Live Report: 6lack shines at 3Olympia Theatre

Back in 2019, R&B-soul rapper on the rise 6lack made a name for himself among Dublin’s hip hop fanatics as he stunned festival-goers at Longitude. Five years later, achieving international success as he launched into the second leg of his world tour, 6lack navigated the 3Olympia stage with a veteran’s confidence.

6LACK at 3Olympia, Dublin, 12 February 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire/hotpress.com

Yet another addition to the lineage of Atlanta talent to amass a staunch following, 6lack’s music dives into the highs and lows of our most powerful and delicate emotion just in time for Valentine’s Day. Aptly named Ricardo Valentine, the Georgia-born rapper was welcomed onstage by the roar of young romantics, scorned exes and all those who fall in between.

Sporting army-green cargos and a matching oversized tee, 6lack launched into his first string of songs following a last-minute set from Dublin-native and fellow neo-soul artist Monjola. Supported by a three-man crew of drummer David Myers, keyboardist Slim and DJ/hype-man Tonee, Valentine’s minimalist stage presence was instantly captivating as he tore through ‘Inwood Hill Park,’ ‘Talkback,’ and ‘Rent Free.’

6LACK at 3Olympia, Dublin, 12 February 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire/hotpress.com

“For some of you, this might be your second time seeing me,” Valentine said, referencing his 2019 Longitude appearance, “but if this is your first show, all I wanna say is welcome to the family. This is how we get down, alright?”

With a short introduction, 6lack was able to turn an audience of adoring fans into an intimate community bound by music, slowing the night’s pace with a devastating trio of ‘Free,’ ‘Luving You’ and ‘Worst Luck.’Glancing over the three tier venue, it was impossible to miss the wave of emotion as it landed in the crowd, listeners crying out, “I don’t wanna lose myself loving you” as Valentine clutched the mic stand.

With the lyrics of a poet, 6lack offers a fresh approach to the familiar themes of love and loss, crafting breakup anthems and romance tracks from molasses-thick beats that rush from head to heart.

6LACK at 3Olympia, Dublin, 12 February 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire/hotpress.com

The night continued as Valentine brought his Dublin audience a taste of Georgia with 2016’s ‘Alone/EA6,’ a powerful ballad inspired by the singer’s hometown of East Atlanta and the pressures he faced while finding a start in the music industry. Keeping on the same theme of Georgian upbringing, the track transitioned into a jazzy solo rendition of ‘East Atlanta Love Letter,’ a beloved collaboration with fellow Atlanta star Future.

“Alright, I’m gonna do a quick little pronunciation 101,” Valentine started, a lesson that new listeners would surely appreciate. Turning to each corner of the theatre, the rapper called out, “Hi, my name is..” to which the audience screamed, “Black!” seamlessly transitioning into opening lines of ‘Imported,’ a 2020 collaboration with Jessie Reyez.

After the heartfelt thrum of ‘Calling My Phone,’ illuminated by hundreds of iPhone flashlights, the crowd dissolved into near pandemonium as 6lack brought the room’s mood back with a vengeance. Bringing out a series of fan favourites with ‘OTW,’ ‘Switch’ and ‘Temporary,’ 6lack expertly manipulated the crowd, each song accompanied by cult-like chants as the crowd received their lyrics.

6LACK at 3Olympia, Dublin, 12 February 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire/hotpress.com

Energy climbed to a fever-pitch as Valentine jumped into a furious rendition of 'PRBLMS,' the crowd dropping into pandemonium as the night came to a close with J. Cole collaboration ‘Pretty Little Fears,’ ‘Since I Have A Lover’ and ‘Sorry.’ While the each song upheld 6lack’s signature slow, laid-back tempo and understated tone, the energy among listeners never wavered, coming to an all time high with the night’s final song ‘One Way,’ a thumping encore about the frustrations of long distance relationships.

Closing out the night with the appropriately placed lyrics, “Something feel different this time,” 6lack ended his sophomore Dublin show amidst eager cries for more.