Coming off Frank Ocean’s unbelievable modern classic, Super Rich Kids is a stereotypical slow jam that ebbs and flows smoothly through the world of substance abuse and the mistakes made by kids and young adults born into money.
Channel Orange, released in 2012, will go down as one of the best debut albums of all time. It followed a 2011 mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, which itself came after Ocean’s induction into hip-hop collective Odd Future in 2010. It was released on Def Jam Recordings and bagged a Grammy for Best Contemporary Album in 2013.
Frank Ocean has recruited fellow Odd Future artist Earl Sweatshirt to spit in his deep, slow voice that compliments Frank’s RnB tones. The beat is minimal and seems an accessory to the much more important lyrical aspect of this track. This isn’t always the case, but with such a stripped back instrumental led by a piano and supplemented with a light scattering of drums and jazz-influenced synths, it forces the consumer to mull over and really feel the song. It is an analysis on the life of, well, super rich kids and is documenting a perspective that, in 2012, wasn’t as obvious to the masses.
Frank is a hugely important figure in music. Whilst he is an influential RnB artist and is cited as an inspiration for the newer generation, such as Khalid, Ella Mai, and H.E.R., his career has seen him impact and shift hip-hop culture. Historically a hugely homophobic genre, Frank Ocean coming out as gay was a positive step for the culture. He was supported heavily by fellow Odd Future members, Beyonce, Jay-Z, and countless others after he came out on his Tumblr blog in the summer of 2012. Never had such a huge star come out as gay so publically, and it was this brave step that has helped change hip-hop. It is by no means a finished journey, but with artists like Kevin Abstract of BROCKHAMPTON, and currently involved Tyler The Creator and Jaden Smith actively and proudly promoting inclusivity and individuality, the gay community has role models in high places in hip-hop. Long may that continue!
If you are unaware of the hype surrounding Frank Ocean, have a quick search for the frustration and anticipation for his next project following Channel Orange. It took 4 years for Blonde to release, and the internet broke down when it did. With such a beautiful voice, Frank Ocean’s discography is one you need to delve into. Late nights or early mornings, get this playing and enjoy.
Spotify Playlist Link: https://spoti.fi/2CKuVex
A Song A Day 