Frank Ocean -- singer, songwriter, musician, and now the first openly bisexual male in Hip-Hop.
Born Christopher "Lonny" Breaux, Ocean is most widely known for his songwriting, having written hits for Jay-Z, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and John Legend. However, it is his recent revelation that's putting his name in headlines.
In the early stages of Hip-Hop, artists denounced gays by using homophobic slurs in their lyrics. As the musical genre has advanced through the years, the lyrics have changed more towards tolerance. Ocean’s recent confession has led several respected music figures to stand in his corner.
Written in December 2011, Ocean's now celebrated letter served as the main inspiration for his upcoming release, “Channel Orange," as Ocean himself said, "Orange reminds me of the summer I first fell in love."
In this letter, Ocean revealed his bisexuality to the world, stating that though he maintained previous relationships with women in the past, his first love was with a man.
“4 Summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide,” Ocean wrote. “Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence... Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant.”
Perhaps this is a classic case of “it’s not what you say, but how you say it,” as rather than simplifying his announcement to 140 characters, Ocean decided to create a Tumblr post explaining the details of his summer love affair.
In light of the shocking announcement, various music heavyweights commended him for his bravery and candor.
"I salute you, brave soul. Independence Day," tweeted Solange Knowles.
Inspired by Ocean's valor, actor Columbus Short dubbed the statement a "big announcement from a big talent."
Perhaps the most moved was business mogul Russell Simmons. On his website Global Grind, Simmons had nothing but kind words for the "Odd Future" singer.
"I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean. Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many people still living in fear," Simmons wrote. "His actions this morning will uplift our consciousness and allow us to become better people... Frank, we thank you. We support you. We love you."
In the conclusion of his letter, Ocean addressed his mother, acknowledging that he acquired this newly found courage from her.
“To my mother, you raised me strong. I know I’m only brave because you were first, so thank you!”
After reading her son’s kind words, his mother, Katonya Breaux Riley, tweeted about her undying appreciation and pride for her son.
“My son is brave and honest and I am very proud of him,” Riley said. “I wish more people in the world could be brave enough to be who they really are... my son is the most incredible human I know.”
After revealing so much of himself to the world, Ocean seems to have no regrets.
"I feel like a free man. If I listen closely, I can hear the sky falling too," Ocean said.
Our partners:
Join the conversation...