13 Things You Didn’t Know About Frank Ocean; Facts About Singer As Fans Wait For ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ Album
Fans have been waiting and waiting — and waiting some more — for Frank Ocean to drop his new album, “Boys Don’t Cry.” The latest rumors suggest that the 28-year-old singer will finally release the album, with a new title, this weekend but several rumored release dates have come and gone with no sign of the project.
Of course, Ocean hasn’t addressed the rumors but he did treat fans to a visual album called “Endless” on Thursday. While his followers continue to wait and see if Ocean’s album drops as expected, get to know the notoriously private “Thinking Bout You” singer a tad bit better with some cool and fun facts about him.
- He Legally Changed His Name
Frank Ocean was born Christopher Edwin Breaux but he changed his moniker to Christopher Francis “Frank” Ocean. In an interview with Complex, Ocean opened up about his name change saying that it “just felt cool.” He explained: “None of us are our names. If you don’t like your name then change your name.”
- He Doesn’t Plan On Returning To His Hometown To Live
Ocean was born in New Orleans but left after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the studio he used to record his music. At the time, Ocean was attending the University of New Orleans, but quit to move to Los Angeles. “I was like, ‘F--- school. I’m out of here. I’ve got to go record,’” he told Complex. “I got in my car with my girlfriend at the time, and drove out here to L.A., and I never went back. I’ve visited but I’m never going back to stay.”
- He’s A Member Of Odd Future
Ocean joined the hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (Odd Future) in 2010. It was founded by Tyler the Creator, and also includes rappers Earl Sweatshirt, Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis and Mike G, producers Left Brain, Syd tha Kyd, Matt Martians, Pyramid Vritra and others.
- He’s A Ghostwriter
Ocean has written songs for artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, John Legend, Brandy and Alicia Keys.
- His First True Love Was A Man
In a 2012 Tumblrpost, Ocean revealed that when he was 19 he fell in love with a man. The singer didn’t reveal who the man was, but it’s said that the songs on his 2012 album “Channel Orange” was about his past love. “4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide,” he posted. “Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversations and his silence … until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him.”
- Don’t Call Him Bisexual
Even though the “Lost” singer revealed he dated a man, Ocean does not want to put a label on his sexuality. When asked in an interview with GQ whether he was bisexual, Ocean had this to say: “I’ll respectfully say that life is dynamic and comes along with dynamic experiences, and the same sentiment that I have towards genres of music, I have towards a lot of labels and boxes and s---.”
- He’s Rumored To Have Dated A Fashion Designer And Male Model
Ocean is a very private person, and besides his 2012 Tumblr post hasn’t discussed his romantic life. It has been rumored, however, that he dated Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci and French male model Willy Cartier. Ocean and Tisci sparked dating rumors after they were seen hanging out at the 2013 Met Gala. The singer was linked to Cartier in 2012 after he posted an Instagram photo of the model with his arms wrapped around him. E! Online also reported that Ocean and Cartier attended a few red carpet events together.
- His Pet Dog Is Included On “Channel Orange”
According to GQ, Ocean listed his dog Everest as an executive producer on the album.
- He’s Had A Bunch Of Odd Jobs
Before making it big as a singer, Ocean worked a number of different jobs to make ends meet. Pigeons and Planes reported that some of those jobs included an AT&T salesman, and Allstate claims processor and a Subway sandwich artist.
- His Dream Job
If Ocean wasn’t a successful singer and songwriter, he would have been a mechanic or lawyer, Pigeons and Planes reported.
- He Was Sued By Chipotle
Ocean was sued by Chipotle for over $200,000 after he backed out of performing the song “Pure Imagination” for its animated ad. The company sued Ocean to get back the $212, 500 advance they gave him to do the commercial. Ocean reportedly backed out at the last minute because he didn’t want Chipotle’s logo to appear at the end of the ad. Ocean eventually gave the company a check for the money, writing in the memo line: “F--- OFF.” Fiona Apple did the commercial instead.
- His Song “Crack Rock” Is Inspired By Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Speaking to the Guardian in 2012, Ocean revealed that he used to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings with his grandfather. He explained that his grandfather was a mentor for people struggling with substance abuse, and the stories he heard inspired “Crack Rock,” which appeared on “Channel Orange.”
- He Dissed Chris Brown In The Remix Of “Versace”
Frank Ocean once called Chris Brown’s music “sloppy” in a non-audio remix of the song “Versace,” Spinreported. He posted the lyric-only song to his Tumblr page in 2013. Brown and Ocean’s feud dates back to 2011 when the “Liquor” singer took jabs at Ocean on Twitter. They later got into a fight at a Los Angeles recording studio allegedly over a parking spot.
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