Crafting a Sound
This is 6LACK. It’s pronounced black, I know there is a 6 in the front, that’s the point. Think about how hard it would be to search up an artist just named black. Just like his name, 6LACK has found a way to be different from his contemporaries(ie. The Weeknd, Bryson Tiller, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ty Dolla $ign). 6LACK is a singer/rapper who is a part of the new sound in R&B & Soul. For me personally, 6LACK able to differ himself from other singers in R&B because of his base in hip hop. 6LACK actually started as a battle rapper. From the music he makes you would probably never be able to tell. This gives him versatility in the genre compared to others.
6LACK had a great 2016 year when he was introduced to us from his debut album, FREE 6LACK. After such a strong debut, fans including me wondered what he would come up with next time it was album time. I can easily say 6LACK delivered on this new album, East Atlantic Love Letter.
Get Romare Ashford’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
In this album, 6LACK explores finding his confidence in music without being egotistical. From the album cover to can tell his is know a father. Just the album cover gives you a glimpse into what’s important to him, daughter and music. Just in the album opener, 6LACK sings lyrics about picking between who he loves and what he loves. From this album, you learn about a father trying to provide for his family but seeing the repercussion of missing important moments in his newborn's life. This introduction sets the tone, showing 6LACK makes more than just than a collection of love songs.
Just to name a few my favorite from this album are; “Disconnect”,” Nonchalant”, and “Scripture.” “Disconnect” an unexpected song. 6LACK sings about a relationship growing apart. He sings from the perspective of the two people getting too comfortable so they don’t want to leave each other. This is mature to me because it shows equal blame for a relationship going sideways. In “Scripture” 6LACK shows off his vocal skills. I love 6LACK singing style because of he so relaxed and charismatic when it comes to approaching music-making. This song has him reminiscing about tough times when starting the music. He uses layback vocals to tell why he will be in the music game for a while. In “Nonchalant” 6LACK lets loose and get some bars off. In this song, he uses a relaxed flow to explain his love for fans, fear of death, and a competitive attitude in music. It’s basically the most relaxed deliver of telling everyone you the best at what you do, like a humble but direct brag. At only a few points 6LACK misses, but this album is a straight shot toward being in my top 3 R&B albums of the year.






