It’s no secret Frank Ocean is a notorious recluse. Follwing Channel Orange, it took him 4 years to releases his sophomore album Blonde, and the anticipation built during that stretch for the project paid off in a big way. The album was released to global critical acclaim and fans were ecstatic to hear new music from one of this generation’s leading voices in music.
The New York Times linked up with Ocean for a very rare interview. In the article, Ocean discusses all things Blonde and Endless, his life as a celebrity, personal relationships, and his seven-year stint with Def Jam Records. Check out some excerpts below and read the full interview here.
On Being a Reclusive Celebrity
Sometimes I’m fascinated with how famous my work could be while I’m not so famous. Super-envious of the fact that Daft Punk can wear robot helmets and be one of the most famous bands in the world, while also understanding that will never be my situation. It’s too late. It’s hard to articulate how I think about myself as a public figure. I’ve gotten used to being Frank Ocean. A lot of people stopped me on the street when I hadn’t put music out in a while, literally would yell out of an Uber, “Frank, where the album?”
On Choosing not to Submit Blonde for Grammy Consideration
It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down. I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated. I’d rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience.
