The mixtape gained Ocean plenty of attention, and the interest of recording artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé Knowles, and Jay-Z.
Def Jam made plans to release it as an EP, presided by the single “Novacane,” Once released, “Novacane” and “Swim Good” both achieved chart success. The mixtape focuses on interpersonal relationships, personal reflection, and social commentary, and seasoned music critics loved it. His first mixtape, “Nostalgia, Ultra,” was released in February 2011 to good reviews. Ocean’s friendship with Odd Future member Tyler, The Creator reinvigorated his songwriting, and he ceased ghostwriting and took his songwriting public.įrank Ocean’s desire to solo was still there, and an introduction to Christopher “Tricky” Stewart helped him get a solo contract with Def Jam Records. In 2010, Ocean changed his name to Christopher Francis Ocean, inspired by Frank Sinatra and the 1960 film, “Ocean’s Eleven.” He also became a member of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA). ocean soon realized that composing for others could be lucrative, but recognized that he didn’t take the risk to relocate to Los Angeles to be comfortable. He earned a songwriting deal as a ghostwriter for artists such as Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend. During his stay in LA, Ocean recorded demos at a friend’s studio, and submitted them to local labels. Without a studio to anchor him, Ocean decided to leave his family and his hometown, and moved to Los Angeles, California, to continue doing what he loved most.
Ocean moved into a dormitory when he entered the University of New Orleans, but Hurricane Katrina hit shortly thereafter, and he transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.Īfter Katrina severely damaged the space, looters carted away much of the equipment. In his teens, Ocean would earn money by washing cars, mowing lawns, and walking dogs in order to create a studio in a rented space. When Ocean was around five years old, he and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, which proved to have a profound effect on him as a child with its different ambiance and musical influences including jazz, Cajun and delta blues. His family includes a brother and one sister. He is a Grammy Award-winning singer, rapper, composer, and celebrated performer.īorn as Christopher Edwin “Lonny” Breaux in Long Beach, California, Frank Ocean is the son of Calvin Edward Cooksey and Katonya Breaux. Frank Ocean was born on October 28, 1987.
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