Ocean celebrated the release by opening pop-up shops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and London. And if it’s too early for my definitive critique of a 45-minute audio-visual project that probably needs more time to wash over me, props to Frank Ocean for releasing the most weird and artsy example of corporate-event pop ever. Last year, he teased his sophomore album on Tumblr with a cryptic post, writing, “I got two versions”. Love. Can I sample it for the intro of my album?’ I agreed to it, and to my excited surprise this morning he didn’t just sample it.
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After more delays than the Elio Three Wheeler and the mid-engine Corvette put together, singer and obsessive vehicle nerd Frank Ocean is finally-finally!-back with some new music.
The “Thinkin Bout You” singer released another new track to Apple Music on Saturday, called “Nikes” along with an emotional music video. The audio can be heard playing in the background over the sound of drills and construction. Beyoncé appears on “Pink + White”, Kendrick Lamar is featured on “Skyline To”, and André 3000 spits fire on “Solo (Reprise)”.
Kanye West contributes a poem – about McDonald’s, of all things – for the mag, stretched across three spreads.
“I may be younger, but I’ll look after you / We’re not in love, but I make love to you / When you’re not here, I save some for you / I’m not him, but I mean something to you”.
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There are a few peculiar aspects of the release. Ocean’s version is, in effect, a cover of a cover Aaliyah originally did of the song on her debut album in 1994. The lyrics to “Mitsubishi Sony” have been transcribed from the mag via Genius, as have the lyrics for “Easy”. While they’re exclusive, videos and albums attract subscribers. As you continue to digest Endless and patiently await what’s supposedly in store this weekend, here are six interesting facts about the mysterious musical guru that is Frank Ocean. The version included in the record in Boys Don’t Cry features a concluding verse from Japanese rapper Kohh. It’s rumored that more music is coming our way, so Boys Don’t Cry might still be in the works. The latest date on the card reads November 13, 2016, which many are taking as the final hopeful date Ocean will release his album. Some are going for upwards of $1,000. Then, on August 18, the livestream picked up when Ocean reappeared as Endless played in the background while he built a spiral staircase.
