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.
Know Better
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey let me tell you something
Don't be frontin like he ever did it like I does it
Every time you wanna argue and stress
You always say you could've stayed with your ex
Well I guess you coulda
Cuz when you was with him
You was always checking for the kid
Late night coming to my crib
I, I know that you'll never find another nigga
With a swag like me
He ain't quite me, like me
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I, I, I, I, I know you better
So so so, tell, tell me, tell me something
You really think it'd be that easy just to let me go
I know I try to play it cool when we fuss
But truth be told, my heart would be crushed (Cuz it's just for you)
I'm tryin to settle down (Tell me who)
You know could make you smile (Like I can do)
Tell me who, tell me who
I, I know that you'll never find another nigga
With a swag like me
Like me, like me
I, I know that you'll never finda
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I, I, I, I, I know you better
So, so, so
Baby I know
That without you I'd be broken down
But you'd feel the same
If I went away
Why can't you just say it?
Just say it! Just say it!
Forget it baby, it's cool
Cuz I already know
I, I know that you'll never find another nigga
With a swag like me
He ain't quite me, like me
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I, I know that you'll never find another nigga
With a swag like me
Like me, like me
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I know better
I, I, I, I, I know you better
In Frank Ocean's song, "Know Better", he addresses his love interest who constantly brings up her ex during arguments. He reassures her that she won't find another person like him, highlighting his confidence and charisma. Despite her bringing up her ex, Ocean suggests that she was always checking for him, as evidenced by her late-night visits to his house. He suggests that he's trying to settle down and asks her who else could make her smile like he does.
The chorus is repeated multiple times, emphasizing Ocean's self-assurance and belief that he knows the woman better than anyone. He repeatedly reminds her that she won't find anyone with a "swag" like him, emphasizing his unique qualities.
Overall, the song delves into themes of self-confidence, insecurity, and the complexities of relationships. Ocean presents himself as someone who knows his worth, and believes that his love interest won't be able to find someone like him. However, underlying this confidence is a hint of vulnerability, as he admits that his heart would be crushed if she were to leave him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey let me tell you something
I have something to say
Don't be frontin like he ever did it like I does it
Stop acting like your ex was better than me
Every time you wanna argue and stress
Whenever we argue
You always say you could've stayed with your ex
You always bring up your ex
Well I guess you coulda
Yeah, you could have
But deep inside I know that you don't wish you woulda
But I know you don't really wish you had
Cuz when you was with him
Because when you were with him
You was always checking for the kid
You were always interested in me
Late night coming to my crib
You would come over late at night
I, I know that you'll never find another nigga
I know you won't find anyone else
With a swag like me
As cool as me
He ain't quite me, like me
No one else is exactly like me
I, I, I, I, I know you better
I understand you
So so so, tell, tell me, tell me something
Tell me something
You really think it'd be that easy just to let me go
Do you think it would be easy to break up with me?
I know I try to play it cool when we fuss
I try to act calm when we argue
But truth be told, my heart would be crushed (Cuz it's just for you)
But the truth is my heart would be broken without you
I'm tryin to settle down (Tell me who)
I want to be in a committed relationship (with you)
You know could make you smile (Like I can do)
You know I can make you happy
Tell me who, tell me who
Who else can make you smile like me?
Baby I know
I understand
That without you I'd be broken down
I would be lost without you
But you'd feel the same
But you would feel the same way
If I went away
If I left
Why can't you just say it?
Why can't you tell me how you feel?
Just say it! Just say it!
Tell me how you feel!
Forget it baby, it's cool
Never mind, it's okay
Cuz I already know
Because I understand
Contributed by Ryan D. 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.