#FreshmenOfAtlanta Interview w/ @6LACK

1. Where are you from? 

I was born in Baltimore, MD, but I've been in Atlanta longer than I can remember. I'd also like to think I'm from a place very far away. Well I know that, haha.  

2. When did you fall in love with hip hop?

I fell in love with Hip Hop, and just music in general when I was around 3 or 4. I had already recorded my first verse by the time I was 3. It just runs in the blood I guess. 

3. Why do you this? 

It's my calling. My gift from the Man. My craft. My powers. And it's my job to use my powers to change as many lives as I can while I'm here.

4. Who are your influences in music? 

I think it's more of a "what" for me. Living is really an inspiration all on it's own. But I listen to everything so my "who" list might be too long. Off the top: Erykah Badu, Andre 3000, John Mayer, Sade, Michael, Prince, etc the list never ends. Those are just the legends though. 

5. Describe your musical style.

It's whatever I feel at the time. I can't really put it in the box of being just one genre, but I like to call myself a mutt, so it's a mixture of everything I listen to. Long live the hybrids!

6. What was the first song you knew from start to finish?

Candy Rain by Soul for Real

7. When will you be dropping a new tape? 

I actually just announced my solo project last week. It's called "6" and there is no set release date yet, but expect it in early 2014, and believe me when I say it'll be amazing.

The group (TeamPhlyte) is actually wrapping up a project now. So we'll release that by the time it gets warm again, hence the title "Seashore High." 

8. Where did you get your name "6LACK" from? 

Long story short, black represents strength, dominance, mystery, depth, the absorption of light, and protection. 6 is my favorite number, my life path number,the number of my past/present/future, the month I was born in, and it represents all the principles I live by. Lastly, LACK is an acronym: lawless, artistic, critical, knowledgeable 

9. What is your least favorite song that you have recorded? 

A song with J-Kwon that I hope you all never hear, haha. Don't ask. He was there & it just happened.

10. How long does it take you to record?

I do everything mental & recording is really second nature now, so anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what I'm working on. I've actually had sessions that lasted 24+ hours though. People were taking nap shifts & making snack runs haha. That actually happened a few times. If we're talking about how fast I can record, I work pretty fast, but I usually take my time to ensure everything is exactly how I want it.

11. Where do you think you fit in Atlanta music scene? 

When these projects drop next year, I'm hoping I don't fit in at all, haha. I hope the city appreciates something brand new, because that's what I'm aiming to create. Something completely different from the norm. 

12. How does what your doing now shape your next 10 years?

All I'm doing now is reading & practicing, so in 10 years time I should be an expert.

13. What do you want people to get from your music?

Whatever they feel when they listen, is exactly what I want them to feel. 

14. Is there a such thing as a perfect beat? 

Without a doubt! Ive heard a lot of em. S/O to the amazing producers that make a writer's job that much easier.

15. Who do you like collabing with? 

I've written & worked with a lot people who are really dope, but Bianca Leonor will be one of my favorites. Look her up. That's my twin haha

16. If your mixtape was like a movie which one would it be? 

Haven't seen that movie yet.

17. What is your recording process? 

Find/create a beat, close my eyes, figure out what I wanna talk about, hum a few melodies, next thing you know I'm walking in the booth. The rest is magic.

18. If you had to listen to one mixtape for the rest of your life what would it be?

Just go ahead & shoot me please, haha

19. If someone had never heard your music before what would tell them before they listened? 

Enjoy.

20. What experiences in life have made you who you are today?

Love has played the biggest part. Relationships, and all of the people around me. Also the ones who aren't here anymore. RIP to the fallen angels. 

21. When everything is said and done what do you want GOD to say to you?

"Just like I knew you would."