6 Kiss is the second full-length solo mixtape by American rapper Lil B. At 20 years old, he released the album on December 22, 2009.[1][2] It follows the release of his first solo mixtape I’m Thraxx that was released on September 24, 2009.[2][3] The album cover was illustrated by Benjamin Marra which depicts Lil B shirtless with a halo on his head.[4]Clams Casino is the primary producer of the album.[5]
Background
Prior to releasing 6 Kiss, Lil B was a part of a hip hop group, The Pack, and released a song "Vans" that reached #58 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006.[6][7] During 2008 and 2009, he was busy uploading songs on Myspace where he started to develop a cult-like underground following.[8]
Reception
The Rolling Stone ranked the second track on the album, "I'm God" at 37th on their 2023 list of "The 100 Greatest West Coast Hip-Hop Songs of All Time"[5]
Soulja Boy, a prominent rapper, stated that one of his all-time favorite albums is 6 Kiss, therefore further popularizing the album.[9] Additionally, rappers including Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator applauded his work and revolutionary style. Despite this, older rappers ignored his mixtape as it strayed from traditional styles.[5] Lil B has also faced criticism from fans for some materialistic and misogynistic lyrics.[8]
Influence
The release of 6 Kiss pioneered the subgenre of rap, cloud rap, which is known for ethereal sounds combined with melodic rapping.[10] Many critics attribute 6 Kiss to be one of the most influential mixtapes of all time[11][2] and say that it allowed for the success of many rappers, such as A$AP Rocky, Yung Lean, Playboi Carti and Bladee.[11][12] The instrumental of "I'm God" received a cult following on the Internet and is considered one of the most important cloud rap tracks.[13][14][15]
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