While most of us were at the barbecues, the beach, or both, Frank Ocean spent his Independence Day making a momentous decision as a hip hop artist. Through emotional and notably eloquent words, Ocean divulged through his Tumblr blog that his first love was a man, and expressed gratitude for the people with whom he was able to share his story.
Many have claimed that Ocean used his sexuality for publicity, since his album was released soon thereafter. Regardless, the quality of his album allows it to stand on its own, overshadowing any alleged publicity stunts.
His cathartic ‘coming out’ ties in with his latest artistic creation, Channel Orange. “Orange is a color of liberation, from the pains of hurtful love and inner insecurities. To ‘channel orange’ is to truly be free, to be you,” Ocean explains.
While his album as a whole is an impressive testament to individualism, Ocean also addresses subjects like misogyny, ignorance, and drug abuse, things many of his peers in the realm of hip hop seem to glorify.
Ocean imparts his commentary on these topics through his skillful songwriting, exemplified in “Pyramids,” a 10-minute-long allegorical journey through ancient Egypt and present-day Vegas. There is undeniable craftsmanship that pervades throughout the 17-track album. As a whole, this album absolutely shatters expectations.
Demonstrating his knowledge beyond musical composition, he makes lyrical allusions to everything from Hinduism and neurology to Dragonball Z and Forrest Gump. Moreover, Ocean delivers his bold musical and lyrical choices with an intimate soulfulness, vulnerability, and authenticity.
“You don’t know how little you matter until you’re all alone,” he sings on the track “Crack Rock.”
Ocean manages to masterfully interweave a variety of genres like gospel, jazz, hip hop, and blues into a musical fusion of utter bliss to the ears. And on top of that, Ocean provides sensuous vocals that are nothing short of remarkable, hitting sky-high falsettos and taking the less-is-more route on riffs and runs.
What sets Ocean apart from other modern hip hop artists is that he seems to be one of the very few who can make a commendable album and get his message across without being overtly vulgar. Judging from Channel Orange, it’s fair to say we can expect many more extraordinary albums from Frank Ocean.
Not surprisingly, Channel Orange was received with critical acclaim, rated the number-one album of 2012 by Pitchfork, and released one week ahead of schedule due to overwhelming demand. You can listen to the entire album free of charge on his website frankocean.com.
