Report: Frank Ocean “Reveals” Bisexuality On ‘Channel Orange’

Published: Monday 2nd Jul 2012 by Sam

The last year has seen soulful crooner Frank Ocean make his foray from the Underground into the mainstream; a process which looks set to culminate with the release of his debut album ‘Channel Orange’ (due July 17th).

Today saw the LP receive its London press playback, and oh did it serve up more than expected. See what we mean via Max/BBC 1 Xtra‘s preview below…

Excerpt via This is Max:

“Frank has also opened up about his sexuality on the album, we think it’s brave and admire him for being so honest and sharing such a personal aspect of his life through his music. On the songs ‘Bad Religion’ ‘Pink Matter and ‘Forrest Gump’ you can hear him sing about being in love and their are quite obvious words used like ‘him’ and not ‘her’.

In the world we live in now we can’t see this being an issue or why it should be?? But we do commend him for not continuing a facade and conforming to what a Hip Hop so called rule book expects, we say live your life and be yourself.”

************

Intriguing – even more so when considering what this could mean for strides in the “Urban diaspora”. For, having earned accolades a plenty in his short time “on the scene”, it’ll be uber interesting to see the mass reaction to his apparent declaration.

Whatever it is, we can only hope it’s one that isn’t hypocritical. For, any sudden jolts or negative OMG’s would be silly given that the industry has a pronounced “pink” presence – whether folk know or like it. It simply is what it is. If anything, Ocean should garner praise for actually “going there” – given that so many of his contemporaries don’t. Yuuup.

Your thoughts?

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  1. FOLLOW ME @gdboyratedloud July 2, 2012

    walking on glass. Ill believe it when i see it. If so, hope he still continues to prosper

    • jennnecy September 4, 2012

      Gender has nothing to do with love!www.meetbi.com is a serious bisexual Social Network Site.

  2. JAY July 2, 2012

    Yeaaa this could alieanate a lot of his fans, especially women. I know it’s sad and ignorant but it’s true.

    • sunshine July 2, 2012

      I dont understand how could his bisexuality “alienate his women fans” Its not like he is a potential boyfriend for any of them. Im sure there are other male R&b/Rap/Pop artists who sing about women and s** a lot and are GAY. Artists’ Sexuality shouldnt have anything to do with how people feel about their music.

      • Jasmine July 2, 2012

        Sad but true. Many of us “Christian” women (and I include myself in that category) have been taught that being a gay is the same as “losing your way” or an abomination. That is why so many gay men are in the closet because they feel they will not be accepted. Hopefully people will start to realize nobody “chooses” their sexuality…ie…you are born that way.

  3. Listen July 2, 2012

    He sings from the girls perspective. The person just didn’t understand the songs. there has been loads of listening sessions. Do you really think this girl is the only one out of all these people to understand the songs?

  4. Kingphoenix July 2, 2012

    I hope that his following doesn’t abandon him, and that he makes some good music on same gender relationships because there needs to be more…especially men and men relationships. I hope this doesn’t effect his career, and i hope he gets the support of the LGBTQ community like they give it to white LGTBQ artist.

  5. JJFan1814 July 2, 2012

    Cool. The gurrrls can’t say s***.

  6. MIKEY July 2, 2012

    If you listen to the lyrics of “We All Try” he says “I believe that marriage isn’t between a man and woman but between love and love” so he definitely hasn’t shied away from the subject.

  7. Mb92 July 2, 2012

    i also believe he confirms it in “Thinking About You” …. “My eyes dont cry tear but BOY they pour when im thinking about you” … I’ve always wondered about that line of the song, but some people use “Boy” as slang or a figure of speech so i just brushed it off untill now

    • Listen July 2, 2012

      He wrote that song for Roc Nation’s Bridget Kelly. She released it as a single and then he released a version of him singing it. He’s also wrote songs for Beyonce and Brandy.

    • Jayse July 2, 2012

      I don’t think that he was singing about a boy in HIS version. It’s a phrase. Like when someone says, “Oh boy!”. No one says, “Oh girl!”

  8. John92 July 2, 2012

    doesn’t sound like he’s outing himself. just a rumor….

  9. J July 2, 2012

    I need a more credible source than this to post the story. Not that I “doubt” it, but I know how TGJ is.

  10. Tbozfan10 July 2, 2012

    As cool as it would be were it true, I simply don’t believe it to be true. It’s a “report” from some magazine no one even knows. It’s probably about as reliable as ‘the Sun’. “reports” like this usually turn out not to be true.

    I think it would be amazing were it true. He would be one of the first artists to arrive on the scene not afraid to be honest and tell the truth in their music. I would admire him so much and it takes true bravery being full aware of possible if not likely consequences of doing so.

    I certainly have an issue with this though.
    “In the world we live in now we can’t see this being an issue or why it should be??”

    Are they wearing blindfolds? A whole bunch of men would be put off or be embarrassed that if someone saw they had his album they could be labeled “gay” and some females who buy records to fantasize about the singer would also be put off. It may not be fair, but it’s the truth. I don’t care which genre of music you’re in. A bisexual woman could get away with this and have before, a man at this point has never.

    • Z July 2, 2012

      This is absolutely true. Great post.

    • Honestly Speaking July 2, 2012

      I totally agree with this comment. TGJ staffers please don’t be rude and delete someone’s comments.

  11. you mad? July 2, 2012

    Leave Trey Songz alone. Lol

  12. Izzy July 2, 2012

    If this is true I’m glad he man enough to admit it & not hide in the closet while bashing others….I always got a vibe from him though! As long as you making good music I could care less who you sleep with!

    • toohotfortv July 3, 2012

      …and how did you get this “vibe” you’re speaking of? Are you lgbt? Is that gaydar working?

  13. bigboi July 2, 2012

    WELL there goes his sales to be real. People who listened to him before aren’t gonna listen now

    • Rell July 2, 2012

      People who listened to him before and supported him will still support him unless they are closed minded and ignorant…He made great music before he “came out” what is the difference now? I support him and if he is bi or gay i say so what!!

      • Jayla July 2, 2012

        they won’t

  14. notsuoh July 2, 2012

    ALTHOUGH THIS CAN BE TRUE .. MANY OF FRANK OCEANS SONGS ARE FROM A FEMALES PERSPECTIVE!! HE WRITES SO HIS FEMALE LISTENERES CAN RELATE A LITTLE JUST LIKE HIS SONG SCARED OF BEAUTIFUL

  15. coco July 2, 2012

    well hot damn, can i watch??

  16. Jayla July 2, 2012

    YALL WISH LOL

  17. Jayla July 2, 2012

    SAM IS REACHING

  18. Joon July 2, 2012

    Once again this cotton picking blog does it again. We all know this one is a lie. Take a seat and ferment with the grapes.If you’re lucky enough, you might just turn into some F-grade wine. Anyone who believes this post can take a sip.

  19. Z July 2, 2012

    I don’t care if he’s one or the other but this sounds like rumor and probably shouldn’t be reported as fact until it’s confirmed. Poor journalism.

  20. Shawn July 2, 2012

    I guess I will be at his concerts then I love him now I love him even more

  21. Joon July 2, 2012

    Whenever I try and comment on this mess of a blog, my comments don’t go through.” That grape juice” is definately fermenting into some F-grade box-wine

  22. Michaelangelo July 2, 2012

    Tell da truth Frank. This guy is the realsit!!

  23. Sade July 2, 2012

    There come a point where you have to see it clear as day. These have become so cloudy and it seems to be the norm. Most males are or are open to as are women, this is not “norm”. The food we eat the water we drink how we live lead us to believe not being open to this makes us in humane, you are wrong to not agree with peoples who are not open to this lifestyle.

    • toohotfortv July 3, 2012

      Shut up, heaux!

  24. fifi July 2, 2012

    Whether he is bisexual or not,I still love him. He’s got an Angelic voice and his music is on point <3

  25. JAKE (KING BEY, QUEEN SLAY-DELE, LADY GREAT-GA & PRINCE USHER = 21ST CENTURY POP ICONS. #DEAL) July 2, 2012

    WELL, IF THIS IS TRUE, ALL I CAN SAY IS: CONGRATS FRANK!!!!!!! 😉

    ONE OF, IF NOT – THE FIRST AND ONLY MALE MAINSTREAM URBAN/HIP-HOP ARTIST (TO AN EXTENT) TO EVER PRONOUNCE HIS “TRUE” SEXUALITY!!!!!!!

    I JUST HOPE THAT THIS ISN’T THE END OF HIS “URBAN” CAREER!!!!!!!

    NOW, IF HE WERE A “POP ARTIST”, PER SAY, AND WERE FOLLOWING THE GENERIC DANCE/ELECTRONIC TREND, HE WOULD PROBABLY GET AWAY WITH IT SEEING THAT 80% OF POP LISTENERS AND BUYERS ARE WHITE; 30% OF WHICH ARE MOST LIKELY GAY ANYWAY – HE WOULD PROBABLY BE WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS AND COULD IMMEDIATELY BECOME A GAY ICON, NOT TO MENTION THAT HE IS BLACK ALSO WHICH COULD BE SEEN AS EVEN MORE FASCINATING…….

    BUT BECAUSE HE ISN’T AND HIS MUSIC CATERS TO A “DIFFERENT” KIND OF AUDIENCE, THERE COULD BE A HUGE BACKLASH. SADLY, SOME PEOPLE THINK DIFFERENTLY. THEY JUST DONT GET IT: MUSIC WAS MADE FOR THE EARS, NOT BASED OFF OF A PERSONS SEXUAL PREFERENCE. SMH.

    • I JUDGE FLOPS July 2, 2012

      CO-SIGN, CO-SIGN & CO-SIGN!!!!!!!

      😉

  26. POP ROYALTY ( Révolution) July 2, 2012

    hmmm.

    • lol July 2, 2012

      Pop im dyn to know what your thinkin

      • POP ROYALTY ( Révolution) July 2, 2012

        ^^ you won’t be so pleased. 🙄

    • Kingphoenix July 2, 2012

      You got next?

  27. rollinwhileimtrollin July 2, 2012

    hmm, Top or bottom?! lol

  28. David July 2, 2012

    Who cares…. plus after hearing “I MISS U” from beyonce album..a song he wrote I knew he was either gay or bi sexual……..It don’t matter who you are
    It’s so simple, a feeling
    But it’s everything
    No matter who you love
    It is so simple, a feeling
    But it’s everything

  29. An0thrDream July 2, 2012

    I’ve always appreciated his music but never felt a connection to him as an artist, his songs – Yes – but not him personally

    Now I am proud to call myself an official Fan of Frank Ocean – When I listen to his music I can finally feel a full connection to both the singer and the song

    Thanks for being brave Frank! Your fuckn* amazing

  30. john July 2, 2012

    Anybody with eyes could tell hes bi. But him being bi is not gonna make me stop supporting him. Hes a talented songwriter singer and one helluva musician so ill support him till the day. I die. Isiah Classic Food is available on kindle.

  31. lol July 2, 2012

    In sincerely doubt that Frank is gay or bisexual or anything inbetween

    As stated above He writes from the female perspective, Frank is just that deep and introverted lryically like that example #1 :

    Could this be Earth? Could this be light?
    Does this mean everything is going to be alright?
    When I look out my window there’s trees talking like people
    I’ve dreamt of storms, I’ve dreamt of sound
    I’ve dreamt of gravity, keeping us around
    I’ve slept in the darkness, it was lonely, and it was silent
    What is this love? I don’t feel the same
    Don’t believe what this is, could be given a name
    I woke, you were there, tracing planets on my forehead
    But I forget 23 like I forget 17
    And I forget my first love, like you forget a daydream
    And what of all my wild friends, and the times I’ve had with them
    We’ll all fade to grey soon, on the TV station

    looking at those lyrics alone there is alot of concepts and perspectives interwoven in his lyrics , so you just can’t assume something is just black or white when it comes to Frank’s music , the reviewer obviously didn’t understand what he was trying to convey and probably jumped ahead of herself.
    But thanks for the publicity anyway

    • Kingphoenix July 2, 2012

      But would it be such a big problem if he were?

  32. OhSoBleak July 2, 2012

    NOW ITS DRAKE TURN!

  33. OhSoBleak July 2, 2012

    NOW ITS DRAKE TURN!!

  34. john July 2, 2012

    Amen @david

  35. NICK July 2, 2012

    nice nice-live life, be happy-AMEN!

  36. FAF July 2, 2012

    I don’t think this is true it sounds like the songs on his album are still reference songs for female singers (he’s written for brandy, bridget kelly, and beyonce)

  37. S****** Blonde July 2, 2012

    It’s there anybody in the business who is straight, Anderson Cooper comes out of the closet today, i mean, i think is great but i think all hollywood actors are gay or bisexual, time for Omarion, Bow Wow, Kanye and Breezy to come out of the closet too, oh God! can we have Eminem too please!, please!.

    http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/7867/67h657.gif

    • darren July 3, 2012

      You left out the biggest one of all. Trey!

  38. CRAMPED July 2, 2012

    Is its true, then Good for him. There are alot of gays in Hollywood: singer, actors, and rappers that need to come out!

  39. Toby Paul Martin Donastorg July 2, 2012

    BRAVO

  40. Another Star July 2, 2012

    Still Love Him….He’s a phenomenal writer….Keep doing you Frank….They said the same about Kanye and then BOOM he pops up with Sluthoe Kim to shut em up.While she sat her ass up at the awards looking like a lost zombie that just don’t fit in last night.The Carters are just tolerating her for Kanye.With her snake ass.Her mom will be pushing her to marry him and have a baby next,then a couple of yrs later she will be divorcing and suing him for everydime that he has.They’re setting his stupid ass up good.HER MAMMY WILL WANT TO BE HIS MANAGER NEXT.She is a money hungry B**** that pimps her kids out.She was the one that taped the p*** tape from the beginning. Hate those dayum Hoedashians.

  41. Ben M. July 2, 2012

    Oooop at the bit of shade at the end!

  42. SBC19 July 2, 2012

    If this is true, I’d never buy or listen to his music ever again. Definitely ain’t with that gay s***.

  43. Kayla July 2, 2012

    it wont change because his music is good…hell, chris brown can throw DL s** message and his female d*** riders dnt knw it…
    “let me get inside ya booty imma conquer”
    “…youd have me on my knees yeah”
    “boy just stop it && let me hop on your love rocket”
    the last one is from Love Rocket…

  44. NaQu July 2, 2012

    If this is true then I have to wonder what audience he expects to target from here on out, because I don’t know too many R&B/Soul heads who go for that “Glambert” mess.

    It’s probably a lie though.
    Sounds like TGJ is on some b******* as usual.

  45. Dejae July 2, 2012

    You can’t just be throwing that gay stuff out there like that, that’s a serious accusation.

  46. NOT TRUE! July 2, 2012

    That’s not true. Lonny isnt gay or bi matter of fact he’s in a relationship with Alycia Bellamy from the old MTV show Daddy’s Little Girls with Angela and Vanessa Simmons. Dont believe me? I dont give a s*** but it’s true. Lonny’s a good dude and that blogger is wrong.

  47. Joya July 2, 2012

    Ugh. I was really liking Frank Ocean. Hope this isn’t true.

  48. dee July 2, 2012

    False infomation. Those songs are demos for a female that he produced. None of the songs are on his cd.

  49. Meet Sterling Infinity the Birth son of Prince July 2, 2012

    This is wonderful, it makes me think about my favorite new artist named Sterling Infinity. His birth father is the singer Prince and its reported that Prince didn’t love him because he was born intersex. not sure if its true or not by I hope frank ocean keeps strong!

  50. yr July 2, 2012

    if its true good for him but gay music gets no spins from me

  51. Candid July 2, 2012

    This isn’t true and I hope Frank sues TGJ for slander. Print a retraction.

  52. Sartisha July 2, 2012

    max needs to learn how to spell though

  53. FOLLOW ME @gdboyratedloud July 2, 2012

    Bad Religion and Pink Matter tho…… lol lemme stop. But who is dumb enough to not notice when someone is singing from another perspective.

    • OH_GREAT_ITS_HER July 3, 2012

      Maybe if Brown was a little bit more honest about how he gets down, he wouldn’t be so angry and disturbed. Granted, he wouldn’t have a career any more but I bet he would be happier.

    • Qazzo July 3, 2012

      You’re so gay Pop Royalty…

      • POP ROYALTY ( Révolution) July 3, 2012

        ^^ just cuz i f***** your father yesterday after he begged to suck my d*** doesn’t mean i’m gay. i’m generous 8)

      • B. Hill July 3, 2012

        Pop Royalty is SUPER DUPER MEGA GAY!!! But laughably claims being straight 😆 despite his very fruity taste in music. Haha. His transparent contradiction is a TGJ joke now. We all laugh about this gay boy stanning for Gaga, Rihanna and Madonna while saying he’s straight. LOL

  54. Lol July 3, 2012

    People are so stupid and gullible. Many, MANY R&B artists sing from a girl’s perspective. Usually they sing these songs so the female artists (who take on the songs later on) know what vocals to hit, etc. Claude Kelly sings from a girl’s perspective as well, does that make him bisexual as well? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with people with different sexual orientations but there is something indecent about accusing someone of something they’re not. Frank Ocean, if anyone listens to his Nostalgia, Ultra mixtape, there are quite a few songs where he sings from the female perspective. I love Frank Ocean, and I wholeheartedly believe that he is not bisexual.

  55. aishaaguilerakeys July 3, 2012

    At first I was like, “Who cares ?”, but considering the industry he’s in, it’s brave of him to make such a declaration. I still think that it’s his personal life and nobody’s biz, as long as the music speaks to me, that’s all that counts.

  56. Justin July 3, 2012

    This is a step in the right direction. He is clever to do it now subtily before his album drops. It will get people talking for the right and wrong reasons, which will make them more eager to want to hear those songs. It’s a 50/50 situation as he might loose some following or gain some after this.
    Let’s hope that Trey, Miguel, Chris and some of the older guys have the guts to put it out there.

  57. LegendTina The Goddess Of Music July 3, 2012

    Cut the singing from the girls perspective crap! This is his album, he is not writing for a other artist, he is writing for his album! Like his mixtape. Nobody writes music for themselves from other peoples perspective & feelings unless they are writing for other people that would represent him but will be for someone elses body of work. The music on HIS album is representing him and is about him. CASE CLOSED!

    I love him no matter what, he creates great music. He is a true artist & I will be getting his album & hope he gets the success he deserves. He is honest. There’s not much honest people in the industry yet alone the world. So great for him!

  58. GAY JAMES IS UGLY July 3, 2012

    I ADMIRE FRANK OCEAN FOR DOING THIS. MORE ARTISTS NEED TO DO THIS

  59. At Least He Writes and Produces July 3, 2012

    While bisexual females don’t usually have a problem appealing to both sexes (men love bi girls), not many females would touch a bisexual man if she knew he was bi. Sorry but I don’t believe in bi men. I think he is just gay and is only saying he is bi to keep his female fans. He may be able to snag a few birds because he has some fame and money and most Hollywood fruit cakes would screw anything, but he will never be able to keep a girl. While he is brave for coming out, I can’t listen to his stuff anymore. He is no longer believable as an artist to me. Part of being a good artist is making people believe what you say in your music, and I no longer believe him.

  60. Lulu July 3, 2012

    i just don’t understand bisexuality i may sound ignorant but i don’t believe that a man can jump from guy to girl all the same, i believe the term is just a guise for someone who doesn’t ‘fully’ want to come out. So as long as they are also into women it may seem ok, i think this is more an issue with gay men not 100% comfortable with the homosexual ‘tag’. jmo

  61. Del_Cappella July 3, 2012

    His business is his business…im not going to stop listening to his GOOD ASS music because he dont live the “ideal” lifestyle. if the allegations are true i think he is a big inspiration because a lot of gay and bisexual people dont think they have a chance in the industry because of who they are.

  62. Jay July 3, 2012

    I don’t see how it’s a bad move if it is true and he is admitting it? He seems to be the kind of artist who wouldn’t want ignorant homophobic fans anyway, so by shaking those idiots off, he’s left with fans who love him for the person he is. Must be awful to be an ‘artist’ and not be ‘real’ with everyone. A real ‘artist’ is themselves with no pretenses.

    Not saying everyone needs to know everyone’s business when it comes to sexuality. But to be singing songs about having s** with women, when you’re gay, to me isn’t being truthful to your artistry.

    Frank Ocean doesn’t follow, he leads. So I do hope this is true, even though I do think he is straight.

  63. DD1G July 3, 2012

    I need to be able to relate to an artist I like on a personal level; I don’t relate to gay/bi folks, so if this was true (thank Goodness it’s not) then I couldn’t see my being a fan of his.

  64. dotdotdot July 3, 2012

    Lol ppl like to jump to conclusions and runaway with it. As previously stated im sure he was only singing the verse from a female’s perspective, that the kind of introspective artist he is. smh. Good shade at the end of the write up tho Sam, yuuup! :-p

  65. MmmHmm July 3, 2012

    WHO BELIEVES ANYTHING THIS BLOG REPORTS?!

  66. Tamara December 3, 2012

    Bi,straight or gay… Frank ocean is an artist,what we should really be focusing on is this unbelievable talent,rather then his personal /sexuality. Yeah frank is bisexual,but how does that affect his music? Or yet alone his voice?the public should stop criticising him and rather be impressed by the way he handled comming out with his secret. I AM a BIG FAN OF OCEAN. and his sexuality does not change the fact that’s his super talented,and for once one can relate to his lyrics.

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