Visionary Voices: Frank Ocean is a Legend, Influencing LGBTQ+ Music with Sound and Representation in the Media

 

Frank Ocean (Photo Credit: Gq.com)

Frankly, He is a Legend

Get ready for yet another post dedicated to a representational singing sensation. We have a strong feeling that you absolutely, positively have heard his star name before. Chances are, you have also heard his music one, two, or even thousands of times on the radio or even had someone recommend his talents to you. That is how famous this young and visionary artist is. And he only seems to continue to take us all to the next level with him. His name is Frank Ocean. This dedication post certainly feels like a long time coming and I say this because Frank Ocean is someone I consider myself to be immensely inspired by. I will never forget the first time that I heard Ocean's "Swim Good" and "Novacane" and certainly all thanks to a former friend of mine who was able to introduce me to some of his music (no, not the same friend that usually introduces me to good music and movies, although they are a pretty massive fan of Frank's too). When I first played these songs in my car, I was offered one of those rare and unique out of body-like experiences that only seem to exist within the silver box of a film screen. You know what experience I am talking about! It is a feeling like you are stuck in-between a dreaming state of mind and some alternative reality that is full of nostalgia and packed with a punch of extraordinary expression (Ocean's debut mixtape that featured these two tracks was, in fact, titled Nostalgia, Ultra after all). Or perhaps... it is just me that has those experiences when listening to Frank Ocean. In which case, I might just be the odd one out (perhaps not as surprising).

Nevertheless, Frank Ocean remains to be, well... quite frankly, a legend. Yes, I said it. And maybe you were already thinking the same thing, in which case, welcome to the blog! And while the titles of being "legendary" or even "iconic" are words that constantly get thrown around on just about anyone nowadays, I strongly believe that Frank Ocean is deserving of the title himself for overcoming many obstacles, not only in his career, but in his personal life story as well. Many of you will be familiar with the ever popular song from Ocean's Channel Orange album, "Thinkin Bout You" which took the world by storm. And if you have yet to listen to this song, please, at some point today (or even after you read this post) do yourself the loveliest of favors and play this song out loud. For me, this song is how many people and members of the LGBTQ+ community first became acquainted with the musical artist. It seemed that with his artistic and incredible capabilities, the world did not anticipate someone as talented and unique as him. What the world was also not ready for, was that Ocean would do something that many others might have never dreamed of doing so openly before the world. He would just need to take time and do it on his terms before sharing with the world a special part of his identity. And ironically enough, he would later go on to address his special announcement through a blogpost on Tumblr. That is when I truly believe the world and, quite frankly, the entire music industry would completely be changed for the better and forever. 

Frank Ocean (Photo Credit: Irishtimes.com)

An Ode to Ocean

Ocean openly spoke about his sexual orientation in the summer of 2012. A year, many might remember being an important year for music in general. In an open letter posted to his blog, Ocean shared a part of himself in a vulnerable and brave way that both opened and changed minds about the way that we both listen and experience music. Being an African American male and identifying on the LGBTQ+ spectrum was definitely not something that the music industry seems to proudly advocate for. And other leading figures in the music industry have definitely not been able to so openly be themselves, as the same music industry has only more recently been showing its support for more LGBTQ+ representation. With artists like Kehlani and Lil Nas X, the entertainment business seems to slowly, but surely be expanding its representational horizons on the music scene, one talented artist at a time. And for years, Frank Ocean owned this part of himself so bravely, so fearlessly, that even when those in the same industry tried to shame his name, he kept true to himself and relentlessly pursued his passions with a smile on his face. In a quote from his special announcement, Ocean described this coming out experience as saying, "I don't have any secrets... I feel like a free man." And it is a sentences like this that only seem to amplify the point that when artists use their platform to showcase the most truest forms of themselves, the world will react, but the outcome will almost always sway to the side that speaks loudest for the marginalized and oppressed. This is truly when representation in the media gets to not only become established, but proves to be effective. 

Frank Ocean performing on SNL (Photo Credit: Stereogum.com)

Years later, Ocean is still living his most authentic life and being the best version of himself that he is, and it clearly shows throughout his artistic career. As the artist himself continues to grow and evolve into his talents and forms of expression, the world continues to watch and wait with open arms and just as open eyes to see what Ocean will do next. Most recently, his 2016 album release of Blonde was just as widely recognized and received. And while most musical artists might attempt to turn out the next single by the year, this is exactly one of the things that I appreciate about the singer. Aside from owning his truth and doing it so boldly, the singer takes his time to formulate his records and create his music. Going against the grain, Ocean is an artist that defies the norm and beats the odds all while defining himself on his own terms. And, of course, he has the singing chops to back this all up and then some. And just like all of those many years ago when I first encountered his mixtape, the music definitely speaks for itself. The effortlessness and enchanting aura that radiates from within his music continues to transform and only gets better over time. And Ocean proves to be an artist that does just the same. With each song and every verse, Ocean is a musician that has not only earned the title of being legendary, but deserves it. There are many dedications to incredible and inspirational LGBTQ+ artists on this blog, and I would like to think of this post as something of an ode to an artist that I would personally like to thank for changing my life - one song, one record, and one nostalgic experience at a time. Whatever lies ahead for Ocean, promises to keep us all afloat for the future to come. Let us all just keep swimming along with him.

Frank Ocean's in a promotional single for his song "Chanel" (Photo Credit: 3ten.org)

Thank you for your time. See you in the next post!

*None of the images or videos belong to me and were found on Google.