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.
Hero
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm young enough to vote, and toke the trees
I'll be playing concerts in the mud, until the sequel
I'll be finding subjects to paint in the buff, behind the easel
Tryna fuck, I'm a bad boy
I'm a punk, I'm a black man, I could dunk
And I'm hanging low, and swinging for
What you say
You need a hero
Heard 'em say
You need say
How high, tell me how high shall we jump
How far, really how far have we come
I've been wondering if we'd be better off without it
I was wondering were we better off before
Who needs you, who needs you
Who loves you, who doesn't
What you say
You need say
The first verse of "Hero" by Frank Ocean, featuring Diplo and Mick Jones, touches on several themes, including American identity, youth culture, and artistic expression. Frank proudly identifies as an American, represented by his flag but also expresses appreciation for Queen, the iconic British rock band. He acknowledges that despite being young enough to vote, he enjoys smoking marijuana. Frank also notes his dedication to his craft, implying that he will continue performing until the "sequel" (i.e., his next album) and painting subjects in the buff behind the easel. Despite his outwardly rebellious and carefree demeanor, Frank acknowledges his desire for sex and acknowledges his blackness and his ability to dunk a basketball.
The chorus of "Hero" centers on the idea of needing a hero or someone to look up to. The lyrics suggest that people are seeking guidance and someone to lead them towards a better future. The subsequent question, "How high, tell me how high shall we jump," implies that these people are willing to take big and potentially risky steps to achieve their goals. The following lines reference the idea of progress and reflect on whether it has truly been beneficial for society. The repetition of the question "who needs you, who loves you?" implies a sense of desperation and a need for direction and validation. Ultimately, the song suggests that despite these uncertainties, there are still reasons to be hopeful and that we should continue to strive for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
My flag is American, but I love some Queen
I embrace my American identity, but I also appreciate and enjoy British culture represented by the band Queen.
I'm young enough to vote, and toke the trees
I'm of legal age to vote and consume marijuana.
I'll be playing concerts in the mud, until the sequel
I'll continue to perform in outdoor venues despite the unfavorable conditions, even after the event has concluded.
I'll be finding subjects to paint in the buff, behind the easel
I'll search for nude models to paint privately behind closed doors.
Tryna fuck, I'm a bad boy
I'm sexually active and have a rebellious attitude.
I'm a punk, I'm a black man, I could dunk
I have a non-conformist attitude, I have a dark skin complexion, and I'm able to jump high enough to slam-dunk a basketball.
And I'm hanging low, and swinging for Home, home
I'm feeling low and trying to hit a homerun in my personal endeavors.
What you say
I'm asking for your opinion.
You need a hero
You're looking for someone to save you from your problems.
Heard 'em say
I'm acknowledging the common sentiment that people need a hero.
You need say
Please tell me what you need.
How high, tell me how high shall we jump
How much effort and sacrifice are we supposed to invest to reach our goals?
How far, really how far have we come
Have we made any real progress and if so, how much?
I've been wondering if we'd be better off without it
I'm questioning if we'd be better off without a certain situation or system.
I was wondering were we better off before
I'm questioning if we were in a better position in the past.
Who needs you, who needs you
I'm questioning who requires your help or support.
Who loves you, who doesn't
I'm inquiring about the people who adore or dislike you.
What you say
Please tell me what you're thinking.
You need say
I'm asking you what you need and want.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher Breaux, Thomas Wesley Pentz, Mick Jones, Paul Gustave Simonon, Johnny Funches, Marvin Junior
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@benh7506
since no one else did it:
[Verse 1: Frank Ocean]
My flag is American, but I love some Queen
I'm young enough to vote, and toke the trees
I'll be playing concerts in the mud, until the sequel
I'll be finding subjects to paint in the buff, behind the easel
Tryna fuck, I'm a bad boy
I'm a punk, I'm a black man, I could dunk
[Pre-Hook]
And I'm hanging low, and I'm swinging far
Home, home
[Hook]
What you say
You need a hero
Heard 'em say
You need a save, hey
[Verse 2]
How high, tell me how high shall we jump
How far, really how far have we come
I've been wondering if we'd be better off without it
I was wondering were we better off before
[Outro]
Who needs you?, Who needs you?
Who loves you? Who doesn't?
What you say
You need a save, hey
@jordanwhite8837
This is one for the real Frank fans. I’d love to see him venture into some more rock oriented stuff like this
@iulianpinzaru9722
Every morning I wake up hoping Frank Ocean has released new music
@billymatias8236
im too T_T
@calico2659
Still?
@marilynnatali
Still.
@heyvig_films
i still do
@HomeBoyTravieMcCoy
still
@WestLAChildrensChoir
We loved working with Diplo and Mr. Frank Ocean on HERO!! Love, The West Los Angeles Children's Choir
@sameasf404
What about Mick Jones and Paul simonon? ):
@oooomar
Such remarkable singing!