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.
Oceans
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well fuck it, fuck it
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean
Dope boy still smelling like cocaina
White boat, white robe
Can he be more cleaner
The oil spill that BP ain't clean up
I'm anti-Santa Maria
Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace
I don't even like Washingtons in my pocket
Black card go hard when I'm shopping
Boat dock in front of Hermes picking cotton
Silk and fleeces, lay on my Jesus
Oh my God, I hope y'all don't get seasick
See me in shit you never saw
If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all
Aww, whole world's in awe
I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors
I'm on the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean
Me and Ty Ty is like Pablo and Popeye
Winding dirt roads on mopeds spilling Opus
Welcome to the magnum opus
The Magna Carta
The best-selling author Decoded
On the holiday playing "Strange Fruit"
If I'mma make it to a billi I can't take the same route
Swoosh, that's the sound of the border
Swoosh, and that's the sound of a baller
Muhammad Hovi my back against the rope
The black Maybach, I'm back inside the boat
Shepard Fairey they finally gave me some hope
Can't believe they got a nigga to vote
Democrat, nope, I sold dope
In trouble waters I had to learn how to float
On the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean
In Jay-Z's song "Oceans" featuring Frank Ocean, lyrics explore themes of societal class, race, and the depths of the ocean as a metaphor for the history and stories of African Americans. Throughout the song, Jay-Z describes a lavish lifestyle of luxurious boats, designer clothing, and opulent parties, contrasted with the underlying history of violence and oppression. The lyrics "I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo" and "This water mixed my blood, This water tells my story, This water knows it all" speak to the idea that the ocean carries with it the stories and struggles of those who crossed it as slaves. By asking to "spill some champagne in the water" and "watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean," Jay-Z seems to be suggesting that these luxuries and frivolities must be enjoyed with acknowledgement and respect for the history and sacrifice of those who came before.
The song also includes references to historical figures, such as the only Christopher they acknowledge being Wallace (Biggie Smalls), and to significant moments in American history like the playing of the song "Strange Fruit," a ballad that describes the lynching of African Americans in the south during the early 20th century. Additionally, the comparison of himself and Ty-Ty to Pablo and Popeye invokes images of drug lords and their loyal companions, further emphasizing the idea that Jay-Z's success is built on a foundation that was not always legal or ethical.
Overall, "Oceans" is a complex and thought-provoking commentary on the intersections of race, class, and history, delivered through Jay-Z's signature slick and clever wordplay.
Line by Line Meaning
Blessings, blessings yeah
Expressing gratitude for the good things in life
I see elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Observing the wealth of others through their extravagant possessions
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Noticing that the lady is docked in a place full of exploitation and slavery
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
More wealth observed in the form of luxurious cars
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Worries about his blackness staining the pristine image of his white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Not letting his black identity stop him from attending a show by a black artist
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood, this water tells my story, this water knows it all
The ocean is symbolic of the history of black people, from slavery to oppression and resistance
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water, go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
Celebrating and enjoying life while acknowledging the struggles of the past
Dope boy still smelling like cocaina, white boat, white robe, can he be more cleaner
Describing a drug dealer who is nonetheless very clean and put-together
The oil spill that BP ain't clean up, I'm anti-Santa Maria, only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace
Rejecting the colonialism and imperialism that caused the BP oil spill and framing himself as a follower of the Notorious B.I.G. rather than Christopher Columbus
I don't even like Washingtons in my pocket, black card go hard when I'm shopping
Preferring to spend larger sums of money rather than dealing with small change
Boat dock in front of Hermes picking cotton, silk and fleeces, lay on my Jesus
Elevating the status of black people and taking pride in their identity and culture
Oh my God, I hope y'all don't get seasick, see me in shit you never saw
Expressing self-confidence and a desire to surprise and dazzle audiences with his wealth and success
If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all, aww, whole world's in awe
Acknowledging the role of images and fame in his success, and the admiration from fans that comes with it
I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors
Inspiring people to push beyond societal expectations and limitations
Me and Ty Ty is like Pablo and Popeye, winding dirt roads on mopeds spilling Opus
Comparing himself and his friend to iconic characters, and enjoying themselves in a carefree setting
Welcome to the magnum opus, the Magna Carta
Announcing his newest album and its significance
The best-selling author Decoded, on the holiday playing 'Strange Fruit'
Referencing his successful book and playing a song that protests racial injustice on a national holiday
If I'mma make it to a billi I can't take the same route
Determined to reach a billion dollars in net worth and acknowledging the need for strategic and innovative thinking
Shepard Fairey they finally gave me some hope, can't believe they got a nigga to vote
Acknowledging the impact of artist Shepard Fairey and how Black people were not traditionally allowed to vote
Democrat, nope, I sold dope, in trouble waters I had to learn how to float
Revealing his unconventional path to success, and the struggles he encountered along the way
On the ocean, I'm in heaven, yachting, Ocean 11
Celebrating his success while acknowledging the struggles he faced, and drawing inspiration from the movie 'Ocean's Eleven'
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Christopher Breaux, Pharrell Williams, Shawn Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rashadaroach9278
Intro]
(You see this motherfucking face)
Blessings, blessings, yeah, I see..
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
[Verse 1: Jay-Z]
Dope boy still smelling like cocaina
White boat, white robe, can he be more cleaner?
The oil spill that BP ain't clean up
I'm anti-Santa Maria
Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace
I don't even like Washingtons in my pocket
Black card go hard when I'm shopping
Boat docked in front of Hermès picking cotton
Silk and fleeces, lay on my Jesus
Oh my God, I hope y'all don't get seasick
See me in shit you never saw
If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all
Aww, whole world's in awe
I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors
I'm on the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Me and Ty Ty is like Pablo and Popeye
Winding dirt roads on mopeds spilling Opus
Welcome to the magnum opus, the Magna Carta
The best-selling author Decoded
On the holiday playin' "Strange Fruit"
If I'ma make it to a billi, I can't take the same route
Swoosh, that's the sound of the border
Swoosh, and that's the sound of a baller
Muhammad Hovi my back against the rope
The black Maybach, I'm back inside the boat
Shepard Fairey they finally gave me some hope
Can't believe they got a nigga to vote
Democrat? Nope, I sold dope
In trouble waters I had to learn how to float
On the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
@judahelisha6637
2024 this water knows it all
@AskiaAniyunwiyah-gh6ve
One of the best songs ever
@edgarisaac1136
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@ImaniRansome
😎
@GoldRubiez
🤎⭐️"Most Definitely"⭐️🤎
@GoldRubiez
🏰📩🤎👌🏾
@ImaniRansome
🎉❤
@user-fb6zk8bw8y
Et
@rashadaroach9278
Intro]
(You see this motherfucking face)
Blessings, blessings, yeah, I see..
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
[Verse 1: Jay-Z]
Dope boy still smelling like cocaina
White boat, white robe, can he be more cleaner?
The oil spill that BP ain't clean up
I'm anti-Santa Maria
Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace
I don't even like Washingtons in my pocket
Black card go hard when I'm shopping
Boat docked in front of Hermès picking cotton
Silk and fleeces, lay on my Jesus
Oh my God, I hope y'all don't get seasick
See me in shit you never saw
If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all
Aww, whole world's in awe
I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors
I'm on the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Me and Ty Ty is like Pablo and Popeye
Winding dirt roads on mopeds spilling Opus
Welcome to the magnum opus, the Magna Carta
The best-selling author Decoded
On the holiday playin' "Strange Fruit"
If I'ma make it to a billi, I can't take the same route
Swoosh, that's the sound of the border
Swoosh, and that's the sound of a baller
Muhammad Hovi my back against the rope
The black Maybach, I'm back inside the boat
Shepard Fairey they finally gave me some hope
Can't believe they got a nigga to vote
Democrat? Nope, I sold dope
In trouble waters I had to learn how to float
On the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11
[Chorus: Frank Ocean]
Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady, docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show
And if so, well fuck it, fuck it
Because this water drown my family, this water mixed my blood
This water tells my story, this water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean
@trustingod0
Jay Z is something else huh. Be good if people understood what they are saying.