Artist 6lack releases emotional second album
R&B artist 6lack released his second album, “East Atlanta Love Letter,” a compilation of emotion and the confusion of navigating a relationship while lacking of trust in anyone else.
There are certain artists that can create quasi-cinematic realities through sound and touch far more than the auditive faculties of a person. 6LACK did just that with “East Atlanta Love Letter.”
He painted an unforgettable audiovisual masterpiece.
Ricardo Valentine, better known as 6LACK, is a rapper turned R&B vocalist from Atlanta.
Before releasing his debut comercial album, “FREE 6LACK,” he worked closely with a number of Atlanta-based artists, including the innovative artists EARTHGANG and J.I.D.
6LACK’s moody, dark and spacy R&B sound garnered him two Grammy nominations for “FREE 6LACK” and set the stage for his recent sophomore release.
6LACK has a distinct flow, delivery and cadence that differentiated him from his contemporaries within the alternative R&B genre.
“East Atlanta Love Letter” is filled with piano-centric beats and heavy-hitting drums that drive the tempo throughout each track.
While not the most dynamic vocalist, 6LACK plays off of his spacy and melodic production and embeds emotion into each lyric.
“Loaded Gun” is the first standout track on the album. The song’s melodic piano and eerily harmonized background vocals provide the ultimate setting for a reflection on fame and success.
6LACK refuses to compromise himself in the face of the ever-changing landscape of fame.
The title track “East Atlanta Love Letter,” is a collaboration with Atlanta rapper and pioneer of modern trap music, Future.
The harmonies and the delivery of Future’s verse and background vocals make for an intricately layered love song that serves as the perfect title track for the album.
With a feature from J. Cole, “Pretty Little Fears” is a highlight song of 2018. From a musical perspective, it is not the most impressive composition.
As with most tracks Cole touches, the sentiment pulls the listeners towards its relatable core.
Through this album and this song, 6lack shows he is still searching and is not quite sure what he wants out of his relationship.
Transparency is all 6LACK is asking for. All relationships have “pretty little fears.” The successful ones have to navigate through them and the only way to do that, according to 6LACK, is through honesty.
While 6LACK is still searching, Cole has found what he considers most important in his life.
Cole beautifully contrasts his Christianity with the love he has with and for his wife. While mistakes may have been made, Cole knows it is not worth throwing everything away.
This track also provides a chance to reflect of what truly matters in life.
In the current musical climate of materialism and misogyny, the song provides a change of pace and implores the listener to think about what is really important in their lives: relationships.
The remainder of the project is filled with tracks of similar quality.
“Switch” is one of the best singles of the year and includes a great hook with unforgettable Ty Dolla $ign vocal harmonies.
“East Atlanta Love Letter” is a must listen. 6LACK has left us with an album to listen to for years to come.
