Living like Frank

Honesty is the new black. Made instantly popular by Anderson Cooper‘s coming out to America, but rounded off by Frank Ocean’s letter of thanks that is blowing minds across the globe.

It’s fitting, really, to happen around Independence Day – claiming your independence through words. I find this concept to be incredibly romantic, and wonderfully… honest.

The power of words is beyond what words can describe. So, perhaps I want to say thank you, Frank Ocean, for using your words in the most beautiful way.

https://twitter.com/Frank_Ocean_/status/221021294907498496

What I appreciate most about Frank’s letter is that he’s enforcing an openness in the hip hop community that doesn’t exist. It’s normal to hear homophobic slurs throughout the songs this generation is releasing, but it’s not normal to hear anyone declare their sexuality unless it has to do with bagging mad hoes.

Frank brings a fresh take to the industry on many levels. His album, nostalgia, ULTRA is groundbreaking. It’s a new sound to, what was for me, a tired industry. Aside from the music (which is fantastic), the lyrics are breathtaking throughout. This is how I feel about Frank’s letter.

I’ll be interested to see how the industry breathes through these developments. But in the meantime, I’ll be appreciating the glow of honest words and letting burdens go.