He might not be the first person who comes to mind when you think of modern R&B, but for the past four years 6lackās been quietly fine-tuning the syrupy sounds made popular by the likes of The Weeknd, Bryson Tiller, and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Since the release of 2016ās āFree 6lackā, heās remained consistent, delivering high-quality mood music that both challenges and respects the moral code of traditional R&B.
His latest project feels like a rebirth. Released in the same week as his 28th birthday, ā6pc Hotā plays like a vision board soundtracked by moody synths and trunk-rattling 808s. The six-track EP sees the proud Atlanta native strip away unnecessary layers so that he can evolve, sometimes having to make hard decisions, such as banishing toxic friends or bluntly declaring that no-one will stand in the way of him achieving his dreams.
Given that 6lackās music is always a vibe, itās no surprise that musically ā6Pc Hotā is top-drawer. Opener āATL Freestyleā is an acoustic beauty on which delicately strummed strings melt effortlessly into a bottomless beat. The busy āKnow My Rightsā wouldnāt sound out of place on a Migos album, while quarantine love song āOutsideā (“I’ll give you the time of your life/ Just wait till we can go outside”) is infused with a weeping key arrangement.
āElephant In The Roomā is a sage warning to people who love ambitious types. āIāll be damned if I let you make me slip and fall,ā 6lack sings over the puckish, vocoder-driven backdrop. āFloatā is an unguarded therapy session that shines a light on internal conflict, bringing pain and anguish to the surface over rugged bass and sharp synth stabs reminiscent of his 2016 single āFreeā.
The EPās standout, however, comes in the form of āLong Nightsā. 6lackās shamelessly honest about wanting a no-strings relationship, but lyrics such as “Hopin’ for a good time” somehow sound less than salacious ā and more like endearing candour ā as they swim in and out of the songās airy soundscape, further enhanced by Dreamville singer Ari Lennoxās seductive backing vocals and the splashes of sax.
Beautifully produced and filled with honest, unrefined conversations about love, life and sacrifices, ā6pc Hotā sees 6lack shoot straight from the heart. Even though itās just a taster, it puts the Atlanta crooner in prime position to take over as the leader of R&Bās new school.
Details:
Release date:Ā June 26
Record label: Interscope Records
The post 6lack ā ā6Pc Hot’ EP review: musical rebirth from an ascendent R&B star primed for greatness appeared first on NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM.
