Career Timeline of Frank Ocean: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Frank Ocean built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Frank Ocean is an influential American singer and songwriter, widely regarded as a pioneer of alternative R&B. His critically acclaimed studio albums have both been recognized on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Ocean's achievements include two Grammy Awards and a Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist, solidifying his significant impact on contemporary music and popular culture.
2006: Moved to Los Angeles to pursue music career
In 2006, Frank Ocean moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career, working various jobs to support himself, and eventually establishing himself as a songwriter under the name Lonny Breaux.
2009: Meeting Odd Future and Tricky Stewart
In 2009, Frank Ocean met the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future and Tricky Stewart, leading to a writing contract with Def Jam Recordings. These connections reinvigorated Ocean's songwriting and career.
2009: Signed with Def Jam
In 2009, Frank Ocean signed with Def Jam Recordings.
2010: Joining Odd Future
In 2010, Frank Ocean transitioned from a ghostwriter to a member of the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future, marking a shift in his career path.
February 16, 2011: Self-Release of Nostalgia, Ultra
On February 16, 2011, Frank Ocean self-released his mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, online for free, which received critical acclaim for its songwriting and R&B sound.
April 2011: Strengthened Relationship with Def Jam
In April 2011, Frank Ocean stated that his relationship with Def Jam had strengthened following the release of Nostalgia, Ultra, which led to collaborations with Jay-Z and Kanye West.
May 2011: Release of Novacane to iTunes
In May 2011, Frank Ocean's single "Novacane" was released to iTunes, as part of Def Jam's plan to re-release Nostalgia, Ultra as an EP.
May 19, 2011: Def Jam Announces Rerelease of Nostalgia, Ultra as an EP
On May 19, 2011, Frank Ocean's record label Def Jam announced its plans to re-release Nostalgia, Ultra as an EP, with the single "Novacane" released to iTunes that month.
June 2011: Work on Watch the Throne
In June 2011, Frank Ocean joined Kanye West and Jay-Z on their collaborative album Watch the Throne, co-writing and featuring on "No Church in the Wild" and "Made in America".
July 28, 2011: "Thinkin Bout You" Leak
On July 28, 2011, Frank Ocean's reference track "Thinkin Bout You" leaked on the internet, originally written for Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly, who renamed it 'Thinking About Forever'.
August 2011: The Fader Cover Appearance
In August 2011, Frank Ocean made his first appearance on the cover of The Fader publication, in its 75th issue, marking a significant recognition in his career.
September 2011: Music Video Release
In September 2011, Frank Ocean's version of "Thinkin Bout You", a music video directed by High5Collective, was released even though the song also appeared on Bridget Kelly's debut EP Every Girl.
2011: Independent Mixtape Release
In 2011, Frank Ocean independently released his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, despite being signed with RedZone Entertainment/Def Jam Recordings.
April 10, 2012: "Thinkin Bout You" Single Release
On April 10, 2012, Frank Ocean released the cover art for his debut studio album's lead single, "Thinkin Bout You", revealing it would be released to digital retailers. However, a re-mastered version had already leaked.
2012: Channel Orange Album Release and Acclaim
In 2012, Frank Ocean released his debut studio album, Channel Orange, to universal acclaim, earning Grammy nominations and praise for pushing the R&B genre in a new direction. The album featured themes of unrequited love and social commentary.
2012: Release of Channel Orange
In 2012, Frank Ocean released his debut studio album, Channel Orange, which incorporated elements of R&B and soul music, showcasing his eclectic style.
2012: Channel Orange Debut and Summer Tour
In 2012, Frank Ocean's album Channel Orange debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 131,000 copies in its first week, and Ocean promoted the album with his Summer Tour, featuring appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza.
February 2013: Started Work on Second Album
In February 2013, Frank Ocean confirmed he had begun working on his second concept album, collaborating with artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Danger Mouse.
May 28, 2013: You're Not Dead...2013 Tour Announcement
On May 28, 2013, Frank Ocean announced the You're Not Dead...2013 Tour, a fourteen-date European and Canadian tour.
June 16, 2013: You're Not Dead...2013 Tour Kickoff
On June 16, 2013, Frank Ocean's You're Not Dead...2013 Tour began in Munich, marking the start of his European and Canadian tour.
March 10, 2014: Release of "Hero"
On March 10, 2014, the song "Hero", a collaboration with Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Diplo, was made available for free download on SoundCloud as part of Converse's Three Artists. One Song series.
March 2014: Ocean withdraws from Chipotle commercial
In March 2014, Frank Ocean withdrew from a Chipotle commercial promoting responsible farming, feeling obliged to do so after reviewing the final storyboard. Ocean repaid Chipotle $212,500.00. Fiona Apple replaced Ocean in the commercial, titled "The Scarecrow".
April 2014: Second Album Nearing Completion
In April 2014, Frank Ocean stated that his second album was nearly finished, raising anticipation for its release.
September 2014: Channel Orange Sales
By September 2014, Frank Ocean's album Channel Orange had sold 621,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, highlighting its continued commercial success.
September 2014: Signed with Mark Gilespie
In September 2014, due to his critical success and musical awards, Frank Ocean signed with Mark Gilespie of Three Six Zero Entertainment for new management and representation.
November 29, 2014: Released Snippet of Memrise
On November 29, 2014, Frank Ocean released a snippet of a new song called "Memrise" on his Tumblr page, supposedly from his upcoming follow-up to Channel Orange.
April 6, 2015: Announced New Album Release Date
On April 6, 2015, Frank Ocean announced that his follow-up to Channel Orange would be released in July of that year, though the album was ultimately delayed with no explanation.
July 2, 2015: Hints at Possible Album Release
On July 2, 2015, Frank Ocean hinted at a possible second album release, posting on his website an image of a library card labeled Boys Don't Cry with several due dates, starting from this day and implying a release.
February 2016: Featured on The Life of Pablo
In February 2016, Frank Ocean was featured on Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo, on the track "Wolves" alongside Vic Mensa and Sia.
July 2016: Boys Don't Cry Album Tease
In July 2016, Frank Ocean's brother, Ryan Breaux, suggested the release of the album Boys Don't Cry with an Instagram post of a library card photo.
August 1, 2016: Live Stream and Album Speculation
On August 1, 2016, an endless live stream sponsored by Apple Music began surfacing on boysdontcry.co, showing Frank Ocean woodworking and playing instrumentals, leading to speculation about an upcoming album.
August 5, 2016: Inaccurate Release Date
On August 5, 2016, various news outlets incorrectly reported that this day could be the release date for Boys Don't Cry.
August 20, 2016: Release of "Nikes", Boys Don't Cry magazine and Blonde album
On August 20, 2016, Frank Ocean uploaded the music video for "Nikes" to Apple Music and his website. Also on August 20, Frank Ocean announced pop-up shops for his magazine Boys Don't Cry in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and London, and released his second studio album Blonde to widespread acclaim. Blonde debuted at number one in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and recorded sales of 232,000 copies (275,000 with album-equivalent units) in its first week.
2016: Traveling and Album Ranking
Following the release of Blonde, Frank Ocean traveled to countries such as China, Japan and France. Also in 2016, Frank Ocean chose not to submit Blonde for consideration at the Grammy Awards. Time ranked Blonde as the best album of 2016.
2016: Endless and Blonde Releases
In 2016, Frank Ocean released the visual album Endless to fulfill contractual obligations, followed by the independent release of his second studio album, Blonde, the next day.
2016: Endless released and parting ways with Def Jam
In 2016, Frank Ocean's live stream was accompanied by music, and at midnight, an Apple Music link directed to a project called Endless. Endless was Ocean's last album with Def Jam Recordings to fulfill his contract. Also in 2016, before the album's release on Apple Music, Ocean had begun efforts to part ways with Def Jam.
February 21, 2017: Calvin Harris announces "Slide" featuring Frank Ocean and Migos
On February 21, 2017, Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris announced his single "Slide", featuring Frank Ocean and hip-hop trio Migos. The single is from Harris' fifth studio album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.
February 23, 2017: "Slide" release and featured on Blonded Radio
On February 23, 2017, the single "Slide" by Calvin Harris featuring Frank Ocean and Migos was released and featured on the first episode of Frank Ocean's Beats 1 radio show, Blonded Radio. It is Ocean's first recorded collaboration since leaving Def Jam.
March 10, 2017: Release of "Chanel" on Blonded Radio
On March 10, 2017, Frank Ocean released a new single "Chanel" on the second episode of Blonded Radio, as well as playing an alternate version featuring American rapper ASAP Rocky. The song was his first solo effort to be released after Blonde and Endless in 2016.
May 1, 2017: Attended Met Gala as special photographer for Vogue
On May 1, 2017, Frank Ocean attended the annual Met Gala as a special photographer for Vogue.
October 2017: Published photo essay "New 17" to British magazine i-D
In October 2017, Frank Ocean published a photo essay titled "New 17" to British magazine i-D. In the essay, Ocean said "If you liked two thousand and seventeen then you'll love two thousand and eighteen".
October 23, 2017: Cover and visual essay for British fashion magazine, i-D
On October 23, 2017, Frank Ocean made two covers and a visual essay for British fashion magazine, i-D.
November 2017: Hinted fifth project completion via Tumblr
In November 2017, Frank Ocean hinted via Tumblr that his fifth project was complete.
2017: Sporadic releases, Photography, Fashion Brand Launch, and Homer Radio
After 2017, Frank Ocean released sporadic singles, worked as a photographer for magazines, launched the fashion brand Homer, and started Homer Radio, expanding his creative ventures.
2017: Last Live Performances Until Coachella
Frank Ocean's Coachella headlining announcement in January 10, 2023 would be his first live performances since 2017.
February 14, 2018: Release of "Moon River" cover
On February 14, 2018, Frank Ocean released "Moon River", a cover of the song performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
May 2018: Featured on ASAP Rocky's album Testing
In May 2018, Frank Ocean was featured on the tracks "Brotha Man" and "Purity" from ASAP Rocky's third studio album Testing.
August 2018: Featured on Travis Scott's Astroworld
In August 2018, Frank Ocean featured on the song "Carousel" from Travis Scott's third studio album Astroworld, which released on the same day.
October 19, 2019: Release of "DHL" and announcement of vinyl singles
On October 19, 2019, Frank Ocean released a new song titled "DHL" on his Beats 1 radio show Blonded Radio and announced 7-inch vinyl singles of two new songs on his website titled "Dear April" and "Cayendo".
November 1, 2019: Release of "In My Room"
On November 1, 2019, Frank Ocean followed up "DHL" with a new song titled "In My Room", which was premiered on Blonded Radio.
February 25, 2020: "Little Demon" vinyl cancellation announced
On February 25, 2020, Frank Ocean announced that he will replace "Little Demon" with an unreleased song which would be released on February 28, 2020. The vinyl for "Little Demon" was canceled and refunds were provided.
October 2020: Coachella performance postponed and cancelled
Frank Ocean was set to headline at Coachella in October 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was initially postponed and later cancelled altogether.
August 8, 2021: Official Reveal of "Homer" fashion project
On August 8, 2021, Frank Ocean officially revealed his first fashion project, "Homer", described as "an independent American luxury company founded by Frank Ocean".
August 2021: Coachella 2023 Headliner Confirmation
In August 2021, Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett confirmed that Frank Ocean will headline the festival in 2023.
December 25, 2021: Release of Untitled Song on Blonded Radio
On December 25, 2021, Frank Ocean released a new 9-minute untitled song on his Beats 1 radio show Blonded Radio featuring music contribution from Cory Henry.
June 2022: Talks to Direct First Feature Film with A24
In June 2022, it was announced that Frank Ocean was in talks to direct his first feature film, with A24 producing.
January 10, 2023: Coachella Headlining Announcement
On January 10, 2023, Coachella announced that Frank Ocean would be headlining the festival on April 16 and 23.
October 2023: Ocean signs Artists4Ceasefire open letter
In October 2023, Frank Ocean showed solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip during the ongoing Gaza war. He signed an October 2023 Artists4Ceasefire open letter urging then-President Joe Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
2023: Coachella Performance
In 2023, Frank Ocean was scheduled to headline Coachella.
January 2025: Directorial Debut Confirmed
In January 2025, Frank Ocean's directorial debut was confirmed, with David Jonsson announced as the lead and the movie shooting in Mexico City.
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