Venting about his decision to drop the record his own way, he took to Twitter on March 1, 2011:
"i. did. this. not ISLAND DEF JAM. that's why you see no label logo on the artwork that I DID. guess its my fault for trusting my dumbass lawyer and signing my career over to a failing company. fuck Def Jam & any company that goes the length of signing a kid with dreams & talent w/ no intention of following through. fuck em. now back to my day. i want some oatmeal and toast. brunch swag."
As a member of the Odd Future (OFWGKTA) collective, his sound is distinctively soulful/r&b influenced, yet done in a way that could pass for something totally different. As Tyler, the Creator states, “It’s Smooth Ass Music About Bitches, Relationships And Being A Rich Young Nigga…But In A Swagged Out Way.”
Ocean was evacuated from the University of New Orleans to Los Angeles, California just as Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005, and stayed in Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Ocean joined Los Angeles based collective OFWGKTA, who he met through mutual friends, at the end of 2009. In the end of 2009, he met Tricky Stewart, who helped Ocean sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings as an artist, however, he was initially unable to build a relationship with the company. In 2010, he changed his name from Christopher "Lonny" Breaux to Christopher Francis Ocean via a legal website. In an April 2011 interview, Ocean intimated that his relationship with Def Jam has strengthened since the release of his mixtape. On April 28, 2011, Ocean was arrested on unspecified charges by the LAPD, and was released on the morning after on April 29, 2011. Ocean joined his OFWGKTA bandmates for the first time on tour from May 12 to May 19, 2011. On May 31, 2011, Def Jam released the single Novacane on iTunes soon followed by Swim Good Taken from his mixtape Nostalgia, ULTRA. His first 'proper' album, Channel Orange was released on July 17, 2012.
In 2016, He released the visual album Endless alongside his second studio album Blonde, following several years of delays. Blonde debuted at number one in the United States and United Kingdom.
In 2017, Ocean released several singles, including Chanel and Lens, through his Blonded Radio show, and made several appearances on other songs by artists like Calvin Harris, A$AP Mob, and Tyler, the Creator.
At Your Best
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes it's hard to tell you so
You may not be in the mood to learn
What you think you know
There are times when I find
You wanna keep yourself from me
When I don't have the strength
I'm just a mirror of what I see
But at your best you are love
You're a positive motivating force within my life
If you ever feel the need to wonder why
Let me know, let me know
(Luhh)
When you feel what you feel
It's hard for me to understand
So many things have taken place before this love affair began
But if you feel more like I feel
Confusion can give way to doubt
For there are times when I fall short of what I say
What I say I'm all about
But at your best you are love
You're a positive motivating force within my life
Should you ever feel the need to wonder why
Let me know, let me know
(Luhh)
You niggas goin' in
Tell me what it is
(Fuck it)
What it is, no need to make believe
Look beyond your world, try to find, find a place for me
'Cause when you're at your best you are love
You're a positive motivating force within my life
Should you ever feel the need to wonder why
Let me know, let me know
Let me know, know
Stay at your best baby
Let me know, let me know
The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song At Your Best explore the complications and challenges of expressing one's emotions in a relationship. The singer acknowledges how difficult it can be to talk about what they're feeling to their partner, especially if they are not receptive or open to hearing it. However, the singer views their significant other as a source of positivity and inspiration in their life - someone who motivates and uplifts them.
The second verse acknowledges the difficulties that come with navigating a new relationship and the many uncertainties that may arise. The singer expresses a desire for their partner to understand their feelings but expresses doubt in their partner's ability to reciprocate. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of the partner's love and positivity, regardless of any doubts or confusion that may surface.
Overall, the song's message is one of appreciation and admiration for a partner, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. Its message of love and forgiveness is a comforting reminder that relationships are complex but that love and communication can overcome many obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
When I feel what I feel
When I experience emotions that overwhelm me
Sometimes it's hard to tell you so
Sometimes it's difficult for me to express those emotions to you
You may not be in the mood to learn
You may not be receptive or willing to understand what I'm feeling
What you think you know
Your preconceived notions and beliefs may affect your ability to truly understand my feelings
There are times when I find
There are occasions when I notice
You wanna keep yourself from me
You may distance yourself from me
When I don't have the strength
When I lack the emotional capacity
I'm just a mirror of what I see
My emotions reflect your behavior and the way you treat me
But at your best you are love
However, your true self is one of love and compassion
You're a positive motivating force within my life
You inspire and drive me to be my best self
If you ever feel the need to wonder why
If you ever question why I love you or need you in my life
Let me know, let me know
Please communicate with me and express your concerns
When you feel what you feel
When you experience emotions that overwhelm you
It's hard for me to understand
It becomes difficult for me to comprehend your feelings or perspective
So many things have taken place before this love affair began
Our past experiences and histories may influence our current relationship
But if you feel more like I feel
But if you can empathize with my own emotions
Confusion can give way to doubt
Uncertainty can turn into skepticism or mistrust
For there are times when I fall short of what I say
I may not always live up to the expectations I set or the promises I make
What I say I'm all about
What I claim to stand for or what I claim to be
You niggas goin' in
An interjection expressing disbelief or shock
Tell me what it is
Inform me of what is happening or what you want me to know
(Fuck it)
An exclamation indicating disregard or resignation
No need to make believe
There's no necessity to pretend or deceive
Look beyond your world, try to find, find a place for me
See beyond your own experiences and try to make room for me in your life
'Cause when you're at your best you are love
Because your true self embodies love and compassion
Should you ever feel the need to wonder why
If you ever question my feelings towards you or our relationship
Let me know, let me know
Communicate with me and express your doubts or concerns
Stay at your best baby
Stay true to who you are and the person I know and love
Let me know, let me know
Please keep me informed and communicate with me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TatumSheffield
How could you possibly
want to use a song that
has the "N" word so
blatantly in it. I really liked this song, & I just
recently heard it on
someone's vlog so I
came to listen to it in
it's entirety. But I've
changed my mind.
Whoever wrote it could
have done themselves
"REAL" justice and left
that word out. I wouldn't
desecrate my wedding
Day by playing a song
with such a abominable
word in it. But it's your
Wedding day you do what is best for you.
Best wishes on your
Nuptials & Congratulations
@IzayaStan
earlier this year i was in rehab and we all shared one tv that could hop on youtube that everyone hogged and it was my only comfort. i would throw this on among other things when i got the slim chance to and i would cry because endless is just one of those albums that encapsulates some of the highs of life you have in your late teens/early twenties. thinking back poignantly like "how did i get here?" and how out of grasp i felt from my own situation. needless to say i've been clean for 7 months and i can see the beauty in my life again.
@xo.karinnaaa
tears running down my face
@M0CHIO.
Istg this cover is so underrated, god i wish this album was never restricted to apple music shidddd
@johnniewaxxer
Marrying my wife to this song this month 🥹
@Dancingsushi911
Congratulations ❤
@umchile7129
Awww
@criz962
congratss
@afrofaeries
I claim this ❤ Congratulations!!!
@ervanramadhan5437
Let's go, man! I actually used this song at my own wedding last August. Congrats on your wedding, bro!
@idasacilanates1457
this is what premium youtube is.