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 recognized as a pioneer of alternative R&B. His critically acclaimed studio albums have earned him numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards and a Brit Award. Both of his studio albums have been featured on Rolling Stone's esteemed '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list, solidifying his place as a significant figure in contemporary music.
2006: Move to Los Angeles
In 2006, Frank Ocean moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career and established himself as a songwriter under the name Lonny Breaux.
2009: Signing with Def Jam
In 2009, Frank Ocean initially signed with Def Jam Recordings, marking the beginning of a seven-year contractual relationship that he later described as a "chess game."
2009: Meeting Odd Future
In 2009, Frank Ocean met the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future, and later in late 2009 he met Tricky Stewart who helped him sign a writing contract with Def Jam Recordings.
2010: Joining Odd Future
In 2010, Frank Ocean joined the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future.
February 16, 2011: Self-Release of Nostalgia, Ultra
On February 16, 2011, Frank Ocean self-released his mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, online for free, receiving critical acclaim.
April 2011: Strengthened Relationship with Def Jam
In April 2011, Frank Ocean stated that his relationship with Def Jam had strengthened since the release of Nostalgia, Ultra.
May 19, 2011: Def Jam Announces Re-Release of Nostalgia, Ultra
On May 19, 2011, Frank Ocean's record label Def Jam announced its plans to re-release Nostalgia, Ultra as an EP.
June 2011: Working on Watch the Throne
In June 2011, Frank Ocean revealed that he would work on the upcoming Kanye West and Jay-Z collaborative album, Watch the Throne. Ocean co-wrote and featured on two tracks: "No Church in the Wild" and "Made in America".
July 28, 2011: "Thinkin Bout You" Leaks
On July 28, 2011, a song titled "Thinkin Bout You", leaked on the internet. It was later revealed the song was a reference track, written by Ocean, for Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly's debut studio album.
August 2011: The Fader Cover Appearance
In August 2011, Frank Ocean made his first appearance on the cover of the publication The Fader, in its 75th issue.
September 2011: "Thinkin Bout You" Music Video Release
In September 2011, a music video directed by High5Collective for Frank Ocean's version of "Thinkin Bout You" was released, after being leaked in July 2011.
2012: Channel Orange Debut
In 2012, Channel Orange debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and Frank Ocean promoted the album with his 2012 Summer Tour, which featured final appearances at the Coachella and Lollapalooza festivals.
2012: Responses to Ocean's Statement on Sexuality
In 2012, Frank Ocean addressed questions about his sexuality, stating that he believes life is dynamic and doesn't like labels. This announcement was met with positive responses from members of the hip hop industry, including Tyler, the Creator and Russell Simmons, who saw it as a significant moment for hip-hop and a message of hope for young people.
2012: Release of Channel Orange and critical acclaim
In 2012, Frank Ocean released his debut studio album Channel Orange to universal acclaim from critics. Some writers credited the album for moving the R&B genre in a different, more challenging direction.
February 2013: Work on Second Studio Album
In February 2013, Frank Ocean confirmed that he had started work on his second studio album, which he confirmed would be another concept album. He revealed that he was working with Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Danger Mouse on the record and being influenced by The Beach Boys and The Beatles.
2013: Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist
At the 2013 Brit Awards, Frank Ocean won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist.
March 2014: Withdrawal from Chipotle Commercial
In March 2014, Frank Ocean withdrew from a Chipotle Mexican Grill commercial promoting responsible farming, due to concerns that the commercial's focus had shifted. He refunded Chipotle $212,500.00, and Fiona Apple was chosen to perform the song.
April 2014: Second Album Nearly Finished
In April 2014, Frank Ocean stated that his second album was nearly finished.
September 2014: Channel Orange Sales
By September 2014, Channel Orange had sold 621,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
September 2014: Signed with Mark Gilespie of Three Six Zero Entertainment
In September 2014, Frank Ocean signed with Mark Gilespie of Three Six Zero Entertainment.
April 6, 2015: Announcement of Album Release
On April 6, 2015, Frank Ocean announced that his follow-up to Channel Orange would be released in July, but the album was ultimately not released then, with no explanation given for its delay.
July 2, 2015: Possible Album Hint
On July 2, 2015 Frank Ocean hinted at a possible second album release with an image on his website pointing to a July release date, showing a library card labeled Boys Don't Cry with numerous stamps, implying various due dates.
July 2016: Possible Album Hint
In July 2016 Frank Ocean hinted at a possible second album release with an image on his website pointing to a July release date, showing a library card labeled Boys Don't Cry with numerous stamps, implying various due dates.
August 1, 2016: Live Stream on boysdontcry.co
On August 1, 2016, an endless live stream sponsored by Apple Music began to surface on boysdontcry.co which appeared to show Ocean woodworking and sporadically playing instrumentals on loop, becoming clear that these instrumentals were from his upcoming visual album Endless.
August 5, 2016: Possible Release Date for Boys Don't Cry
On August 5, 2016, many news outlets reported that it could be the release date for Boys Don't Cry, which later turned out to be inaccurate.
August 20, 2016: "Nikes" Music Video, Pop-Up Shops & Blonde Album Release
On August 20, 2016, Frank Ocean uploaded the "Nikes" music video to Apple Music and his website. He also announced Boys Don't Cry magazine pop-up shops in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and London, and released his second studio album, Blonde, to widespread acclaim.
2016: Release of Blonde and Endless
In 2016, Frank Ocean released both the album "Blonde" and the visual album "Endless". March 10, 2017 was the day Frank Ocean released "Chanel" after both Blonde and Endless were released in 2016.
2016: Endless Album Release and Def Jam Departure
In 2016, Frank Ocean's live stream was accompanied by music, leading to an Apple Music link for "Endless", which was his final album with Def Jam Recordings. Prior to this visual album, Ocean had been working to leave Def Jam, replacing representatives and buying back master recordings.
2016: Blonde Release and Refusal to Submit for Grammy Consideration
In 2016, following the release of Blonde, Frank Ocean traveled to countries like China, Japan, and France instead of going on a promotional tour. He chose not to submit Blonde for Grammy Awards consideration. Time ranked Blonde as the best album of 2016.
February 21, 2017: Calvin Harris Announces "Slide" Featuring Frank Ocean and Migos
On February 21, 2017, Calvin Harris announced his single "Slide" featuring Frank Ocean and Migos. Ocean and Migos received credit for featured vocals and songwriting. The single would be part of Harris' fifth album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.
February 23, 2017: Release of "Slide" and Blonded Radio Debut
On February 23, 2017, "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 marked Ocean's first collaboration since leaving Def Jam.
March 10, 2017: "Chanel" Release on Blonded Radio
On March 10, 2017, Frank Ocean released his new single "Chanel" on the second episode of Blonded Radio, including an alternate version featuring ASAP Rocky. This was his first solo release after Blonde and Endless in 2016.
May 1, 2017: Met Gala Photographer for Vogue
On May 1, 2017, Frank Ocean attended the annual Met Gala as a special photographer for Vogue.
October 2017: Photo Essay "New 17" Published in i-D
In October 2017, Frank Ocean published a photo essay titled "New 17" in British magazine i-D.
October 23, 2017: i-D Magazine Covers and Visual Essay
On October 23, 2017, Frank Ocean created two covers and a visual essay for British fashion magazine, i-D.
November 2017: Hint of Fifth Project Completion
In November 2017, Frank Ocean hinted via Tumblr that his fifth project was complete, but its release status remained unknown.
2017: Releases sporadic singles
After 2017, Frank Ocean has released sporadic singles, worked as a photographer for magazines, launched the fashion brand Homer, and started Homer Radio.
2017: Prior Live Performances
In 2023, it was announced that Frank Ocean would be headlining Coachella, it was noted it would be his first live performances since 2017.
February 14, 2018: "Moon River" Release
On February 14, 2018, Frank Ocean released "Moon River," a cover of the song performed by Audrey Hepburn.
May 2018: Features on ASAP Rocky's Testing Album
In May 2018, Frank Ocean was featured on the tracks "Brotha Man" and "Purity" from ASAP Rocky's third studio album Testing.
August 2018: Feature on Travis Scott's "Carousel"
In August 2018, Frank Ocean featured on the song "Carousel" from Travis Scott's third studio album Astroworld, which was released on the same day.
November 6, 2018: Blonded Radio Midterm Specials & Voter Merchandise
On November 6, 2018, Frank Ocean aired three midterm specials of Blonded Radio, in conjunction with the US Midterm elections. New merchandise was given to voters in select cities. The shows featured political discussions.
October 19, 2019: "DHL" Release and Vinyl Singles Announcement
On October 19, 2019, Frank Ocean released the song "DHL" on Blonded Radio and announced 7-inch vinyl singles for "Dear April" and "Cayendo", available with remixes.
November 1, 2019: "In My Room" Release
On November 1, 2019, Frank Ocean released "In My Room" on Blonded Radio and announced a vinyl single for "Little Demon" with a remix.
2019: Support for Labour Party
In 2019, Frank Ocean used his Instagram story to encourage British fans to vote for the Labour Party in the UK general elections.
February 25, 2020: "Little Demon" Vinyl Canceled and Replacement Announced
On February 25, 2020, Frank Ocean announced that he would replace the vinyl for "Little Demon" with an unreleased song, scheduled for release on February 28, 2020. Refunds were provided for the canceled vinyl.
February 28, 2020: Unreleased Song Scheduled for Release
On February 28, 2020, Frank Ocean had scheduled the release of an unreleased song. This was announced as a replacement for the previously planned "Little Demon" vinyl, which had been canceled.
March 25, 2020: Vinyl Singles Shipping
From March 25, 2020, Frank Ocean's website began shipping vinyl singles for "Dear April" and "Cayendo", as well as the previously released "In My Room".
August 8, 2021: Homer Fashion Project Reveal
On August 8, 2021, Frank Ocean officially revealed his first fashion project, "Homer", described as an independent American luxury company.
August 2021: Coachella 2023 Headline Confirmation
In August 2021, Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett confirmed that Frank Ocean would headline the festival in 2023.
December 25, 2021: New Untitled Song on Blonded Radio
On December 25, 2021, Frank Ocean released a new 9-minute untitled song featuring music from Cory Henry on his Beats 1 radio show Blonded Radio.
June 2022: Talks to Direct First Feature Film
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: Support for Gaza
In October 2023, Frank Ocean showed solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war. He signed an open letter urging President Joe Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
2023: Coachella Performance
In 2023, it was announced that Frank Ocean would headline Coachella.
January 2025: Directorial Debut Confirmed
In January 2025, Frank Ocean's directorial debut was confirmed with David Jonsson as the lead, and shooting in Mexico City, though title, plot, and release dates were unconfirmed.
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