Whatever you do, do not call Frank Ocean an R&B singer. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter is featured in the December 2011 issue of the Italian publication, L’Uomo Vogue. With his shots done by none other than Nabil Elderkin (who also directed his “Swim Good” music video), Mr. Ocean spoke candidly on being labeled an R&B singer, how it felt to change his legal birth name and how things will change once he’s elected president (yes, the President of the United States):
On being labeled an R&B artist:
“I’ll usually cringe at the R&B label. Because it’s like calling it urban…and what the fuck is urban music?”On the state of politics today:
“My generation just doesn’t have the best taste in leadership. And weak leadership means little to no cohesion. If there’s no cohesion, there’s no real chance for effective protest or politics. Obviously, looking at Occupy Wall Street, there are a few in our bunch who still give a damn enough to rally and shout. This will change once I’m elected President.” [Source]
Frank has also been named GQ magazine’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ (VIEW POST).
HUH? Frank Ocean, you don’t like the R&B label? Um… “Novacane” and “Swim” sure do sound like R&B singles to me and Swim has more soul in it. If you don’t like the label then change the R&B beats and melodies of your singles. You ask “What is urban music?” Urban music was developed through the characteristics of genres such as R&B and Soul. I mean… what a stupid question to ask. You’re acting like you’re one of those black artists that does strictly rock, pop and/or alternative and get called R&B just because you’re black. BTW, LMAO at him thinking he will be elected president!
My man…finally getting the recognition he deserves! So happy for Frank
Don’t you hate it when they get a little buzz; their nose soon becomes placed up their ass… It’s a lot to talk about it but to be about it, is where it’s really at. I don’t knock Frank Ocean but at the same time I’m not buying into this second coming mumbo jumbo he’s trying to put out. “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
I’m sorry I feel that The Weeknd is more deserving of the Prince Label he reminds more of Prince in his early years ranchy, crude. Frank Oceans not so much but he’s cool though I like the song Thinking about You.
child please, if he’s elected president, then the new world order has TRULEY started, and it’s time for me to get the FUCK on up out of here, cause whos he gonna elected as his vice, tyler?……..OH GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL, I know he needs to go have several seats.
thats an insult to prince
frank ocean is frank ocean and he’s good
but best lyricist since prince?
ok…wtf is this magazine? never heard of it.
@ whatever
YOU ARE SOOOO RIGHT!!!
Frank Ocean is the truth! But knowing the music industry now & days they wont rep this dude the way he needs them too. SMH
I think Frank Ocean is the next big artist of all time he is the next R Kelly, just as much as Kelly never got credit for his music Frank might be facing the same situation! The media always tries to break people like Frank and they will try just like R Kelly. But you should all know that you cant keep a good man down. Frank has big dreams and he will accomplish them in the near future because he is the truth! Keep doing what you do Frank you are the greatest artist of today in my books, much love!
r.kelly had a hard legal time, but he ALWAYS got the credit he deserves. r. kelly got GOSPEL grammys. like really? he probably lost count of his awards. frank ain’t even close.
uuummmm….ok…
Sounds like he’s starting to believe his own hype. Put out a full album first, dude, and let your music define itself *IF* it’s THAT transcendent… Geez. He’s making it hard to like him.
WTF is he smoking?! He’s not rnb, please. Best lyricist since Rrince, is this a joke..even making that statement shows how little they know about real music. Trying to be president, he don’t even have an album out. He is full of himself, he needs to calm his ass down.