The singer-songwriter behind "Songs for Women" and "Pyramids" has shocked the music industry and his fans by coming out the closet as a bisexual man.
Rumors began to swirl after music critics attended listening sessions and noted that a few of Frank's songs referred to "him" and not "her." Frank decided to dead all speculation by releasing the Thank Yous to his new album Channel Orange, which will be released July 17.
The Thank Yous, which are quite long, essentially tell the story of Frank's first love. At 19, he met and befriended a man. They became close and Frank's feelings turned romantic. He confessed his love but his lover didn't reciprocate. At least not then.
That brief summary doesn't do justice to the poetry that Frank put together for his coming out story though, so read it yourself.
While Tyler the Creator and the other Odd Future kids have been accused of being homophobic, the gang appeared to show nothing but love for their brother Frank.
The group's managers Christian and Kelly Clancy tweeted about how "proud" they were of Frank.
ive had a million proud moments in my career...this one falls at the top...
— KELLY(@kellyclancy) July 4, 2012
Proud.
— 4 Strikes Inc. (@christianclancy) July 4, 2012
Hodgy made it clear that anyone who's against Frank because of his sexuality is against the whole squad.
Fuck everybody who don't fuck with one of us. I dont fuck with nobody.
— Higashi Miyagi (@KILLHodgy) July 4, 2012
Taco, the group's....sidekick, also expressed his love and support for Frank.
Gay, Straight, White, Black, Pink or Blue
— Taco (@oddfuckingtaco) July 4, 2012
Lonnys still my nigga til death
— Taco (@oddfuckingtaco) July 4, 2012
Even the reclusive Earl Sweatshirt tweeted his approval.
Proud of frank.
— Earl Sweatshirt (@earlxsweat) July 4, 2012
And finally Tyler, lovingly asked, "What took you so long?" while giving him an e-dap.
Fucking Finally Sus Boy @frank_ocean Hahahaha, You Still Aint Got No Bitches Hahaha My Nigga Dawg
— Tyler, The Creator (@fucktyler) July 4, 2012
Tyler is probably saying finally because Frank hinted at his sexuality in the group's track "Oldie."
Frank's part starts at 5:20
Here's the key line: "I'm high and I'm bi, wait, I mean I'm straight."
Frank is certainly by no means the first openly gay or bisexual musician. But it's quite rare for male R&B singers to ever admit such a thing. Luther Vandross, for example, famously lived his life completely in the closet.
Frank's decision to step out into the light could inspire others in R&B to do the same. Either way, Frank remains a remarkable singer-songwriter with nothing but a bright future ahead of him.
