An RnB stalwart and a new kid on the block combine for First Fuck. Wintery, intimate and passionate, 6LACK and Jhene Aiko make a surprisingly delicate love song, considering the title.
Released in 2017 between 6LACK’S (pronounced “black”; the 6 is significant to him because of its spiritual importance and being raised in Atlanta’s Zone 6) freshman and sophomore albums, First Fuck came out as a single on LoveRenaissance and Interscope Records. He started recording at the age of 4 (yeah, 4! His father owned a studio) and started out his musical career with rap battles, famously engaging with Young Thug pre-fame for both of them. His moniker first entered the public eye in 2016 with his debut album Free 6LACK, bagging a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2018. With a name like Ricardo Valentine, it’s amazing he chose to adopt a pseudonym, but the pronunciation debates regarding 6LACK have only served to raise his profile.
East Atlanta Love Letter is a fabulous second album, soaked in RnB and soul with just enough rough edges to occupy the ever-diversifying gap between hip-hop and rhythm and blues. 6LACK’s rap roots make for an interesting amalgamation of genres within a song and an album. Jhene Aiko’s inclusion makes for a dichotomy that reflects the songs battle between love and lust. Her voice is purer and smoother and has a cheeky knowingness that compliments 6LACK’s voice of the streets. He is lust, she is love and the song is a constant battle of emotions.
First Fuck is a prime example of modern-day RnB. Jhene Aiko helped pioneer the transition from the early noughties through till now, whilst 6LACK has a promising career as one of the artists to fly the flag proudly for the genre over the coming years.
Spotify Playlist Link: https://spoti.fi/2CKuVex
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