If you’re reading that “six-lack,” stop right now. The 6 is supposed to look like a B, and the artists’ name is pronounced “black.” If you were mispronouncing it even though you consider yourself a fan, don’t feel bad. It’s hard to know how to say things you read on the internet! Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about 6lack’s impressive career – he started young!

Early Life

Obviously, 6lack isn’t his real name. He was born Ricardo Valdez Valentine, two to parents in the music industry in 1992. When he was young, his family moved from Baltimore to Atlanta, which is the town he identifies with as an artist. His father had access to a recording studio, and the first time he laid a track, he was four years old. We told you he started young!

When he wasn’t hanging out with his family and other two siblings, he was rapping at school – battle rap style. There are videos of him rapping as a kid if you’re so inclined to find them on the internet. His biggest rap-battle foe was Young Thug, who is from Atlanta as well.

Label Issues and Finally, Success

Just because someone has label representation, doesn’t mean they’re successful. Even though 6lack was with a label in the early 2010s (International Music Group), he often found himself sleeping on the streets.

He didn’t get his big break until 2016 when he’d switched record labels (Love Renaissance and Interscope), and put out his debut album Free 6lack. That debut had a hit song “Prblms,” which landed him on many “must watch” lists of up and coming rappers. Since then, he’s put out East Atlanta Love Letter and his album in 2020 – which you can see him perform live!