East Atlanta 6LACK’s return to London at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith was a show worth waiting for.

Apart from a Wireless Festival appearance in 2022, it had been five years since he played London’s Heaven, and for fans waiting for his return, it was evident that his return was 100% worth it. 

He was joined on stage by a two-piece band and Producer/DJ Tonee. The East Atlanta rapper has shown the growth and evolution of his career since his 2016 debut album, FREE 6LACK. Starting with a retrospective video of his career thus far, including various behind-the-moments, performances and things that have happened in his career. 

Those who have experienced him in any format know that he is rather chill and lowkey, so seeing him take the stage in every sense of the word left the crowd going from start to finish. He delivered a 90-minute performance of back-to-back hits from his FREE 6LACK, East Atlanta Love Letter and his latest 2023 Since I Have A Lover. 

Speaking to the crowd, he mentioned his love for the fans, old and new, welcoming those experiencing him to the family for the first time. The welcoming would make anyone who wasn’t already plugged in if they weren’t already.

The elevation was apparent in 6LACK’s performance and reflected in all aspects of the show. The lighting and production matched and contributed to the vibe of the show. Visuals that matched the sonic themes of songs and various lighting notes, including purple hues, brought through the colour from the Since I Have A Lover album cover art. Even the use of pyro added to the energetic moments like during Prblms.

6LACK was thoughtful of every moment of the show. Crafting the setlist was always going to be a challenge and a half. Apart from his three studio albums, he is a well-sought-after feature artist, so contributing all those factors together was a challenging assignment; however, any new and old fans returning will be able to say that he represented well. 

Bringing in moments from Since I Have A Lover, songs like Inwood Hill Park, Rent Free, Temporary, and Playing House got their time to shine. Fan favourites Luving U, Ex Calling, Worst Luck and Prblms got the love they deserved, with day-one fans going crazy during these moments. As well as OTW, Calling My Phone, and Imported. East Atlanta had its moment, too, with Stan, Let Her Go, my personal favourite and Pretty Little Fears.

Overall, it was an excellent return for 6LACK to the London stage and a display of his career so far. If it’s anything to go by, we shall be patiently awaiting his next show. 

Words Seneo Mwamba

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