E115 - 6LACK: The Inner Work of An Artist: Healing Through Vulnerability, Creativity, and Self Care

Artist and musician 6LACK opens up about mental health, meditation, and the power of music to heal. He shares his journey of becoming the renowned rapper he is today and how by prioritizing his well-being he has evolved both inside and out.

He gives a deep look into his creative process: from overcoming creative blocks and expectations to entering a 'flow state' while creating music. He discusses how turning vulnerability into art has shaped his music, revealing the emotional depths behind his lyrics. As he explores the responsibilities of being an artist in today's world, he highlights the evolution he has undergone with each album, illustrating how they mirror his personal growth.

6LACK concludes with a poignant reflection on a life-altering accident that reshaped his perspective, leaving listeners with a powerful reminder to make every moment count.

André's Book Recommendations: https://www.knowthyself.one/books

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0:00 Intro

1:56 Being an Introspective Person

4:09 Turning Vulnerability Into Art

7:30 How 6LACK Started Writing Rhymes 

10:12 Overcoming the Odds, Choosing Music, Going All In 

14:40 The Responsibility of an Artist

16:33 Growing Through Each Album

20:45 Collaborating With J. Cole 

24:13 Making Music to Inspire

27:08 Addressing His Mental Health After Making ‘Free 6lack’ 

34:00 Breaking Out of the ‘Musician’ Identity

37:32 Who He Is At His Core

40:46 Fatherhood & Integrity as a Man

44:43 Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

48:51 Creative Blocks & Committing to the Process

53:39 The Numbers Don’t Matter: Success & Expectations

57:08 Meditation & Daily Practices for Self Care

1:03:15 When the Song Comes Through You: The Spiritual Side of Music

1:09:05 The Realest Lyrics He’s Written: Healing Though Creativity

1:16:59 Safe Spaces for Men to Express Their Vulnerability

1:21:27 The Care Accident that Changed His Perspective

1:27:14 While You’re Here, Make It Count

1:29:39 Conclusion

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6LACK is an American R&B singer, rapper, and songwriter. Born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he gained recognition following the release of his 2016 single "Prblms", which marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Love Renaissance, an imprint of Interscope Records to release his debut studio album, Free 6lack (2016), which was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Two years later, he released his second studio album East Atlanta Love Letter (2018), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. His third album, Since I Have a Lover (2023) was met with moderate critical and commercial reception.

He has received three Grammy Award nominations.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6lack/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRLqThkOVjysBOM6fgkqmQ

6LACK on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IVAbR2w4JJNJDDRFP3E83?si=o8JJGIHBQNym3pGZ9_bcLQ&nd=1&dlsi=43086831413948dd

6LACk on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/6lack/1016633280

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Know Thyself

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

Website: https://www.knowthyself.one

Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4wglCWTJeWQC0exBalgKg

Listen to all episodes on Audio: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FSiemtvZrWesGtO2MqTZ4?si=d389c8dee8fa4026

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-thyself/id1633725927

André Duqum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/