Wikipedia

Ex Calling

"Ex Calling" is the debut single by American singer 6lack. It was first released on May 17, 2016[1] before being released to streaming services on July 25, 2016[2] as the lead single from his debut studio album Free 6lack (2016). Produced by Southside and DZL, the song is a remix of "Perkys Calling" by American rapper Future from the mixtape Purple Reign (2016).

"Ex Calling"
Single by 6lack
from the album Free 6lack
ReleasedJuly 25, 2016
Recorded2016
GenreAlternative R&B
Length3:31
Label
Songwriters
Producers
6lack singles chronology
"Ex Calling"
(2016)		 "Prblms"
(2016)
Music video
"Ex Calling" on YouTube

Background

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In an interview with Genius, 6lack revealed the song was referring to all of his previous romantic partners. He stated, "'Ex Calling' was literally a collage of all my exes. I just combined them into one mega ex and just made a song about all of them. She was in there somewhere. I just fused them all into the greatest ex of all time."[3]

Composition

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The production contains sparse piano and "alternating bass kicks that speed up the pace".[4] Lyrically, 6lack reflects on his past relationships,[5] especially dealing with his self-growth following a toxic relationship[6] and refusal to answer the phone when his ex calls him.[3]

Music video

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The music video was released on December 5, 2016. Shot in black-and-white, it sees 6lack wandering through town[7] and visiting a strip club,[5][7][8] where he throws money on some dancers.[8]

Charts

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Certifications

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Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[11] 2× Platinum 160,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[12] Gold 15,000‡
United States (RIAA)[13] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ↑ "6LACK - Ex Calling (Audio)". YouTube. May 17, 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  2. ↑ "Ex Calling - Single". Free6lack.com. July 25, 2016. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  3. 1 2 "6LACK "Ex Calling" Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified". YouTube. March 1, 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  4. ↑ Duricy, Brian (30 November 2016). "6lack: Free 6lack". PopMatters. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  5. 1 2 Dandridge-Lemco, Ben (December 5, 2016). "6LACK Shares "Ex Calling" Video". The Fader. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  6. ↑ "Free 6lack". Exclaim!. November 17, 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  7. 1 2 Berry, Peter A. (December 5, 2016). "6LACK Can Hear His 'Ex Calling' in His New Video". XXL. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  8. 1 2 Goddard, Kevin (December 6, 2016). "6LACK "Ex Calling" Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  9. ↑ "6lack Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
  10. ↑ "6LACK Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – 6lack – Ex Calling". Music Canada. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  12. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – 6lack – Ex Calling". Radioscope. Retrieved 2 April 2025. Type Ex Calling in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
  13. ↑ "American single certifications – 6lack – Ex Calling". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
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