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.
Richest Man In The World
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The clothes on my back and a pencil
I can draw my own money
You wouldn’t even tell the difference
But I just can’t sketch the feeling
I get when you’re not home
Or recreate the paintings
You’ve hung onto my soul
Oh, oh but I bet they’re worth millions
Oh, beautiful works of love
Oh, I’m a go to all the fancy places
All the fancy people and
They can’t tell me nothing, nothing
Cause they all want what I got
And I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
They can’t buy what I got
Cause I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
She got a heart made of glass
What’s inside of it's like
Lightning in a bottle
Now what would that be worth in your museum
Recently we traded
And now that hearts my own
And since we’re sewed together
I feel like I got both
Oh, and I bet they’re worth millions
Oh, beautiful works of love
Oh, I’m a go to all the fancy places
All the fancy people and
They can’t tell me nothing, nothing
Cause they all want what I got
And I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
They can’t buy what I got
Cause I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
Time it'self wants what I got
So I don’t care about what you’ve got
All I know is my girl is precious
You make me better, baby
You make me happy, baby
Nobody needs to remind me exactly why I’m
The richest man in the room
Cause they all want what I got
And I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
They can’t buy what I got
Cause I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
Cause they all want what I got
And I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
They can’t buy what I got
Cause I ain’t got nothing but you
Nothing but you, nothing but you
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
I'm the richest man in the room
The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song "Richest Man In The World" convey a powerful message about the true value of love and relationships. The artist compares material wealth to the love he shares with someone, emphasizing that he feels like the richest man in the room because of this connection.
In the first verse, Ocean describes himself as having a heart full of gold, symbolizing his capacity to love deeply. He mentions having only the basic necessities, like clothes and a pencil, but expresses that he can create his own currency with his artistic talents. However, he acknowledges that despite his artistic abilities, he cannot recreate the feeling he experiences when the person he loves is not with him. The paintings they have hung onto his soul are irreplaceable and worth more than any material possession.
The chorus further emphasizes this theme. Others may desire and envy what he has, but what he truly values is the person he loves. He repeatedly affirms that he has nothing but that person, highlighting their immense worth and the fact that they cannot be bought. This love makes him feel like the richest man in the room, even in the presence of wealthy and influential individuals.
In the second verse, Ocean introduces the perspective of his loved one, stating that her heart is like lightning in a bottle, something incredibly valuable and rare. They have traded hearts, becoming interconnected and feeling as though they possess both their own heart and each other's. This exchange only reinforces the wealth of their relationship.
The bridge adds another layer to the song's meaning. Time itself desires what Ocean has, implying that their love is timeless and precious. He declares that he doesn't care about material possessions because he knows his partner is priceless. Their love makes him a better person and brings him happiness, and he doesn't need anyone to remind him of why he feels like the richest man in the room.
Overall, "Richest Man In The World" beautifully portrays the idea that love and genuine connections hold more value than material wealth. It highlights the intangible qualities that bring true richness to life.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a heart full of gold, that I own
I have a pure and valuable heart that belongs to me
The clothes on my back and a pencil
All I possess are the clothes I wear and a simple pencil
I can draw my own money
I have the ability to create wealth and abundance
You wouldn’t even tell the difference
No one would be able to distinguish my self-made wealth
But I just can’t sketch the feeling
However, I can't capture the emotion I experience
I get when you’re not home
When you're not with me, I feel a void
Or recreate the paintings
I can't replicate the beautiful moments we share
You’ve hung onto my soul
You have deeply impacted and influenced me
Oh, oh but I bet they’re worth millions
I believe these experiences are invaluable
Oh, beautiful works of love
They are exquisite expressions of love
Oh, I’m a go to all the fancy places
I will visit luxurious locations
All the fancy people and
Where I will encounter high-status individuals
They can’t tell me nothing, nothing
Their opinions hold no weight for me
Cause they all want what I got
Others desire what I possess
And I ain’t got nothing but you
But all I have is you, and that's enough
I'm the richest man in the room
I feel like the wealthiest person in the room
She got a heart made of glass
She has a fragile, vulnerable heart
What’s inside of it's like
The emotions contained within are
Lightning in a bottle
Powerful and electrifying
Now what would that be worth in your museum
How much would it be valued in an exhibition
Recently we traded
Lately, we exchanged
And now that heart's my own
And now I possess her heart
And since we’re sewed together
Since we are deeply connected
I feel like I got both
I feel like I have both of our hearts
Time itself wants what I got
Time desires the love we share
So I don’t care about what you’ve got
I am not concerned about material possessions
All I know is my girl is precious
What I value most is my beloved
You make me better, baby
You improve me as a person, darling
You make me happy, baby
You bring me joy, sweetheart
Nobody needs to remind me exactly why I’m
No one has to tell me why I am
The richest man in the room
I feel like the wealthiest person in the room
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Christopher Breaux, Kevin Ristro, Waynne Nugent
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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.