6LACK
When: 14th February 2024
Location: O2 Academy
6LACK is a modern R&B that honours tradition as much as it challenges it. Coming to Glasgow’s O2 Academy on 14th February 2024.
6LACK (pronounced ‘black’ and born Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr) first gained notable recognition with single ‘PRBLMS’ off his debut album in 2016. The Atlanta-based singer and rapper has cited names such as Sade, T-Pain, The-Dream, and Usher as influences on his moody and dazed slow jams.
After living with artists Olu and WowGr8 (aka EARTHGANG), 6LACK announced in 2015 that he had joined their musical collective Spillage Village, which also counts JID, Hollywood JB and Mereba among its members. That same year, he appeared on their EP Bears Like This Too.
6LACK initially signed with Flo Rida’s Strong Arm Records in 2011 but left the label in 2016, instead signing with Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Interscope Records. His debut album, FREE 6LACK, followed in November 2016 and climbed to No.34 on the Billboard 200 chart and No.5 on the rap chart. Breakthrough single ‘PRBLMS’ peaked at No.73 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming 6LACK’s first platinum record.
In 2017, 6LACK toured with The Weeknd and released several singles, including ‘Grab The Wheel’ with Timbaland and ‘First F*ck’ with Jhene Aiko. The following year, he released ‘OTW’ with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign, which peaked at No.57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
East Atlanta Love Letter
The following year saw the release of sophomore album East Atlanta Love Letter, which debuted at No.3 on the Billboard charts and included cameos from J. Cole, Offset, Future and Khalid. 6LACK promoted the album with a tour that was supported by acts including THEY., Tierra Whack, Boogie, Deante’ Hitchcock, Summer Walker, and Ari Lennox.
Over the years, 6LACK’s list of collaborators has been something of a who’s who, including artists such as Normani, Selena Gomez, Jessie Reyez, Lil Baby, Sabrina Claudio, Tinashe, Lil Tjay and Omah Lay. In 2020, he released the well-received EP 6pc Hot, which some critics described as a rebirth for the ascending star. He also collaborated with Gorillaz and Elton John on the track ‘The Pink Phantom’ featured on the British group’s seventh studio album, Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez.
6LACK released his third album, Since I Have A Lover, in March 2023.
