album received Grammy nominations, for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Urban Contemporary Album respectively, and both went platinum[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656).
Underlining the record's candor, he wrote the word "relatable" on a whiteboard before recording began, and the songs drew directly on relationship breakdowns and his own trials[5](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/24/atlanta-rapper-6lack-interview). Critics placed the album in the alternative R&B wave of the mid-2010s, alongside [Bryson Tiller](https://www.edgepedia.org/bryson-tiller) and early [The Weeknd](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-weeknd), while noting its distinctly Atlanta character[11](https://pastduereviews.com/2026/06/27/1106/) • [13](https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/72806/6LACK-Free-6LACK/).
## East Atlanta Love Letter and commercial peak
*East Atlanta Love Letter*, released in September 2018, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and produced four gold or platinum singles: "Switch," "Nonchalant," "Pretty Little Fears" (with [J. Cole](https://www.edgepedia.org/j-cole)), and "Seasons" (with Khalid)[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656). The album carried features from Future, J. Cole, Offset, and Khalid[6](https://www.spinmagazine.com/featured/6lack-interview/). "Pretty Little Fears" brought a further Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656).
His featured work broadened during this period. He appeared on [Jessie Reyez](https://www.edgepedia.org/jessie-reyez)'s platinum "Imported" and the 6pc Hot EP with [Lil Baby](https://www.edgepedia.org/lil-baby)'s "Know My Rights," and among later collaborations [Lil Tjay](https://www.edgepedia.org/lil-tjay)'s "Calling My Phone" topped the R&B/hip-hop chart and reached No. 3 on the Hot 100, his highest pop showing to that point[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656).
## Since I Have a Lover and the 2020s
After a gap of nearly five years, *Since I Have a Lover* arrived on March 24, 2023, via LVRN/Interscope[14](https://www.universal-music.de/6lack/biografie) • [15](https://www.metacritic.com/music/since-i-have-a-lover/6lack/critic-reviews). The 19-track album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 24 and shifted his writing toward settled domestic life rather than breakup material[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) • [15](https://www.metacritic.com/music/since-i-have-a-lover/6lack/critic-reviews). It was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 66th [Grammy Awards](https://www.edgepedia.org/grammy-awards)[3](https://www.grammy.com/artists/6lack/186846/). In 2024 he released the EP *No More Lonely Nights*, pairing acoustic versions of the album's singles with the originals[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656).
## Love Is the New Gangsta and the 2026 tour
"Bird Flu," "Sunday Again" featuring 2 Chainz, and "Ashin' the Blunt" featuring Young Thug preceded 6LACK's fourth album, *Love Is the New Gangsta*, released May 22, 2026, a 15-track set that also includes Leon Thomas, Az Chike, and Mereba[1](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656) • [16](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/6lack/1016633280).
In late May 2026 he announced the **10 Years of 6LACK Tour**, timed to the tenth anniversary of *Free 6LACK*, with 25 shows across North America and Europe and support from Johnny Venus[17](https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/47070411608081-10-Years-of-6LACK-Tour) • [4](https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/6lack-2/). Presale opened May 27 and general sale May 29, 2026[18](https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/news/6lack-announces-shows-in-the-uk-and-ireland-this-autumn-77888/). By late August 2026, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the run "appears to" have been canceled: [Ticketmaster](https://www.edgepedia.org/ticketmaster) pages for U.S. venues were switched to "Cancelled," and at the time no public statement had been issued by the artist, label, or promoter[19](https://www.gigspedia.com/artist/6lack). Ticketmaster listings show most dates, including Berlin, London, Toronto, Brooklyn, and Detroit, marked canceled, with some European dates still showing as on sale[20](https://www.ticketmaster.com/6lack-entrades/artist/2313062?page=1&tt_scene=anchor_view).
## Style and recognition
6LACK's music combines atmospheric, minimalist production with a delivery that moves between melodic singing and rap cadence, a hybrid he has described as "an R&B nigga with a hip-hop core"[13](https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/72806/6LACK-Free-6LACK/) • [21](https://stereogum.com/2015641/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-review/columns/the-week-in-pop). Across his Grammys history he holds five nominations and no wins: "PRBLMS" and *Free 6LACK* (2018), "Pretty Little Fears" (2019), *Since I Have A Lover* (2024), and "Wholeheartedly" with J.I.D and Ty Dolla $ign (2026)[3](https://www.grammy.com/artists/6lack/186846/).
## References
1. [6LACK Biography, AllMusic (Andy Kellman)](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/6lack-mn0003547656)
2. [6lack on His 6pc Hot EP, Elle](https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a33030648/6lack-6pc-hot-ep-interview/)
3. [6LACK Grammy Awards and Nominations, Grammy.com](https://www.grammy.com/artists/6lack/186846/)
4. [6LACK – 10 Years of 6LACK Tour, Prime Entertainment](https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/6lack-2/)
5. [Atlanta rapper 6lack interview, The Guardian (2018)](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/24/atlanta-rapper-6lack-interview)
6. [The Rise and Rise of 6LACK, SPIN (2026)](https://www.spinmagazine.com/featured/6lack-interview/)
7. [LIFE broadsheet, The Charlotte Post (2023)](https://www.thecharlottepost.com/clientuploads/CPPDFs/cp081023B.pdf)
8. [6LACK: Since I Have a Lover Album Review, Pitchfork](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover/)
9. [6LACK: The Full Profile, RapTV](https://old.raptv.com/artist/6lack-the-full-profile/)
10. [The Break Presents: 6lack, XXL](https://www.xxlmag.com/the-break-presents-6lack/)
11. [6LACK — FREE 6LACK (2016), Past Due Reviews](https://pastduereviews.com/2026/06/27/1106/)
12. [FREE 6LACK Tracks & Reviews, AllMusic (Neil Z. Yeung)](https://www.allmusic.com/album/free-6lack-mw0002999645)
13. [6LACK - Free 6LACK album review, Sputnikmusic](https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/72806/6LACK-Free-6LACK/)
14. [6lack Biografie, Universal Music](https://www.universal-music.de/6lack/biografie)
15. [Since I Have a Lover Critic Reviews, Metacritic](https://www.metacritic.com/music/since-i-have-a-lover/6lack/critic-reviews)
16. [6LACK on Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/6lack/1016633280)
17. [10 Years of 6LACK Tour, Ticketmaster Help](https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/47070411608081-10-Years-of-6LACK-Tour)
18. [6LACK announces shows in the UK and Ireland, Ticketmaster UK](https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/news/6lack-announces-shows-in-the-uk-and-ireland-this-autumn-77888/)
19. [6LACK tour dates 2026, Gigspedia](https://www.gigspedia.com/artist/6lack)
20. [6LACK Tickets, Ticketmaster](https://www.ticketmaster.com/6lack-entrades/artist/2313062?page=1&tt_scene=anchor_view)
21. [6LACK review, Stereogum](https://stereogum.com/2015641/6lack-east-atlanta-love-letter-review/columns/the-week-in-pop)
---
*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Music › Music scenes › Transnational genre scenes › Hip hop scenes worldwide › Landmark works: Hip hop scenes worldwide*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 12, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license