Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr., known to the world as “Black” or “Six Lack,” was born in the city that Lamar Jackson now calls home and raised in a bustling Black metropolis that molded the likes of Usher, Andre 3000 and many of the artists that influence his sound. Born when the 1990s were still young, he was raised among a generation of young adults who know of a world where marriage and divorce are nearly synonymous. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that his ability to talk about love, jealousy, lust, affection and heartbreak in a vivid manner has connected with so many. His solo release, “Mean It,” is the latest example of 6LACK’s to speak about a relationship and its tumultuous end in a way that is audibly addictive.
“How you act so easy?/Say your ass gon’ leave m??/W?ll, if you say that, better mean it,” he sings.
“And you better back that with a reason/Sayin’, Ol’ girl, before you go, you better know, you better know/I don’t do no pleadin’.”
6LACK does not pretend to be the perfect partner, but he will be honest. As his final statement lays it out, he won’t plead for a person who wants to leave and he won’t apologize for what he’s done. Also, he won’t be afraid to point out what the other has done as well. In the end, these hooks and verses paint a picture of a relationship that is less about love and more about lust and the actions of volatile partners. While it may be fun and dangerous at certain points, the only way it will end is with someone saying they’re going to leave for good. The only question that remains is whether or not they’ll actually walk out that door for good.
