basics: Frank Ocean

“We'll let you guys prophesy. We gon' see the future first.”

Anyone who followed Odd Future in the early years first heard Frank Ocean on February 16th, 2011. Back then, it seemed like the group’s list of members was never-ending, so when a mysterious new mixtape appeared on their Tumblr, everyone was anxious to find out who the latest foul-mouthed menace was. Something entirely different came: Nostalgia, Ultra, a crooning bit of alternative R&B, primarily staged over instrumentals from bands like Coldplay and The Eagles.

More than a decade later, Ocean is no less mythic. In addition to his classic mixtape debut, he’s unimpeachable through three albums while claiming a laundry list of incredible features and a handful of wildly fun leaks and loose tracks.

He can get boastful in a MellowHype feature. He can release a ten-minute diptych as his debut single. He can unveil an album via a live stream of himself building a staircase. Believe it or not, he can get solo songs on Kanye West and John Mayer albums.

But Ocean started as a struggling songwriter, penning work for others to pay the bills. His status as a once-in-a-generation lyricist will always be his defining quality, just as it was in 2012 when he first released “Thinkin’ Bout You,” the song my wife and I chose for the first dance at our wedding.

He’s one of my favorite musicians and, at just 34 years old, an undeniable legend. Here are his 29 best appearances.

↗ Spotify

01. Tyler, The Creator (ft. Frank Ocean)—”She”
02. Frank Ocean—”Novacane”
03. Frank Ocean—”Swim Good”
04. Odd Future (ft. Frank Ocean)—”White”
05. Frank Ocean—”Thinking Bout You”
06. Jay Z & Kanye West (ft. Frank Ocean)—”No Church In The Wild”
07. Jay Z & Kanye West (ft. Frank Ocean)—”Made In America”
08. MellowHype (ft. Frank Ocean)—”Astro”
09. Frank Ocean—”Sweet Life”
10. Frank Ocean—”Pyramids”
11. Frank Ocean—”Lost”
12. Frank Ocean—”Bad Religion”
13. Frank Ocean—”Forrest Gump”
14. John Mayer (ft. Frank Ocean)—”Wildfire”
15. Earl Sweatshirt (ft. Frank Ocean)—”Sunday”
16. Frank Ocean—”Nikes”
17. Frank Ocean—”Ivy”
18. Frank Ocean—”Solo”
19. Frank Ocean—”Nights”
20. Frank Ocean—”White Ferrari”
21. Frank Ocean—”Chanel”
22. Frank Ocean—”Biking (Solo)”
23. Calvin Harris (ft. Frank Ocean & Migos)—”Slide”

Not on Spotify

24. Frank Ocean—”Acura Integurl” (2011)
25. Frank Ocean—”Orion” (2011)
26. Frank Ocean—”Pyrite (Fool’s Gold)” (2011)
27. Frank Ocean—”Strawberry Swing” (2011)
28. Frank Ocean—”Blue Whale” (2012)
29. Frank Ocean—”Whip Appeal” (2012)
30. Frank Ocean—”Wiseman” (2012)

CREATED 07/29/22