Full Name: Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.
Stage Name: 6lack (pronounced “Black”)
Date of Birth: June 24, 1992
Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Genres: Alternative R&B, Hip Hop, Soul
Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter
Years Active: 2011–present
Early Life and Family Background
Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. was born on June 24, 1992, in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of five, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with his parents, where he would grow up and develop his musical talents. Raised in a family with a strong musical foundation, 6lack’s father was a musician who owned a recording studio. This environment exposed him to music from an early age, with his first recording experience occurring at just four years old.
6lack is the eldest of three siblings. He attended Stone Mountain High School and Newton High School, where he began to hone his skills as a battle rapper. His early exposure to music and his participation in rap battles laid the groundwork for his future career in the music industry.
Education and Early Musical Pursuits
After high school, 6lack enrolled at Valdosta State University. However, he left college in 2011 to pursue a music career. That same year, he signed a record deal with Flo Rida’s International Music Group and Strong Arm Records. This decision marked a significant turning point in his life, as he moved to Miami, Florida, to work on his music. During this period, he faced financial instability, often sleeping in the studio or on the streets, and struggled with issues related to artistic control and management.
Career Trajectory and Breakthrough
2011–2017: Beginnings and “Free 6lack”
In 2015, 6lack joined the musical collective Spillage Village, which included artists like EarthGang. He contributed to their EP Bears Like This Too in 2015, marking his first significant collaborative project. The following year, he signed with Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Interscope Records. In November 2016, he released his debut studio album, Free 6lack, which received critical acclaim and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s single “Prblms” became his first platinum record and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
2018–Present: “East Atlanta Love Letter,” “6pc Hot,” and “Since I Have a Lover”
In September 2018, 6lack released his sophomore album, East Atlanta Love Letter, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Future, J. Cole, Offset, and Khalid.
In 2020, 6lack released the EP 6pc Hot, which included the single “Know My Rights” featuring Lil Baby. He also collaborated with Gorillaz and Elton John on the track “The Pink Phantom.”
On March 24, 2023, 6lack released his third studio album, Since I Have a Lover, which featured artists like QUIN, Wale, and Don Toliver. The album was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Artistry and Influences
6lack’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics and a blend of R&B, hip hop, and soul influences. He has cited artists such as Sade, T-Pain, The-Dream, and Usher as major influences on his sound. His songwriting often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, resonating with listeners through its emotional depth and honesty.
Awards and Nominations
6lack’s work has garnered critical acclaim and recognition within the music industry. Notable accolades include:
- Grammy Nominations:
- Best Rap/Sung Performance for “Pretty Little Fears” (2019)
- Best Urban Contemporary Album for Free 6lack (2018)
- Best Progressive R&B Album for Since I Have a Lover (2024)
- MTV Video Music Award:
- Best Hip Hop Video for “Pretty Little Fears” (2019)
- American Music Award:
- Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Calling My Phone” (2021)
- Brit Award Nomination:
- International Song of the Year for “Calling My Phone” (2022)
Personal Life
6lack is known for his private nature, keeping details of his personal life out of the public eye. However, it is known that he has a daughter named Syx Rose Valentine, born in February 2017, with model Jaycina Almond. He is currently in a relationship with soul singer Bianca Quiñones, known professionally as Quiñ.
