Smooth, talented, understated and hugely rated, Frank Ocean is the New Orleans singer/songwriter who first rose to fame with his Odd Future crew and now stands alone as a solo artist, commanding the entire music industry’s attention.
First signed to Def Jam Records, 6ft Frank has been working his ass off since he was thirteen. Turning numerous jobs at any one time, networking like a pro, he was a kid with a dream who dropped out of college and began writing songs for a living. Selling over one thousand tracks to a number of international recording artists, he has written for the likes of Justin Bieber, Brandy and John Legend. Releasing his own massively acclaimed, multi-million downloaded mix-tape Nostalgia, Ultra earlier this year, Frank recently collaborated with Jay-Z, Beyonce and Kanye. Turning 24 on October 28th, Frank celebrated his birthday by going mountain hiking with his brother and mother. He is not much of a party animal. He is, however, one of the most talented solo artists to emerge in 2011 and looks set to dominate in 2012 when his debut solo album comes out via Atlantic Records. Serious waves.
i-D online got down to Frank’s first ever gig in the UK at XOYO a couple of weeks back to witness the man in action. Here are the essential Frank Ocean facts everyone should get familiar with.
Frank Ocean is actually called Christopher Breaux.
Frank Ocean has one brother and one sister.
Frank Ocean’s hero is his mother.
Frank Ocean’s ultimate artist to write a song for him to sing, would be Celine Dion.
The best piece of advice Frank Ocean has ever been given is ‘Pay your taxes’.
Frank Ocean is currently not in love.
Frank Ocean’s favourite film is The Shawshank Redemption.
Frank Ocean is closest with Hodgy and Tyler from his OFWGKTA crew.
Frank Ocean is a perfectionist.
Text: Milly McMahon
Photography: Nik Hartley
Head here to find out what happened when i-D’s Milly McMahon took a merry-go-round ride with Frank Ocean for The Royalty Issue.
