Frank Ocean has certainly become a favorite among industry heads and cool kids alike, so it’s no surprise that the internet gets excited every time a new track leaks or drops. Check out the latest in Frank’s catalog, “Whip Appeal.”
No telling whether or not this is new or old, or whether it’s coming from his hotly anticipate debut album, but we haven’t even really heard any updates on whether or not Frank is still rereleasing the reboot of his street LP, Nostalgia/Ultra, dubbed NostalgiaLite to retailers anymore.
With the success of his mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA and international tour, Frank Ocean has been selected to be a part of the BBC News Sound of 2012 list. The compiled list “showcases some of music’s most exciting emerging stars, selected by more than 180 leading critics, bloggers and broadcasters.”
In an interview with the international news outlet, Mr. Francis Ocean shared a bit about the difference between living in Los Angeles, California versus growing up in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter also touched on what brings out his vivid lyrics and tunes:
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ON WHAT INSPIRES HIS SONGS:
I guess I’m just inspired to tell stories and I enjoy music and just the art form so much, that it seems like the perfect medium to tell stories. And in my life, times that I’ve enjoy and that mean a lot to me, I often go back to them. Continue
Rumor has it that the delays with the retail release of Frank Ocean’s street album, Nostalgia/Ultra, titled Nostalgia,Lite come from the inability to get samples cleared. However, it seems as though the team has found their way of getting the ball rolling on their own.
Earlier this year, an unmixed version of this new track, “Girlfriend’s Best Friend” leaked. Although this is a little more R&B than the other material we’ve heard from Ocean, this is being dubbed a “first single.” Not sure whether this is for an album, or an addition to the rerelease, but it’ll be interesting to see what comes next for Frank with all of the attention he’s gathered.
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]
[audio:http://cdn.concreteloop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lupe-Fiasco-Around-My-Way-Freedom-Aint-Free-BMF.mp3]♫ Lupe Fiasco - Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)
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