6LACK

Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born June 24, 1992), known professionally as 6lack (stylized as 6LACK, pronounced "black"), is an American R&B singer, songwriter and rapper. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he gained recognition following the release of his 2016 single "Prblms", which marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Love Renaissance, an imprint of Interscope Records to release his debut studio album, Free 6lack (2016), which was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Released two years later, his second studio album, East Atlanta Love Letter (2018), peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, while his single "OTW" (with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign), received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His debut extended play (EP) 6pc Hot (2020), included the single "Know My Rights" (featuring Lil Baby). Later that year, he guest performed alongside Elton John on Gorillaz's single "The Pink Phantom". His 2021 single, "Calling My Phone" (featuring Lil Tjay), peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked atop the Canadian Hot 100; it remains his highest-charting song on the former chart. His third album, Since I Have a Lover (2023), was met with moderate critical and commercial reception. 6lack joined the Atlanta-Baltimore musical collective Spillage Village—founded by EarthGang and JID—in 2014. He has received five Grammy Award nominations.