Branches Book

BRANCHES

called “awkward.” They continued to make sure all the blame went on Ocean: “we executed his vision knowing that it was faulty. And we tried to tell him that, we tried to tell his management that, we tried to tell the record label that… But honestly, it wasn't us.” Ocean’s response merely reflected his honesty about himself and his priority to say the truth for the people. In a Tumblr post he owned up to his performance, admitting it wasn’t his best, but not performing at the 2016 Grammys was not a reflection of his want for redemption, which he did indeed want, but more importantly to pay tribute to Prince. He didn’t want to call out the Grammys writer and producer but he wants to make a statement about the industry. He writes, “I actually wanted to participate in honoring Prince on the show but then I figured my best tribute to that man’s legacy would be to continue to be myself out here and to be successful… I am young, black, gifted, and independent… that’s my tribute.” Ocean is constantly pushing to be the best version of himself and to be honest about the goals he sets.

Works Cited

Brown, Harley. “Frank Ocean - Channel Orange.” Consequence of Sound , consequenceofsound.net/2012/07/album-review-frank-ocean-channel- orange/. Caramanica, Jon. “Frank Ocean Is Finally Free, Mystery Intact.” The New York Times , www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/arts/music/frank-ocean- blonde-interview.html.

Dombal, Ryan. “Frank Ocean: Blonde / Endless.” Edited by Ryan Dombal. Pitchfork , pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22295-blonde-endless/.

Fitzgerald, Trent. “Frank Ocean Comes out in Open Letter Posted on Tumblr.” Pop Crush , popcrush.com/frank-ocean-comes-out-open-letter- tumblr/. Kornhaber, Spencer. “Frank Ocean's Blond(e) Is a Monument to Memory.” The Atlantic , www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/08/frank-ocean- blond-blonde-review-endless-time/496985/.

Ocean, Frank. Channel Orange. Def Jam Recordings, 2012.

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