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.
Focus
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm back at it. Automatic
Let's go
Yeah I know I'm probably wasting my time
But listen here, I got some shit on my mind
I know its obvious that I'm the talk of the town
You seem to move fame or get the money bringing you down
Everywhere I go its a media frenzy
All they seem to care about is me Kim or Lindsey
Is the story real? You don't even know
Do you even care? Yeah I thought so
Yeah yeah I know they wanna see me
I can't lose focus, focus, focus
I gotta get back to the money
I'm losing focus, focus, focus
I gotta get back to the money
I'm back at it. Automatic
I'm back at it. Automatic
The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song Focus are about the struggles that come with fame and success, and how it can be difficult to stay focused on what matters amidst the constant media attention and scrutiny. Frank acknowledges that he knows he may be wasting his time worrying about things outside of his control, but he can't help but have these thoughts on his mind. Everywhere he goes, there is a media frenzy surrounding him and other celebrities, and it can be hard to distinguish reality from the stories that are being told about him. Despite this, Frank realizes that he cannot let the distractions and outside noise take him away from his ultimate goal, which is to continue making money and hustling hard.
Overall, the song Focus is a reminder to stay true to oneself and not let external factors distract from what's important. The repetition of "I'm back at it, automatic" reinforces the idea that Frank will always continue to push forward and stay focused, even in the face of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm back at it. Automatic
I'm resuming my work with ease and without any difficulty
I'm back at it. Automatic
I'm resuming my work with ease and without any difficulty
Let's go
Let's get started
Yeah I know I'm probably wasting my time
I understand that what I'm doing may be futile
But listen here, I got some shit on my mind
Despite that, there are some things I need to address
I know its obvious that I'm the talk of the town
It's apparent that I'm a topic of conversation everywhere I go
You seem to move fame or get the money bringing you down
The pressure of fame or financial gain seems to be taking its toll on you
Everywhere I go its a media frenzy
The media is always present and obsessed with my every move
All they seem to care about is me Kim or Lindsey
They only seem to be interested in me or other celebrities
Is the story real? You don't even know
The authenticity of the story is uncertain
Do you even care? Yeah I thought so
I assume you're not interested either
Yeah yeah I know they wanna see me
I know they want to witness my success or downfall
I can't lose focus, focus, focus
I can't afford to lose concentration
I gotta get back to the money
I need to get back to striving for financial gain
I'm losing focus, focus, focus
I'm losing my concentration
I gotta get back to the money
I need to get back to striving for financial gain
Contributed by Grayson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Introductory line, no real meaning behind it.
Every day is unpredictable, and we have no control over it.
No matter how hard we try, the future is always uncertain and out of our control.
The environment is always changing, and we can only adapt to the changes.
No matter the circumstances, life will always be what it is.
Our experiences in life shape us and influence how we react to certain situations.
Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and face your adversity head-on.
Life can be slow and monotonous, but it's important to keep moving forward.
Sometimes we wish things were different, but we have to work with what we have.
Change is constant and inevitable, and we must adapt accordingly.
We are confined to our natural surroundings and must find ways to thrive within them.
I will be there for you and remain reliable through thick and thin.
Stay calm and composed when things are going well.
I will not abandon you when things fall apart.
I learned how to remain dependable and support others from your example.
My upbringing and past taught me how to love and connect with others.
There is a power or higher force that we cannot control but can find solace in.
I have respect and admiration for the person who has influenced me so deeply.
Things will become easier once we've overcome certain obstacles.
In the aftermath of a disaster or tragedy.
Referring to the black community and the beauty of darker skin tones.
Going underwater.
Represents makeshift arrangements that still offer a sense of stability.
Taking risks and enjoying life, despite the danger.
The inspiration and influence of those older and more experienced than us.
An allusion to reincarnation, a second chance starting over.
Coming back to the surface after experiencing hardship.
Showing gratitude for the world that has allowed us to survive and thrive.
Being thankful for everything that we have and acknowledging our place in the universe.
Our environment and experiences offer an opportunity to learn and grow in order to survive.
We must persevere even when things get tough.
Reflecting on our lives and past experiences.
Referring to the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.
Giving a shout-out to friends or individuals who have impacted their life.
Acknowledging people they love or admire.
Showing appreciation for the promise of eternal life or a legacy that will live on after death.
Preparing to take action, possibly to run or escape.
Trying to escape the pain and hardship of life through various vices or addictions.
Engaging in reckless behavior or coping through unhealthy means.
Looking for comfort or pleasure in the face of adversity.
Jokingly considering the benefits of eternal life or a lasting legacy.
Accepting that life, with all its joys and hardships, is finite and will eventually end.