Edd’s MANtra: Frank Ocean Comes Out – What Does It Mean For Hip Hop?

The entertainment world recently was rocked by the news of a well-known celebrity who opened up about his sexuality.


And no, I’m not talking about CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Most of us with sense already knew that. Still, hundreds of lustful old women went into mourning when the news broke.


I’m referring to R&B singer Frank Ocean, who opened up on his blog about being gay (or bisexual, it’s a bit unclear):

“4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Every day almost, and on the day we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless….It’s December 27,2011….I wanted to create worlds that were rosier than mine…Before writing this I’d told some people my story…I feel like a free man.”

Coopers’s announcement was mostly met with shoulder shrugs but Frank Ocean’s reveal carries a bit more weight. Thanks to critically acclaimed mixtapes, high-profile cameos with Jay-Z and Kanye West and writing credits for stars like Beyonce, Frank is on the verge of becoming R&B’s next big star. But I wonder if Frank’s coming out party will be his Waterloo.


Let’s be honest. I love hip hop, but it’s one of the most homophobic and judgmental cultures around. Some artists have built their whole careers around dissing gays. Those messages have been pumped through our earbuds and have infiltrated minds of listeners, feeding into the division of hip hop and homosexuality. 


Frank’s music and songwriting is fresh, relatable and innovative. But will listeners be able to separate the music from the lifestyle? Is it fair to Frank to even ask them to?


I’m interested to see how this plays out. Frank Ocean could be hip hop and R&B’s first gay star or his career might be over already.




Do you think Frank Ocean’s career will survive?