words: swagrporters
Tunechi is no stranger to provocative claims. In his Turn on the Lights track, Weezy F contrasts his heterosexual exploits to alternative lifestyles when he says, “I ain’t got no worries, no Frank Ocean I’m straight.” This would not be the last jab taken at the singer who had come out publically in June of 2012.
The story of Ocean’s come up is entertaining in its own right. Taking inspiration from his childhood home of New Orleans, Frank Ocean utilized the Big Easy’s local jazz and blues scenes to develop the catchy soulful voice that was to be. As legend has it, Ocean approached several record labels and was quickly turned away due to his unconventional sound. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused the rising Ocean to seek refuge in LA where he ran into OFWGKTA founder, Tyler, The Creator.
Reportedly, Tyler encouraged him to pursue his passion and invited him to join the Odd Future crew; a crew infamous for exploring experimental styles. The rest, as they say, is history.
Grammys. Widespread acclaim. Rinse, repeat.
Despite success on the surface, tumultuous waters continue to churn for Ocean. T-Pain recently gave; an interview to Vlad TV where he describes the homophobia in “urban music” and claims that rappers have refused to work with Ocean due to his sexual orientation.
When 2 Live Crew dropped As Nasty as They Want to Be, essentially inventing the infamous Parental Advisory tag, they set a precedent of free expression in the rap game. But at what point do we draw the line? Rick Ross has made a career out of telling tales about moving international-drug-lord-type weight but he gets dropped from his Reebok deal for his line in the phonetically hilarious, U.O.E.N.O. Ok…got it. Date rape: not okay. Homosexuality: fair game. In a culture where murder, sexual exploits, and slangin’ weight are everyday fodder, rappers turn the cold shoulder on a dude for his sexuality.
What turns the tide? Frank Ocean’s detailed letter describing his first sexual experience was a statement. Much the same way, Missouri DE, Michael Sam’s coming out right before the NFL Draft makes a statement. In time, a critical mass of entertainers will come out or pledge their support for alternative lifestyles. At that time the antiquated views will become the minority. Until then a few individuals will have to brave the rough seas. But as they say, "a safe sea never made a skillful sailor."
Go figure. A dude that won’t back down when the industry tells him he can’t sing is the same dude who won’t back down in the face of ignorance.
Do you, Frankie. Do you.