Artist To Keep Your Eye On: FRANK OCEAN

Frank Ocean is best known for his hit song “Novacane” (here) than being one part of the group OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All). He is a singer-songwriter who has written songs for Beyonce, Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend. He released his amazing first mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra on February 8, 2011. The mixtape really showed the type of artist that Frank Ocean is. He did not hold back at all lyrically or musically. The mixtape seemed effortless and flowed very well. This is definitely like timeless music to me. I can see myself still playing this mixtape in the years to come. Standout tracks include “Swim Good”, “Novacane”, “We All Try”, and “Nature Feels”. He has been giving the Hollywood stamp of approval by the likes of Jay-Z and Kanye West. He worked on Jay-Z and Kanye’s joint album “Watch The Throne” and contributed vocals to the songs “No Church in the Wild” and “Made in America”. He also has been backed by rock band Coldplay, who he will be opening up for on the leg of their European tour later this year. He is signed to Def Jam Recordings with his debut album set to drop later this year. When I first heard “Novacane” on the radio, it was just so refreshing to hear. It was different, engaging, and lyrically genius. I mean in this day and age you do not have many male singers out and on mainstream radio that sings and writes like Frank Ocean does. I would love to sit in on a creative session with him doing what he does best: writing and singing. That would be freaking awesome. Frank initially wrote a song for Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly titled “Thinkin Bout You”. Frank’s version of the song leaked and people fell in love with it. So he decided to keep the song for himself, re-mastered it, and intended to be included on his upcoming, as yet untitled debut studio album. Check the video out here! It's pretty weird and dope! Frank Ocean is definitely one to keep your eye on. I feel like he has major things in store this year and I am ready and excited to follow his journey through his music. Follow Frank on twitter @frank_ocean and like his fan page on facebook www.facebook.com/thefrankocean!