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.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list ___________ 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 ___________ 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 ___________ 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/