Ricardo Valdez Valentine (born June 24, 1992), better known by his stage name 6lack (stylized as 6LACK and pronounced "black"), is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for his single "Prblms", which was released in June 2016. He is currently signed to LoveRenaissance and Interscope Records.
Video 6lack
Early life
Valentine was born on June 24, 1992 in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his parents in 1997. Valentine is the oldest of 3 siblings. Valentine's first recording experience was when he was 4 years of age, at his father's studio.
Valentine began rapping in middle school as a battle rapper. Valentine was involved in many battles in his youth including against rapper Young Thug. After listening to R&B artists Sade and Usher, Valentine began to teach himself to sing and then began recording music in 2009.
Maps 6lack
Career
6lack signed a record deal with Flo Rida's International Music Group/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 to work on music with the record label.
6lack eventually left his label due to issues over artistic license and management. Once he left the label, he signed with LoveRenaissance and Interscope Records.
In November 2016, Rolling Stone included 6lack in their list of "10 New Artists You Need to Know". He then went on to release his debut studio album, Free 6lack, which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's single "Prblms" peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became his first platinum record.
In April 2017, 6lack joined Canadian singer The Weeknd as opening act for his Legend of the Fall tour in North America.
Musical style
6lack's music focuses on personal and business relationships frequently, especially the topic of heartbreak. 6lack has said that his songwriting is influenced mainly by his personal experiences and failed relationships. Billboard has described 6lack's music as "moody hip hop" that "spotlights vulnerability and honesty in a way the emoji generation can understand."
Personal life
6lack has a daughter.
Discography
Studio albums
Singles
As lead artist
As featured artist
Guest appearances
Awards and nominations
Notes
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia