We’re two weeks away from the release of Frank Ocean‘s debut album Channel Orange. His intentions were to release the project with little promotion or fanfare, the same sneak-attack tactic that made his 2011 mixtape release Nostalgia/ultra so popular. Things changed, however, after a select group of journalists were invited to preview his album last week.
Following the listening, one of those journalists asserted that Frank revealed his bi-sexuality on various tracks in the project (using the pronouns “him” or “he” where one might assume he’d use a “her” or a “she”.) None of the others in attendance could confirm or deny this, but that did not stop the speculation. So, in true Frank Ocean fashion, he put the rumors to rest on his own terms, via Tumblr early this morning (July 4th.)
In a heartfelt letter (which he originally planned to release as a part of his album liner/thank you notes) Frank eloquently details the first time he fell in love, and subsequently got his heart broken.
By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. There was no choice. It was my first love.
The object of his affection happened to be male.
You can read the entire letter here (click to enlarge):
Now of course, this drew mixed reactions from the ever opinionated Twitterverse. Take a look at what people had to say:
Odd Future front man Tyler, The Creator:
My Big Brother Finally Fucking Did That. Proud Of That Nigga Cause I Know That Shit Is Difficult Or Whatever. Anyway. Im A Toilet.
— Tyler, The Creator (@fucktyler) July 4, 2012
Frank’s mom, Katonya Breaux Riley:
My son is brave and honest and I am very proud of him. I wish more people in the world could be brave enough to be who they really are.
— katonya breaux riley (@katonya) July 4, 2012
Solange Knowles:
https://twitter.com/solangeknowles/status/220524673832730624
Blogger, Perez Hilton:
So proud of @frank_ocean for coming out about his sexuality! shar.es/tnPb9 Bold! Brave! Brilliant! #VisibilityHelpsAchieveEquality
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) July 4, 2012
Writer, Jozen Cummings
What Frank Ocean did was courageous, but I also think it’s easier to applaud such things when they’re far away from home.
— Jozen Cummings (@jozenc) July 4, 2012
Radio Personality, Charlamagne:
How long I been saying an openly gay male artist with REAL talent will win? Frank Ocean about to be so many people Hero.
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) July 4, 2012
DJ Drama:
I commend Frank Ocean on his courage. I support him & will continue to be a fan of his work
— DJ DRAMA (@DJDRAMA) July 4, 2012
Writer/Radio Personality, Miss Info:
does whomever inspired songs like “Thinking About You” change how beautiful it is? no. we all wish someone felt that way about us.
— Missinfo (@Missinfo) July 4, 2012
On the dissenting side, there were plenty who revealed that they would/could no longer listen to Frank’s music because he’s revealed that he has had homosexual feelings. What do you think? If you were a fan of Frank’s music before, will this confession keep you from supporting his project when it drops on July 17th?
1 Comment
As I wrote on Twitter earlier, I jammed “Pyramids” in the same fashion I did when it first came out a month ago. Nothing changed. Talent beats out perception.
Salute to Frank on his announcement but man, it would have been crazier to find this out in the liner notes.