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.
Rico
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said, we in the studio
Is this mic on? Check-check
I'm thankful for my position I was given in life
'Cause I know some people livin' who ain't livin' this life
Read about starved children who ain't eatin' this right
Drug lords declare war, sellin' cheaper the price
Get your swag from the black sellin' back to the white
Niggas can't get a job, so we self-employed
If the coppers come a-knockin', we gon' help that boy
Bail money, welcome back home out of jail money
White girl pale money, sunny when we sell money
See seashell money, we sell money
Rain, hail money, Heaven what the hell money
Dusty paper, stale money
I thought they restricted it, did for most people
But we out here gettin' it
Watch your hands under her dress
We get the feelin' that she's faded and she's willin'
Screaming, "Wolf Gang, whip me off! Get me off!"
The sex, it turns to children
Then the children turn to villains
Villain wolves singin' "Kill them all, fuck 'em all!"
And that go for anybody that come around here
That ain't from around here
Ho, you too, you ain't special
Wolf Gang kill them all, fuck 'em all
She handles herself a classic
She got a nice ass but she can't run no games on me
She claim to like the stores and the clothes
Jeans bleached with the holes, but she can't get my bank homey
Too smart is no good, if she smart for no good it's so good
She can't flaunt her thing on me
She can be full of swag, drive a Jag, poppin' tags on the Ave
But she can't get her cake from me
That sounded like the hook I threw at her in the Swagger I rode in
Said she came to feel me in, when she really came to fill me in
Like baby what's the deal with it?
Seem to be attracted by the fiancee and finance that no wifey concealin' it
Dealin' with life's shuffle, then fold
Dippin' with the duffles I hold
If we are a couple, let's go
To the place where we lead in the life ?
Bring the pipe, blow the weed, punchlines to be received
Watch your hands under her dress
We get the feelin' that she's faded and she's willin'
Screaming, "Wolf Gang, whip me off! Get me off!"
The sex, it turns to children
Then the children turn to villains
Villain wolves singin' "Kill them all, fuck 'em all!"
And that go for anybody that come around here
That ain't from around here
Ho, you too, you ain't special
Wolf Gang kill them all, fuck 'em all
The lyrics to "Rico" by Frank Ocean touch on themes of gratitude, societal issues, relationships, and self-worth. The first verse expresses gratefulness for the position the singer has been given in life, acknowledging that not everyone has the same opportunities. The lyrics also address the harsh reality of poverty, drug trade, and the struggle to make a living. It highlights the desperation that leads some individuals to engage in illegal activities as a means of survival.
The second verse shifts focus to a romantic relationship. The singer describes a woman who may appear beautiful and alluring, but cannot deceive or manipulate the singer. The lyrics emphasize the importance of substance and genuineness over material possessions. The singer recognizes that intelligence and attractiveness are not enough if they lack integrity and purpose. The verse also touches on the idea of fidelity and the consequences of infidelity, referencing the idea that relationships can turn sour and individuals can become villains if they betray one another.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rico" delve into the complexities of life, relationships, and societal issues, highlighting the need for authenticity, gratitude, and self-worth.
Line by Line Meaning
We in the studio
We are currently in the recording studio
I said, we in the studio
Just to emphasize, I want you to know that we are in the studio
Is this mic on? Check-check
I'm checking if the microphone is properly working
I'm thankful for my position I was given in life
I appreciate the opportunities I have been given in life
'Cause I know some people livin' who ain't livin' this life
Because I am aware of people who are less fortunate and don't have the same opportunities
Read about starved children who ain't eatin' this right
I've read about children who are suffering from hunger and don't have access to proper nutrition
Drug lords declare war, sellin' cheaper the price
Drug lords are initiating conflicts and selling drugs at lower prices
Stuntin' dummy drug money, yeah, them sneakers is nice
Showing off with counterfeit drug money to afford expensive sneakers
Get your swag from the black sellin' back to the white
People are copying their sense of style from black culture and selling it to white consumers
Niggas can't get a job, so we self-employed
Many black individuals face difficulty in finding employment, so they become self-employed
If the coppers come a-knockin', we gon' help that boy
If the police come knocking, we will assist our friend in avoiding trouble
Bail money, welcome back home out of jail money
The funds needed to bail someone out of jail and welcome them back home
White girl pale money, sunny when we sell money
Making money from selling drugs to white customers, even though it may lead to negative consequences
See seashell money, we sell money
Referring to the sound of money like seashells, as we continue to sell drugs
Rain, hail money, Heaven what the hell money
Making money regardless of the circumstances, even if it goes against moral values
Dusty paper, stale money
Referring to old and worn-out money
I thought they restricted it, did for most people
I believed they regulated the sale of drugs, but it seems like it only affects certain individuals
But we out here gettin' it
Nevertheless, we are still out here making money
Watch your hands under her dress
Be cautious of your actions and intentions towards her
We get the feelin' that she's faded and she's willin'
We perceive that she is under the influence and open to engaging in sexual activities
Screaming, 'Wolf Gang, whip me off! Get me off!'
She enthusiastically calls out to the Wolf Gang, requesting sexual pleasure
The sex, it turns to children
The sexual encounters result in unintended pregnancies
Then the children turn to villains
These children, growing up in unfavorable circumstances, may turn to a life of crime
Villain wolves singin', 'Kill them all, fuck 'em all!'
These individuals who have turned to a life of crime express a violent and ruthless mentality
And that go for anybody that come around here
This warning applies to anyone who enters this area
That ain't from around here
Specifically directed towards those who are not native to this neighborhood
Ho, you too, you ain't special
Even if you are a woman, you are not exempt from the dangers and consequences present here
Wolf Gang kill them all, fuck 'em all
The Wolf Gang, a group associated with criminal activities, advocates for the elimination of all individuals
She handles herself a classic
She presents herself with sophistication and grace
She got a nice ass but she can't run no games on me
Although she has an attractive physical appearance, she cannot deceive or manipulate me
She claim to like the stores and the clothes
She asserts that she enjoys shopping and fashionable clothing
Jeans bleached with the holes, but she can't get my bank homey
Even if she wears trendy jeans with intentional holes, she cannot access my financial resources
Too smart is no good, if she smart for no good it's so good
Being excessively intelligent is not desirable if she uses her intelligence for dishonest purposes
She can't flaunt her thing on me
She cannot use her physical attractiveness or material possessions to manipulate me
She can be full of swag, drive a Jag, poppin' tags on the Ave
She may have a confident and stylish demeanor, drive a Jaguar, and buy expensive items on the avenue
But she can't get her cake from me
However, she cannot benefit financially or materially from our connection
That sounded like the hook I threw at her in the Swagger I rode in
That line seemed like a pickup line I used on her while exhibiting confidence in the way I carried myself
Said she came to feel me in, when she really came to fill me in
She claimed she was interested in getting to know me intimately, but her true intention was to gather information about me
Like baby what's the deal with it?
She asked me what the situation was all about
Seem to be attracted by the fiancee and finance that no wifey concealin' it
She appears to be drawn to the fact that I have a partner and financial resources that I don't hide
Dealin' with life's shuffle, then fold
Navigating through the uncertain aspects of life, adapting to different situations, and ultimately surrendering
Dippin' with the duffles I hold
Moving around with the bags of money I possess
If we are a couple, let's go
If we are in a relationship, we should move forward together
To the place where we lead in the life ?
To the destination or position of influence we aspire to in life
Bring the pipe, blow the weed, punchlines to be received
Prepare the marijuana pipe, smoke the weed, and deliver impactful rap lyrics to be appreciated and acknowledged
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Vyron Turner, Gerard Long, Frank Ocean
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.