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.
Snow White
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm so real, I'm something to feel, peel fabric
My folks kill, they hunt every meal, meat cabbage
Lyrically get out my way, protein the beats radish
Roll the weed LB the police smell me
High profile, sweet, bring them hoes to the tele Nah
Bitches fuck your shit up worse from DMX in Belly behind your back
Relative, skin of ribs and eat healthy
I belch a bitch and leave her tits on a shelving
I felt a bitch, she let me in, welcoming
Fuck duct tape nigga, I like Velcro-ing
I ain't the one to be tampered with
I make you shit all in your pants and your pamper, bitch
Niggas quick to sing a hook and make a dance up quick
For you it's never or never, my camp's legit
Wolf Gang! Fuck your crew, nigga! This Wolf Gang, nigga!
Go the fuck home, mutherfucker! Night night, motherfucker!
Smoke up, Left Brain!
Snow so white, moon so bright
They're on a playground making canines fight
Ain't no place for my kids to go
The wolves are rowdy and in the parking lot
I don't mean basketball when I say that they be balling in the park a lot
It's like the big bad wolf duplicated
If they getting shitted on by critics, it's cool, they super rated
Life on the huge and playlist, daily's the fucking basis
Accounting for all the hatred, get off the children's sacred
I'm international, actual but in fact I go from
The US to the UK to Amsterdam in like two days
Snow so white, moon so bright
They're on a playground making canines fight
Ain't no place for my kids to go
In these lyrics from Frank Ocean's song "Snow White," he uses vivid imagery and wordplay to convey various themes and emotions.
In the first paragraph, Frank starts by referencing Nas' iconic album "Illmatic" and compares himself to the legendary rapper, highlighting his authenticity and lyrical prowess. By mentioning his gold chain and sneakers ("J's"), Frank exudes a sense of confidence and style. When he says, "I'm so real, I'm something to feel, peel fabric," he indicates that he is genuine and raw, encouraging others to uncover his true nature. He talks about his folks hunting for food, emphasizing a down-to-earth and gritty lifestyle. The phrase "lyrically get out my way, protein the beats radish" suggests that his words carry substance and power, energizing the music with his unique style.
Moving into the second paragraph, Frank mentions rolling and smoking weed discreetly to avoid being caught by law enforcement. He describes himself as "high profile" and "sweet," attracting women to his hotel room ("tele"). Furthermore, he warns about the danger of people plotting against you behind your back, relating it to the character DMX played in the movie "Belly." Frank questions the loyalty of others, specifically someone he thought was a relative ("relly-"). He brings up the idea of eating healthily, with "skin of ribs" and "meat cabbage," contrasting the physical aspect of diet with belching a girl and leaving her breasts on a shelf metaphorically, suggesting a lack of emotional attachment or objectification.
In the third paragraph, Frank asserts his authenticity by disregarding duct tape and preferring Velcro, symbolizing a flexible and adaptable approach. He conveys an intimidating demeanor, warning others not to tamper with him, as he is capable of causing fear-induced bowel movements ("shit all in your pants and your pamper, bitch"). He criticizes artists who prioritize catchy hooks and danceability over substance, declaring that his camp is legitimate and worthy of respect. By shouting "Wolf Gang!" he reaffirms his affiliation, identity, and unity with his team.
In the last paragraph, Frank uses the allegory of Snow White to metaphorically represent a world of corruption and danger. The bright moon and white snow symbolize an innocent and pure setting, but he contrasts this with the reality of a playground where "canines fight," referring to violent conflicts. This imagery connotes an unsafe environment for children and showcases Frank's concerns for their well-being amidst chaos. He indirectly addresses critics who unfairly judge and discredit him and his team, suggesting that their opinions do not phase him. Additionally, he highlights his international presence, traveling between the US, UK, and Amsterdam in a short span of time, underscoring his global appeal and widespread impact.
Overall, Frank Ocean's lyrics in "Snow White" paint a vivid picture of his authenticity, resilience in the face of adversity, and his concerns for the state of the world, particularly regarding the safety and welfare of children. His wordplay, clever imagery, and cultural references demonstrate his unique perspective and skill as a songwriter.
Line by Line Meaning
Gold chain and some J's like Nas in Illmatic
I have expensive jewelry and shoes, just like Nas did in his classic album Illmatic.
I'm so real, I'm something to feel, peel fabric
I am incredibly authentic and genuine, people can physically sense it when they interact with me.
My folks kill, they hunt every meal, meat cabbage
My relatives are skilled hunters who provide for the family, even capturing cabbages as if they were prey.
Lyrically get out my way, protein the beats radish
I excel in my lyrical abilities, effortlessly overcoming any obstacles in my path, just like protein-rich radishes help nourish and strengthen the body.
Roll the weed LB the police smell me
I roll a joint and the smell attracts the attention of law enforcement.
High profile, sweet, bring them hoes to the tele Nah
I have a well-known reputation and charisma that attracts attractive women to my place right away.
Bitches fuck your shit up worse from DMX in Belly behind your back
Women can betray and sabotage you deeply, just like the character DMX played in the movie Belly.
Planning your downfall, I thought that was your relly-
They are secretly plotting your downfall, I thought that person was your relative, your blood.
Relative, skin of ribs and eat healthy
Family members share a close bond and take care of each other, nourishing themselves healthily.
I belch a bitch and leave her tits on a shelving
I disrespectfully reject a woman and leave her feeling unvalued and discarded.
I felt a bitch, she let me in, welcoming
I took advantage of a woman's vulnerability, and she allowed me into her life willingly.
Fuck duct tape nigga, I like Velcro-ing
I disregard the need for restraint or control and prefer a more casual and easily detachable approach.
I ain't the one to be tampered with
I am not someone to be messed with or provoked.
I make you shit all in your pants and your pamper, bitch
I have the ability to scare and intimidate you so much that you lose control of your bodily functions, even if you're wearing diapers.
Niggas quick to sing a hook and make a dance up quick
People are often eager to create catchy choruses and choreographed dances without considering deeper meaning or substance.
For you it's never or never, my camp's legit
For someone like you, there is no possibility or chance of success, while my group is legitimate and successful.
Wolf Gang! Fuck your crew, nigga! This Wolf Gang, nigga!
I proudly represent my group, Wolf Gang, and dismissively show disrespect to rival crews.
Go the fuck home, mutherfucker! Night night, motherfucker!
I aggressively and vehemently tell someone to leave, wishing them a sleepless night.
Smoke up, Left Brain!
Let's smoke marijuana together, Left Brain!
Snow so white, moon so bright
The snow is pure and pristine, illuminated by the bright moonlight.
They're on a playground making canines fight
There are people causing violence and conflict on a playground, resembling a dogfight.
Ain't no place for my kids to go
It is not a suitable or safe environment for my children to be in.
The wolves are rowdy and in the parking lot
There are aggressive and chaotic individuals, like wolves, causing trouble in the parking lot.
I don't mean basketball when I say that they be balling in the park a lot
I am referring to them engaging in illicit activities or showing off their wealth, rather than playing basketball.
It's like the big bad wolf duplicated
The troublemakers resemble the archetype of the big bad wolf, as if they have been reproduced multiple times.
If they getting shitted on by critics, it's cool, they super rated
Even if critics are harshly criticizing their work, these individuals remain unbothered and highly regarded by their fanbase.
Life on the huge and playlist, daily's the fucking basis
Their lives revolve around being featured prominently on popular playlists, and it is a daily occurrence and essential part of their existence.
Accounting for all the hatred, get off the children's sacred
They have to confront and deal with the overwhelming amount of hatred, but it is important to protect the innocence of children and keep them away from it.
I'm international, actual but in fact I go from
I have a global presence and influence, I can travel from one country to another easily.
The US to the UK to Amsterdam in like two days
I can swiftly travel between locations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Amsterdam, within a short span of two days.
Snow so white, moon so bright
Once again, the snow is pure and radiant under the bright moonlight.
They're on a playground making canines fight
There are disruptive and destructive individuals causing conflicts and confrontations, reminiscent of dogfights, on a playground.
Ain't no place for my kids to go
It is not a suitable or safe environment for my children to be exposed to or involved in.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADALITA, ADAM KANE ROBERTSON, RAUL SANCHEZ, DEAN JAMES TURNER
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.