Released: 2023
In the track “Talkback” by 6LACK, the Atlanta-born artist takes listeners through a personal and reflective journey where he explores themes of self-growth, the pursuit of success, and spirituality. With an understated but confident flow, 6LACK touches on staying true to oneself, the significance of family, and maintaining focus in a world filled with distractions and detractors. Throughout the song, the listener is guided through 6LACK’s introspective musings, giving an insight into his current mindset and priorities.
The song opens with the mention of a Lamborghini, a status symbol representing success and affluence. But 6LACK quickly shifts focus from materialism by stating that he’s not hyped over social media approval. The reference to a “long week” and putting the ‘Gram away hints at the mental toll that fame and constant connectivity can have. This line suggests that sometimes stepping back from social media to prioritize more significant matters is necessary, particularly “go get the bag” — a colloquial way of saying securing financial stability.
In the following lines, 6LACK emphasizes the importance of using success to support one’s family, an important value within the hip-hop community where generational wealth is often a goal. He mentions understanding the “method” — perhaps a reference to a personal or spiritual method — and expresses a commitment to ensuring his family’s welfare. There’s a resilient spirit that speaks through as he mentions he’s willing to spread this wisdom to help others as well.
The chorus (“Got so many diamonds, they like, ‘Oh, Lord’…”) subtly addresses both the trappings of wealth and the criticism that often follows. Here, 6LACK talks about his business ventures, hinting at both material wealth (diamonds) and plans for bigger financial success. The use of “Oh, Lord” alludes to both surprise and divine acknowledgment, playing into the idea of achieving blessings beyond the expected.
Throughout the verse, 6LACK speaks on his self-awareness and emotional fortitude. Even though people talk down on him, he maintains that their words “just roll off,” showcasing a developed sense of resilience and indifference to negativity. This reveals a confidence where he’s unfazed by detractors and maintains focus on his path, despite their attempts to derail him.
When 6LACK mentions having “spoken to God on the phone,” he’s highlighting his spiritual connection and divine guidance. This metaphorical communication underscores a direct line to understanding and truth, a source of strength and clarity in a chaotic world. It’s a common theme in hip-hop where artists often reference conversations with a higher power as a means to convey guidance and reassurance.
The next section revisits themes of judgment and realness. 6LACK mentions that while flawed people might dislike him, “real niggas love me,” drawing a line between those who understand his journey and those who only criticize from afar. His line “I’ve always been the one that my people could vent to” reflects a personal responsibility, showing that despite his personal growth, he remains grounded and accessible.
6LACK then advises others to focus on self-reliance and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in pursuing goals. He touches on his own growth, noting that he’s stopped “making excuses” and is focused on reality, encouraging listeners to adopt the same mindset. The “another million, I’ma need a drumroll” signifies his success but also highlights the hard work that goes unnoticed.
There’s a metaphorical narrative about survival in challenging times. Phrases like “been through the rain without a poncho” suggest weathering hardships unprotected, underscoring his perseverance and determination. In contrast, he’s using “hundos,” slang for hundred-dollar bills, not just as wealth but as a means to give back to his community — buying his block.
Finally, 6LACK reflects on his personal growth over the years, implying significant change and maturity since earlier days. By seeking answers from God and having Him “talk back,” he reiterates the song’s central theme of spiritual and self-assurance. His final remark serves as a reminder of ongoing evolution, reinforcing the idea that true growth involves both personal introspection and a broader commitment to positive influence.
