The Love Experiment - Forrest Gump (starts @ 3:00 mark)

Originally by Frank Ocean

Extra Thread - Live at the 2013 Grammy Awards

I know I’m probably going to take a lot of heat for what I’m about to say, but I was NOT impressed with Frank Ocean’s Grammy performance.  It was mediocre at best.  He sounded flat every time he sang the part, “…you run my mind boy”.  I will still forever be a fan of his music, but for the people who were introduced to him for the first time Sunday, I wish they got to see him at his best.

Bird Call - Pyramids

Originally by Frank Ocean

Extra Thread - Live on Saturday Night Live with John Mayer

I think the lead singer on this cover is awful.  BUT, the other members are sick.  The asian drummer is fuckin’ cool and my favourite part is at the 2:36 mark where they do a little instrumental.

Daniel and The Lion - Pilot Jones

Originally by Frank Ocean

One of the best channel orange covers I’ve listened to.  Keep em comin’!

Yasmin - American Wedding

Originally by Frank Ocean

Extra Thread - (instrumental) Eagles - Hotel California

Yeah…  kinda on a Frank Ocean tip right now…

Rita Ora - Swim Good

Originally by Frank Ocean

She’s done it again…  The swag meter on this girl is definitely in the red.

Maria Z - Bad Religion

Originally by Frank Ocean

Extra Thread - Live on Jimmy Fallon

I felt a little iffy putting anything from channel ORANGE on here, since the album was so good, but I’ll give this cover my props.  Her voice is crisp and precise, and they didn’t use an instrumental.  I wouldn’t mind hearing that live at a club somewhere.

Frank Ocean - Crack Rock

Extra Thread - (drums) Jimi Hendrix - Little Miss Lover

After listening to channel ORANGE, one question came to my mind.

Is Frank Ocean’s hype because of his talent, or the fact he is the first major hip-hop artist to come out of the closet?

The answer is both.  Sure, there are probably many gay people who have caught attention of his music just because of his sexual orientation, but the hype surrounding his music goes way beyond sexual preference.

This album is solid.  His lyrics are complicated, his melodies are soothing, and his voice is raspy enough to portray a raw sound, but strong enough to keep the attention of the room.  No one would give a shit about him if his music sucked. 

It doesn’t.

But let’s be honest with ourselves.  The extra publicity doesn’t hurt.  He pulls off being gay very well.  What I mean by that is, his reputation is not scolded in the hip-hop community, which has a history of knocking homosexuals.  Even 50 Cent, who is known for his gangster demeanor, has come out to support him.  No straight man is ashamed to love his music.  It’s THAT good.

This makes Frank Ocean one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history.  Not because he’s bisexual, but because he’s proving it doesn’t matter by putting out amazing music.

Indiana - Swim Good

Originally by Frank Ocean

So apparently Frank Ocean is gay. 

I guess he really doesn’t write songs to get women.

Rita Ora - No Church in The Wild

Originally by Kanye West & Jay-Z f/ Frank Ocean

Faith SFX f/ Black The Ripper - Swim Good

Originally by Frank Ocean

Extra Thread - (beat) Nas - Affirmative Action

Justin Bieber f/ Jaden Smith - Thinking About You

Originally by Frank Ocean

I wrote a post a while ago saying that I wasn’t looking forward to Drake’s new album “Take Care”.  But, after actually listening to it, I was definitely wrong.  This album sounds very similar to his mixtape “So Far Gone”, which was in my opinion, one of the best mixtapes of all time.  I guess I’m more of a Noah “40” Shebib fan than I previously thought.

On to this cover.  I favourite track off of Take Care is actually “Over my Dead Body”, which features the lovely Chantal Kreviazuk.  Unfortunately I couldn’t find a cover of that track to do it justice.  I did, however, find this cover of “Headlines” by a duo called VanJess.  They give a female perspective on Drizzy’s hit track.  I also LOVE their mix of Frank Ocean’s “Thinking About You” afterwards.  Great work.

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Guess who’s bizzack??!!!  So I thought I’d explain the hiatus for the last few months.

I went on vacation right after my last post and, to be perfectly honest, I’ve just been lazy.  BUT, I noticed how many people have been following me so I thought I should continue what I started.  So, hopefully I can blog at least twice a week.

On to this cover.  I LOVE Sid Sriram’s cover of Frank Ocean’s track “We All Try.”  Sid Sriram’s tone is on point and the acoustic piano gives the track a really raw feel.

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