Frank Ocean

Apr
21
Frank Ocean Performs ‘American Wedding’ at Coachella

Frank Ocean returned to Coachella for the second weekend, serving up a strong set without the technical difficulties of the previous week. This time, he was backed by a new band including Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger. The Odd Future singer switched up his setlist, surprisingly adding the “Hotel California”-sampled “American Wedding” into the mix.

Just last month, Eagles founder Don Henley reportedly threatened to sue him for his unauthorized use of the 1977 classic. (For his part, Henley denies that any lawsuit has been filed, but the Eagles are considering legal action.)

“I guess if I play it at coachella it’ll cost me a couple hundred racks,” wrote Ocean, who decided to change up the melody when he performed the song live with Einziger in Indio on Friday night. However, the lyrics remained the same.

What do you think of Frank’s live version of “American Wedding”?

Apr
14
Frank Ocean Makes Waves at Coachella

Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator

After joining Odd Future at Coachella last year, Frank Ocean returned to the festival with a solo set consisting mostly of songs off his debut Nostalgia, Ultra, sprinkled with teasers of new material.

“Coachella, what the fuck is up?” asked the New Orleans native as he took the stage at the Gobi tent, immediately apologizing for technical difficulties. But it was only the beginning of a shaky performance that kicked off with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Long Time Gone.”

He then delved into his current single “Thinking Bout You,” asking his band to kill the music midway through. The crowd roared when Tyler, the Creator appeared onstage, snapping a photo of his OFWGKTA cohort before performing “Analog 2″ off The OF Tape Vol. 2.

“Whip Appeal” and “Voodoo” were followed by a new song where he referenced Forrest Gump, but it too was cut short. He closed his 40-minute set with “Novacane” and “White,” leaving festivalgoers thirsty for more.

Watch Frank’s full Coachella performance below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Apr
11
J. Cole, Wale, Frank Ocean, & The Weeknd Join Lollapalooza Lineup

J. Cole and Wale

Lollapalooza is getting a heavy dose of hip-hop. Following Eminem’s headline performance last year, J. Cole, Wale, and Kendrick Lamar are among the artists who will play this year’s festival.

Read the rest of this entry »

Apr
5
Single Cover: Frank Ocean – ‘Thinkin Bout You’

Thinkin Bout You

Frank Ocean is carving out his own lane. A Frankie look-alike gets behind the wheel of a race car in an arcade on the cover art for the Odd Future affiliate’s new single “Thinkin Bout You.”

The tender ballad, which he originally penned for Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly, will be released to digital retailers on April 17, while Frank’s Def Jam debut is due later this year.

“It succinctly defines me as an artist for where I am right now and that was the aim,” he said of the follow-up to the acclaimed Nostalgia, Ultra. “It’s about the stories. If I write 14 stories that I love, then the next step is to get the environment of music around it to best envelop the story and all kinds of sonic goodness.”

Mar
24
Diddy, Frank Ocean, & Keyshia Cole Wear Hoodies in Support of Trayvon Martin

Diddy

Diddy donned a hoodie in remembrance of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old who was shot to death by a neighborhood watch captain in Florida last month. The shooting has sparked a nationwide uproar over race and justice, with even President Obama weighing in.

Thousands of people participated in the Million Hoodies March in cities across the country to seek justice for Martin, who was wearing a hoodie when he was killed.

“I didn’t know wearing a hoodie made me a target,” tweeted the Bad Boy mogul, while Swizz Beatz wrote, “Had to Hoodie up for Trayvon. What a sad situation! Blessing to his fam.”

Many celebrities voiced their support via social media, while Keyshia Cole, Ludacris, Jamie Foxx, Frank Ocean, Nelly, The-Dream, and players from the Miami Heat sported hoodies in a showing of solidarity. See them band together below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mar
23
Frank Ocean Gets Up Close in i-D Magazine

Frank Ocean

Despite his surge to stardom, Frank Ocean has maintained a low profile. While riding on a South Kensington carousel in London, the press shy singer opened up to British fashion magazine i-D about his love for Celine Dion, why he doesn’t do many interviews, and the reason he was fired from his previous jobs. See photos and read highlights from the story below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mar
21
Bridget Kelly Clears Up Confusion Over Frank Ocean-Penned Song

Bridget Kelly and Frank Ocean

Bridget Kelly and Frank Ocean both earned new fans with their versions of “Thinking About You,” but who had the song first? The Roc Nation singer is setting the record straight on the ballad’s origin.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mar
17
New Music: Frank Ocean – ‘Whip Appeal’

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean shares more music to hold us over while we wait for his Def Jam debut. The Odd Future crooner hands over the keys to a pretty girl on the drum-patterned “Whip Appeal.” “Something to drive, or jog to,” explained Frank. Put this on cruise control and ride out.

Read the rest of this entry »