‘Blonde’ Bombshell: Frank Ocean Album Was Independently Released After Star Left Label

Published: Tuesday 23rd Aug 2016 by Sam
frank-ocean-blonde-2

Frank Ocean is full of surprises.

The singer’s name has been a staple in the music sphere this week following the unannounced release of two albums – visual LP ‘Endless’ and sophomore effort ‘Blonde.’ 

Per projections, the latter is on course to not only open at #1 on the Billboard 200, but double the sales of its predecessor (2012’s ‘Channel Orange’) in the process.

There is also another compelling story playing out; one few had any clue about.

All is unravelled below…

Hits Daily Double report that ‘Blonde’ was actually rolled out as an independent release via Ocean’s Boys Don’t Cry label. Distribution was handled by Fresh Produce.

Intriguingly, ‘Endless’ apparently fulfilled the singer’s contractual obligation to Universal Music (to whom he was signed by way of Def Jam).

The gag (#NoKeKe) is that he’ll now reap an estimated 70% of the revenue from sales and streams, rather than the 20% of 70% (specifically 14%) that he would be entitled to on a major label.

So with sales strong and streams forecast to top 75 million on Apple Music alone, Ocean is swimming to more wins than one!

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

Tidbit: Word on the curb is that this is one of the main catalysts for Universal president sanctioning a ban on streaming “exclusives” moving forward.

All of a sudden, those delays seem more related to contract debate than mulling over material.

In any case…

Your thoughts?

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  1. Weezy Tha Goat/ Zayn is ? August 23, 2016

    Deaf Jam just can’t win for nothing ???. They were once the most dominate record label in the industry. Anyways get money b****!!

  2. HailLegendBeysus August 23, 2016

    Damn!!!! Fuxking winning big!!!! Of course Universal is pissed and ready to block a minority from achieving mega success like this! The elite even tried gunning for Tidal. But times are changing and these racists are scared. Murica is on the verge of becoming Mexico 2.0 and I’m here for it!

    • iSpeakTruthNoFallacy August 23, 2016

      Daaa fuuuqqq…Don’t speak about my country in such a manner. I’m more pro-black than Wiz Khalifa’s lips; however, the republic of the United States continues through turbulence as we always continue to lead.

  3. TRAVON M AUSTIN August 23, 2016

    Smart!!

  4. MUSICHEAD August 23, 2016

    Not a fan of his music but this is definitely a boss move! I gotta tip my hat to Frank on this one. Well played, Sir!

  5. Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

    Good for him, and these same rules applies ti Rihanna with anti, but you claim he’s flopping…
    Artist are taking control of their MUSIC and I’m loving it.

  6. The Kpop Guy, Matt~ August 23, 2016

    Kudos for not letting the corporate’s snatch out of your pockets.

  7. Rihboy August 23, 2016

    Yes you better!!

  8. Molly #TheMostRelevantBitch August 23, 2016

    Get money sis ?

  9. Tori August 23, 2016

    LATE! I thought everyone knew this, Boys Don’t Cry was listed as the label on iTunes under the songs. Did no one catch that? Any who, this is a good move, and probably why his material is not so great. He knew on his own label, he could make his own decisions and that anticipation was high as hell. Some artists just need musical guidance, he’s one. Business wise, he’s winning like hell!

  10. Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

    So did he release two LPs or just one so far?

    • Credits August 23, 2016

      ^^^can someone answer this question….can endless be streamed or purchased like a traditional album?

      • Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

        Ok, Endless is a video album, Blone is an indie album as of now. Both at Apple Music exclusives.

  11. RICHIE_RICH August 23, 2016

    Boss move sis, werk Ms French

  12. Ken Rosenthal August 23, 2016

    Biiiiiitch. Now that’s what I call shade my dear.

  13. © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

    A Rihanna T. Sony slaves like that infertile ravaged sIut with daddy issues from the 90s could never. No wonder its on tour almost every year, making money for those White men in their 60s and 70s. It’s pitiful. ?

    • Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

      Right? I think she’s free now and MAY get the masters. But still doesn’t own DC. How sad?

      • © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

        She’s a dumb høe. Why didn’t she get one when she signed with signed w/ Columbia? She was already established. It must be all the mattered spęrm from Wyclef Jean and her littered c****** that’s making her so dumb.

      • Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

        BC they pulled that “solo projects, we’re still a group” BS. The whole solo career was a test, it was the main factor, but the rollout was a test. Ms I want to retire at 30.

  14. ???????Chile, take this “Itty Bitty Piggy” to the market and make sure you hold her hand while crossing the street!??????? August 23, 2016

    He’s about to be on permanent vacation soon with all those streaming coins coming his way. More artists need to trick their labels like he did.

  15. MsYonce August 23, 2016

    Slay sis!!! Some people can’t stop talking about Beyonce her name has nothing to do with this post but the undercover stans keep bringing her up

    • HailLegendBeysus August 23, 2016

      Their so bothered by SLAYGENDYONCE effortlessly ranking in millions. Look at them claim Columbia gets a cut of Beys touring dallors which isn’t even true. Record labels didn’t even touch touring money until 2005/2006 when 360 deals became relevant again. While Bey is busy having a PARTNERSHIP with LIVE NATION and pocketing $2-3 MILLION a night on the Formation tour. Frih is busy slaving on the CANTI tour trying to pay sony back tha $25 million they wasted on Auntie LMFAOOO!!!

      • MsYonce August 23, 2016

        Lol they’re so bothered! They love saying Bey is a label shave like label slaves don’t get to drop albums without their label know. Like Columbia/Sony didn’t even know when Self Titled was gonna drop until it dropped. A Label s**** don’t get to take years between albums and still make Forbes list every year like it doesn’t even make sense. I mean do they really think Matthew “The Scammer” Knowles would let Bey sign some foolish contract loolol

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      You’re so 2014 with the fake hate you have for the Queen . Beyonce is always on your mind it’s like you don’t feel right unless you bring her up its sad truly. Your unemployment form awaits you

  16. MsYonce August 23, 2016

    The navy is really bothered by Beyoncé and her contract. I’m sorry but unlike Rihanna Beyonce’ had guidance from father the scammer and he would never let her sign a foolish contract

    • HailLegendBeysus August 23, 2016

      Yes EXACTLY!!! Not to mention many music moguls have described BEYONCÉ contract with Columbia as more of a PARTNERSHIP than a contract. She stays winning and ahead of the game simply because Columbia didn’t believe Destiny’s Child had what it would take to make it big. They basically gave those girl’s full controll over their careers and music direction.

      • MsYonce August 23, 2016

        Exactly! They’re so dumb like a label s**** can’t do half the s*** Bey does. They claim Sony takes the most money yett Bey makes the Forbes list every year even when she’s doing nothing. I would expect them to know what a label s**** really is seeing that their fave was one

  17. © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

    Beyonce was already an established artist from DC and yet Sony owns her and her catalogue. Sounds to me like father the scanner DID let her sign a foolish contract. Your comments in itself is a bit ironic. ?

    • © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

      *Scammer

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      With that logic MJ got his masters when he went solo. You make no sense. Did you except Sony to give Bey her master going in to a brand new contract to be a solo artist? I’m dead you know nothing

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      The inly fool was your fav you signed to 369 deal. Matthew is smart you’re the only fool here

      • MsYonce August 23, 2016

        *only* *360*

  18. kp & envy ME August 23, 2016

    “Intriguingly”

    damn b* thats a cute new word for my pocket

  19. MsYonce August 23, 2016

    A label will never give you your masters when you’re now starting a solo carrer lol the navy is so dumb. “She was established” so was Mj so was JT like y’all know anything about business

  20. © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

    “Beyonce’ had guidance from father the scammer and he would never let her sign a foolish contract”
    __________________
    ???? I’m done. This is the same høe person who tragically tries to calculate album sales and streams an album has garnered and estimate the revenues generated, trying desperately to sound smart. It’s so hilarious.

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      You’re the one who trys to sound smart but look foolish in the process

  21. MsYonce August 23, 2016

    @Centurion The fact still remains Beyonce had guidance from both her father and mother. Something your fav didn’t clearly since she had to s**** away herself releasing album after album and still went bankrupt. The convO is done the fact that you think a artist who’s signing a new contract to start a solo career would get their masters from the get go is just lmaoooo. I guess Kelly and Michelle should’ve gotten their masters too ya know sense they were ESTABLISHED!

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      *since*

  22. © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

    “A label will never give you your masters when you’re now starting a solo carrer”
    _______________
    Huh?????? It involves NEGOTIATIONS. Contracts may involves negotiations and change ups. You’re just to proud to admit that Beyonce was ignorant, if not stupid, and didn’t see the significance of owning one. I hope you’re not an adult ’cause if you are, it would be mind-boggling. You’re dumb AF and this conversation is over. I refuse to lower myself to your standards. Bye!

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      If that’s the case why didn’t Mj get his when he went solo? Why didn’t JT get his? Can you name one artist who came out of a group who got their masters from the get go when they signed a new contract? You literally make no sense I’m done I’m dine

  23. MsYonce August 23, 2016

    This b**** is dumb I swear I cant.

  24. © Centurion ::. August 23, 2016

    MJ actually owned his music. :/
    |
    Sigh. Go to sleep hunni.

    • MsYonce August 23, 2016

      He didn’t own his music when he signed with Sony after leaving Jackson 5 he didn’t get his masters til way after . Thank you soo much you just proved my point goodnight

  25. Mark111 /.\ August 23, 2016

    Beyonce’s father won’t let her and her maids release or tour without his input bc he owns the name.

  26. stardom August 24, 2016

    Dumb a s s navy always talking s***.
    Rihanna was the label s**** till jay gave her some fake (publicly announced Liberty) cause am sure on paper Mr Cater reaps over 50% of rih’s income.
    Right from destiny’s child Sony let Matthew & the girls do things freely hence proves the kinda contract they signed. If anyone was scamming them it was Mathew.
    Also beyonce as a solo artist probably signed a good deal with her father’s help but what is evident is that from album “4 & Beyonce” parkwood her label was credited with each release & that was when she started doing anything she wanted & what made jay allow rih to create westbury road or whatever its called.
    Also is the fact that she always made no less that 30-35million when she’s not touring right from Bday era & note Sony get absolutely nothing from her tours, all goes to parkwood.

  27. Mr. CEE August 24, 2016

    Hit hit ’em with the HE and socked ’em with that HA!!!!
    #GetMoney

    • Mr. CEE August 24, 2016

      Correction…*He

  28. Alex August 24, 2016

    Navy dumb as hell! That’s another reason why Beyonces latest album is not on ALL streaming services. She’s a business woman! While other artists like drake and Rihona, are SLAVING, discounting their albums, and getting used by Spotify, her album is on tidal. As a result, she’s making millions. So drake and Rihanna can look pretty for billboard, but bey is laughing to the bank.

  29. Bravo!! August 24, 2016

    Frank ocean going to be a business man like JayZ & .B.

  30. Nowd Reddish tran ivy blobukz Need UK timely Ukuno eremixi August 24, 2016

    Good for him

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