Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. (born June 24, 1992) was born in San Diego, California, United States. He is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. He is professionally known as 6LACK. His journey to stardom began with the release of the hit single "Prblms" from his debut album, "Free 6lack," which dropped in November 2016.
The song's success catapulted him into the spotlight, establishing his reputation as a formidable talent. Building on this momentum, he unveiled his sophomore album, "East Atlanta Love Letter," in September 2018, achieving a remarkable feat by peaking at number three on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. In the same year, he collaborated with Khalid and Ty Dolla Sign on the single "OTW," further solidifying his presence in the music scene.
Notably, 6lack showcased his versatility by featuring on Normani's hit single "Waves," which earned him a coveted MTV Video Music Award. In June 2020, he treated fans to the EP "6pc Hot," featuring standout tracks like "Know My Rights" featuring Lil Baby. That year, he also joined forces with the legendary Elton John on the Gorillaz track "The Pink Phantom," showcasing his ability to collaborate across genres seamlessly.
In 2021, 6lack's chart-topping single "Calling My Phone" with Lil Tjay soared to the top of the charts in Canada and reached number three in the US. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a chart-topping artist.
Beyond his solo career, 6lack is a member of the esteemed Atlanta-Baltimore music collective Spillage Village, founded by EarthGang and JID. His impressive musical journey has earned him three Grammy Award nominations and an MTV Video Music Award, cementing his place as one of the most influential and talented artists in contemporary music.
Currently signed to Love Renaissance and Interscope Records, 6lack continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his unique blend of R&B and hip-hop, promising even more exciting music and collaborations in the future.