Where the F*** is Frank Ocean?

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Blonde (alternatively titled blond) is the second studio album by American singer Frank Ocean. It was released on August 20, 2016, as a timed exclusive on the iTunes Store and Apple Music, and followed the August 19 release of Ocean's video album Endless. The album features guest vocals from André 3000, Beyoncé, and Kim Burrell, among others. Production was handled by Ocean himself, alongside a variety of high-profile record producers, including Malay and Om'Mas Keith, who collaborated with Ocean on Channel Orange, as well as James Blake, Jon Brion, Buddy Ross, Pharrell Williams, and Rostam Batmanglij, among others.
Blonde received widespread acclaim, with critics praising Ocean's introspective lyrics and the album's unconventional and progressive sounds. Critics also complimented the album for challenging the conventions of R&B and pop music. Supported by its lead single "Nikes", the album debuted at number one in several countries, including the United States. It earned first week sales of 275,000 with album-equivalent units in the US, with 232,000 being pure sales, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Among other publications, Time named it the best album of 2016. Metacritic named it one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year by music publications. In 2020, Pitchfork named it the best album of the 2010s and Rolling Stone ranked it at number 79 on their updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
00:00 Intro
01:18 The Story behind Blonde
05:00 Frank Ocean's Latest Work
09:00 Conclusion
Music credits:
Epidemic Sound
Together Alone by eeryskies on KZbin
#volksgeist #frankocean #blonde #rnb #videoessay

[@Volksgeist]

🔥🔥Watch the EXCLUSIVE "Closer Look at Whole Lotta Red" and more for less than $15/year: curiositystream.com/volksy 🔥🔥

[@yoimvision]

Maybe when I get money

[@gmajestik6872]

I bought this and I dont see where I can watch the whole lotta red video

[@Volksgeist]

@@gmajestik6872 if you search for volksgeist it’s on my channel page. There will be a PLUS sign next to it!

[@gmajestik6872]

@@Volksgeist I’m on curiosity stream I type I. Your name In the search bar and I don’t see an option to go to your channel page just a bunch of random videos.

[@Volksgeist]

@@gmajestik6872 you have to go on nebula, that's where my stuff is. you will have an email from nebula to get the membership for free in your email

[@chrilborn4138]

He's settled down to a place with some nice views...two kids and a swimming pool

[@aerpods]

IM NOT BRAVE

[@amitai-wh6hj]

He rather live outside than lose his mind out here

[@sihlengogela9926]

Facts 😂💔, his not brave

[@CIII328]

What else would you recommend he do?

[@yungsircashregister]

It's not his life. It's his fond farewell to a friend.

[@hollowdroid28]

"wish we'd grown up on the same advice and our time was right" is one of the most hard hitting lines that I have ever heard and can relate to. Frank is a genius.

[@michaelfernandez1238]

My girlfriend and I were dating for 4 years throughout high school - she loved blonde and I never understood why until we broke up. This lyric hits so hard I moved in with her and that’s when things got shaky, we grew up with different families she didn’t respect me and didn’t see me as a man and thus lead to a breakup. Frank’s lyrics resonate with everyone is seems in some way that’s what makes it so beautiful.

[@reelelradi]

one of my favourite lyrics

[@f800ssss9]

same same same same

[@DAPHNEBLU]

I honestly think he had an album ready in 2020. He had a headlining spot at coachella for 2020, and also talked about how he didnt want to make "personal" music anymore around that time. Those singles in 2020 were definitely more than just loosies. The photo silhouettes on the released and unreleased singles like cayendo and little demon were almost definitely hinting at a tracklist. He had plans for 2020 for sure. Let's not forget him saying he "made the album before 30, i just ain't put that bitch out." Back in 2018. Then covid hit. And then his brother passed and he probably scrapped that idea and restarted on a new project. It took him 4 years to be ready for what he didn't drop in 2020. And like you said, hes headlining at coachella next year for 2023. So let's just be patient.

[@guymensah]

That’s exactly how I feel

[@dansuterrulez]

def but then his brother passed away

[@natemoshoeu7719]

Mma

[@juanaceves6471]

Is he still? He hasn’t said anything

[@gurvirrandhawa8781]

@@juanaceves6471 i've heard from inside sources that he is going on a world tour

[@smartino546]

franks music is like a life gift we only get every 3-6 years when we have enough time between those years to build up character within ourselves to relate to the album even more. it’s like frank is saying “alright my next drop will be years later when u guys go through life’s trials and tribulations again so my shi will hit different” u see what i’m sayin?🤣 crazy way to look at it

[@walnutninja9106]

sounds about right

[@firstlast9846]

Tbh I don’t relate to his music at all… but you can understand his struggles in his lyrics and production - that’s all I need tbh.. never been in love but Self Control makes my soul levitate and the “I know you gotta leave part” always makes me wanna cry - tho I’ve never felt what he’s feeling - I’m still feeling it.. it’s crazy.

[@lenna3739]

So true, I listened to channel orange when it first dropped and I was in 5th grade out the time. I didn’t get it then but just enjoyed the way it sounded, but as I grew up it started making so much sense. Then blond dropped in highs cool and god damn, I got it immediately. This next album is gonna kill me fr got some fresh trauma for it😭

[@GawxArt]

love this channel as much as i love frank ocean

[@Volksgeist]

BRO I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS ALL THE TIME WTF I LOVE YOUR COLOR GRADING ON YOUR FX3 VIDEOS INSANE

[@sleep6837]

Two of my fav creators vibe to each other, sickck

[@robertobuccheri3409]

Hola Gus xd

[@jaydenly5957]

😊

[@callmemed3158]

I'm watching this video now just because I watched your video 2min ago 😂

[@yamiletmena7789]

4:02 I still listen to blonde, my older brother showed me the album blonde when I was 7 and still this day I listen to it.

[@davidwu8951]

Dude you’ve aged two times since he dropped 😢

[@remyhanna5826]

Sade dropped three albums in a 20 year span and people reacted well to those. I feel like franks audience has that level of trust that he would release a new album

[@julesacab6669]

D'Angelo aswell

[@ztarr]

I believe Lauryn Hill literally has one official album that's over 20 years old and she will always be put down in R&B legend history. Some people just have that impact. Unfortunately we can't make them work so we kinda just gotta be grateful that they ever did 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Bulls1999]

@@ztarr She also has worked with the Fugees. However, I agree that Acacian of Lauryn Hill was one of the greatest albums. I think fans are choosing quality versus quantity, similar to Sade.

[@katia4558]

I have never heard someone explain this album so beautifully and eloquently. I feel like I’m listening to you preach a sermon and am verbally agreeing with everything you say as I sit alone in my room. Franks art is a gift to this world and a gift to our adolescence🤍

[@Volksgeist]

thank you!!

[@quassar4618]

I loved this, the script was really pure and conscient, I am not a frank ocean fan but I can definitely acknoledge the albums are powerful things

[@whitevan9818]

I personally like Franks reclusiveness it shows that he actually cares more about his art rather than money or fame

[@Whodnl]

We miss Frank, I can’t wait to see a new project from him

[@Kaizerchiefable]

but you have to wait, wait, wait, wait, wait

[@blueazure9658]

I actually Hope your brother or family member d!es so you can feel frank’s pain and stop asking

[@Whodnl]

@@blueazure9658 I would want Frank to take as much time as possible. His pain is is major and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I want him to take as much time he needs to heal. But when he decides to come back if he wants too will be ready for him. That’s why we miss frank. but I agree he should come back when he wants too.

[@lolololol1607]

@@Whodnl rumored his next compilation of music will be house/edm and not lyrical music. interested to see if that’s true/where he’ll go with his sound

[@mopman7776]

He might be blondead in Spotify

[@hide_on__bush]

Wow your description of blonde is by far the most concise and accurate way that reflects my own personal thoughts- blonde isn't a legendary album because of the sounds (it is a really great sounding album, still), but it is instead legendary because of the time I associate it with. Blonde evokes some painful emotions, but at the same time it also comes with positive ones related to overcoming those personal struggles. It is a reminder of the bitter winters sitting alone in the cold, but also the warm summers laying under the trees. Blonde is an album that is so general about love and life, yet so specific in how it impacts each individual listener- it's extremely relatable but doesn't feel cheap in any way because of that. It is one of the only albums that I could ever say was worth the wait.

[@OrashiTV]

2016 = Simultaneously the best and the worst year for a lot of us. . . So many adventures, so many beautiful moments, yet so much pain and loss

[@derrick7648]

Every year is like that for everybody though

[@snaxman]

@@derrick7648 facts

[@Philip1889]

You know what‘s anazing about your videos beside the undoubtedly great production? The way you phrase words, the way you put your thoughts into clear words that everybody can relate to. Your vids get better every time keep it up

[@marianosandoval6623]

love the vid but honorable mention to that 9 - minute freestyle on that Blonded XMAS RADIO. I kno its clearly a raw cut and nothing for mass prod. but i was starving for new content and its great string of dialogue he put out. The bereavement, the searching for both answers and closure, it was the last breathe to his bro, i believe.

[@LuisoEsElSrLobo]

3:40 I moved to London when I was 20 years old with no friends and without being able to speak the language and that was sooooo accurate. Wonderful video essay, you put words on the way Frank can make you feel and that is as great as making a great album 💙

[@andresmonroy1086]

I was also 16 and am now 22. Thank you for verbalizing something I have felt for so long. With the new age of music and the abstract feeling of not being the youngest audience for some of these artists anymore I sometimes feel a at a loss of words for how to explain the impact and significance someone like Frank played in my life and still does.

[@swaggamer9646]

Incredible video! You put my feelings towards blond and life in general exactly into words. I’m 21 now and I accepted I’m no longer a kid anymore but a man with responsibility, when I look back at my past heartbreaks or hard times it makes me realize that the pain I felt in those moments is temporary and that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Nowadays I try to appreciate every day that I wake up and find joy in the little things that I do. This video captured my heart. Thank you very much

[@Cseyspncr]

I love franks music so much. It’s not even like I want more albums or tracks, i just want to see him. Be engaged on social media somehow see what he’s doing

[@descensiongrime6409]

I saw him in Soho not too long ago it was like spotting a unicorn

[@Cseyspncr]

@@descensiongrime6409 😱😱😱

[@blasianspiderman8231]

Been subscribed for years now, but just found out we are the same age and it gives me an inexplicable sense of hope and inspiration … you’re an amazing storyteller and I love the way you think and rationalize meanings of artworks. I can tell you put a lot of yourself into your work and it’s appreciated and consumed w love❤️

[@abduella]

One of the best creatives of this generation. This man made Nostalgia Ultra, Channel Orange & Blonde. I’d say his work is complete let ‘em do whatever he wants💯

[@dallinclark8004]

Don’t forget endless, some of his best work

[@abduella]

@@dallinclark8004 💯

[@lolo45880]

Your videos are insanely amazing, highest form of quality, you should have more views

[@kimscorruptedmind]

One of the best videos you‘ve ever made. Your really made me question the way I see love and pain

[@thebookwormninja9193]

"It shows me a version of myself that no longer exists". This stands out so strongly. I'm one of the people who gets chills every time they hear the intro to Nikes. So many songs on Blonde are tied to separate but equally impactful memories. I remember one song being significant in a friendship, another significant after that friendship ended in a drastic way. Every time I hear the album, it's like walking through my past and it makes me feel so sad and yet so known and comforted even in the sadness. In every way, it is potent and powerful. I appreciate this video and its insights so much.

[@viberonin]

i am also 22 and i resonate a lot with your personal experience with the album too. blond always will be wonderful

[@samuelbrown2006]

I love that you're talking about this because I've been asking my friends this question for years

[@miaelias1217]

I was 16 when this album came out now 22 and this video gave me the chills thank you.

[@domdanger7320]

Such a great video! Ive listened to Blonde at least once a week since its release and your words made me tear up.

[@upchuckslingabinga]

its wild how many people in our age group have felt and connected to this album so strongly. i feel the same about it. i was 18 when it released and was moving from a small town to Toronto. i listened to it constantly

[@AdamJumba]

always loved your channel but this video is next level,. appreciate you making this

[@brandona230]

amazing video. i've never heard anyone explain blonde as well as you did

[@aidangordon291]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin in a while

[@LukassYT]

love your stuff. animations and storytelling is always so nice

[@twixey_]

Amazing video!! So stoked that you popped up in my recommended 🥰 Knowing new music from Frank and Rihanna in the next year or so is a really great felling

[@undscrvd]

You forgot to mention that he is working with A24 on a movie with the working title "Philly". He's set to write and direct it

[@freddysamjacob363]

Yeah, can't wait for how that would pan out

[@Janik-pwoejrur]

This movie has to be good, A24 never produces trash movie

[@no_pulsefps]

This is one of the best video essays i've ever seen.

[@realkano]

This editing is so amazing man

[@chrisv659]

The story telling is absolutely spectacular

[@luismartinez7964]

This encapsulates the thoughts I've had as of recently when relistening to blonde. It's a window back to who I was in 2016, and the subsequent years after, when Frank was but a guide on showing me how to manifest my emotions. Looking back now, it's not that I dont like the music, but it keeps a different place in my heart and mind, and not one I rely on frequently anymore. Couldn't have asked for better timing on a "where's frank" video from the algorithm.

[@11dremoss]

Man this analysis is heartfelt. Adds to the nostalgia 👍🏾

[@stonemason2908]

I love everything you said, this album really hits home with me.

[@eeryskies]

amazing video! glad my music could be part of this in the background :)

[@Volksgeist]

Your music is the best! I will definitely be buying from your store again.

[@lastsonofabraham2678]

I cried to this man's music , I can't say I'm over his absence

[@east2061]

never will b

[@joshuamwamlima]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on YT lately 🏆

[@Mark-nu3mm]

Thank you for this video, is was perfect.

[@user-ec5qc8pb2v]

It’s one of the best videos I ever saw about music in KZbin keep it up❤️

[@calenono1512]

I totally relate to the thought of potentially outgrowing what Frank Ocean might put out. I think he has grown and so have we so I hope the contents of a next album will have matured with us

[@sallahfenty964]

Not actually album abt love but an a album about feeling that come after love . 🙏🏽 Everything u said abt blonde is on point Specially about after all these years u look back at who u been 6 years ago . Every word match what i feel abt this album its not just an album u just listen to it touched millions of ppl . The only thing is i feel like frank doen’t care about us no matter how we praise and how much we love his music until this day i just wish that he pay more attention to his fans and connect a little with them ! Personally i love endless more than blonde It’s sad that it’s underrated and not appreciated enough maybe because it’s not on many platforms and it’s not upload like an album i listen to endless everyday in my life it’s like my daily pill i cannot live without it . Thanks for sharing this with us man keep up the good work

[@saintkevinofficial]

Great video once again! Congratulations man

[@jamescaracciolo8526]

I’ve never heard an explanation of Blonde that so perfectly described my experience with it, thank you

[@tyler8902]

Great writing man

[@matthewrygh]

Been waiting on this one

[@matthewrygh]

So good man, great video.

[@MaGiiCalStArZ1]

What a beautifully written video, and thanks for sharing your personal life with us. :)

[@anyaoster6633]

great video! thanks for making this. also i really liked the way you put songs! so can you tell me what music plays at the intro?

[@Volksgeist]

WATCH THIS VIDEO EARLY: nebula.tv/volksgeist

[@yoimvision]

Huh

[@bxezcr.m4a]

been waiting for this

[@brxyann]

Lovely video as always volksy

[@hezrol]

aside the main topic, your description of gratitude for life and everything it comes with it… man… that came in amazingly timely gracias bro 🤙🏽

[@Somniuh]

4:04 - 4:56 is just absolutely beautiful and well said. Genuinely made me shed a tear!

[@Cakez253]

Same here!

[@harrisonkl]

Great video as always

[@caziis13]

first time i've heard Blonde was after a break up and Ivy made me cry so much, the intro still gives me a weird feeling in my stomach, Channel Orange is awesome too, i miss Frank but i'm so glad he gave us so much already.

[@danielhnz]

incredible video man, i signed up for nebula and curiosity stream straight away

[@emyalmanzar1685]

this video is worded beautiful bro love your content

[@lincolnmelligan556]

Frank is 1 of 1. Blonde is PURE perfection & We shouldn't be expecting anything' after it to be honest. Plus I think everyone at Coachella would freak out/embrace songs from 7+ years ago!! TIMELESS 💚

[@ONENONLYWINDEXBOI]

This is an absolutely amazing video. Here before 30K.

[@nadieenespecial]

I moved to another country and Blond it's my only source of comfort and clarity in a period of my life that it's difficult and sometimes feels like makes no sense. Blond is my medicine.

[@letranger4461]

At this point all I want is another physical release for Blond

[@MrA1wizard]

Great content bro.

[@ohlookitsbryan]

I’ve said it over the years but I don’t care that Frank is gone. He deserves it, he worked hard and gave us a truly timeless album that none of us are fully done dissecting and listening to. He owes us nothing, and we owe him the decency to leave him alone if he wants to take time for himself.

[@barry4649]

Frank is dropping soon just let him be, he’s performing at Coachella next year so his next album will come out in the next 6 months more likely than not

[@lesediii14]

Doubt it

[@MichellBollinger]

extremely doubt

[@rileyscherer129]

Or he just drops out of another performance

[@keeganhill6140]

we've been "letting him be" for six years tho🥴

[@rogue9230]

Mf should just say he's retired that would put everyone at ease

[@bluebeluga2929]

This hit home Im crying

[@Cseyspncr]

Channel orange was released when my uncle died and I listened to that album on repeat and it’s been 10 years now and can still bring me back to the grief and that funeral home. But I still love the music regardless even though the memories are Terrible feeling

[@yahard42]

thank u for making tangible what it means to know and feel franks art. theres no artist like him. ever.

[@alisiddiqui8258]

kudos to you man!!

[@fiona-9090]

amazing video, thanks man 🔥❤

[@rigoblues]

Im just 5 mins into the video and I'm about to cry already.

[@gatesboy7645]

Sometimes I think blonde was so legendary that frank ocean should never release another album. I’ve never seen an album by the hip hop/ r&b community being close to what blonde was. Not even MBTDF by Ye It’s almost impossible to live up to what blonde is.

[@rogue9230]

Nah MBDTF is definitely better then blonde by a mile 💀

[@vVincent.]

​@@rogue9230 hell no

[@rogue9230]

@@vVincent. all of kanyes first 7 albums over blonde tbh

[@vVincent.]

@@rogue9230 nah kanye is my top artist of all time but I gotta say only yeezus and college dropout come close to blonde

[@rogue9230]

@@vVincent. the college dropout, late registration, graduation, even 808s is a more emotional album then all of Frank's work, Yeezus, the life of Pablo all better Kanye is a better artist then frank it's not even close

[@ZevsChakra]

I’ve listened to the album a few times with other frank songs I’ve never felt the things you’re saying in this video for frank, but I can see how he’s stood around so long

[@milesstarke7090]

Great video volksgeist don't miss

[@TeethOfDead]

This is so spot on

[@adrian1641]

beautiful video

[@LARABLAISE]

I hope he comes back, we love and miss him so much😭🤞🏾

[@abdulmajidsalleh4700]

I’ve honestly been listening to him more than ever. Pyramids is stuck in my brain and I can’t get it out

[@jamesdoctor8079]

If I were Frank, I’d just pack it in and ride off into the sunset. This next album has the added weight of living in the shadow of blond, and nobody is going to be able to listen to it without comparing it to that album. It’s almost destined to fail no matter how good or different it is

[@davidwu8951]

Idk man kendrick arguably topped GKMC and then TPAB with DAMN…

[@litomusic_]

Volksgeist x Dissect collab needs to happen I feel like y’all would be a good duo

[@oldluce6946]

Blond makes loss seem luxurious. An incredible record. Wishing him godspeed.

[@oliverphoenix1563]

Moon river is one of my favorite covers of all time.

[@damxn7303]

22 huh, I never thought about Frank’s music from a young persons perspective. I’m 32, When blonde came out I just had my daughter, she’s 6 now. Blonde felt so nostalgic and reminds me of being in the ER, watching her take her first steps, moving into a nicer house after getting a promotion. This entire time I would escape to the studio at night to record guitar loops. My homie (Jullian ) produced the record “broccoli” for DRAM” at this time. I recorded 100 guitar loops and vocals in hopes to get on Ye and Cudi - kids see ghost lol😂, none of them made it. I listen to blonde at least once a month in its entirety, it really makes me appreciate every single second of my life and how every second which passes just becomes another remember I will reflect on in the near future, time just feels non existent when I play any Frank song

[@zacc.thebinarylife1193]

here we go

[@yourmotherheaux]

He's our generations Sade. That's why..... Sade don't release albums for 6-12 years in between because the music is so good

[@Andre-rh1cv]

I love blond so much. Even though it isn't my #1 favorite album of all time, I find it's the album I will most strongly defend against criticism by a wide margin. There are so many memorable parts that all cut so deep and make it so personal.

[@travisclarke7460]

After his brother passed I assumed the wait was gonna another 5 years from THAT moment

[@jobebraga640]

10/10 video, well done

[@S.KRONIKAL]

I feel like he’s doing him making what he wants to make

[@tannergarcia7204]

God damn well said brother; well said at the least.

[@Moriabrosh]

I cried today cuz I appreciate frank so much it hurts my heart I hope he is feeling well and happy

[@valdivws]

W vid bro I really felt everything you said about being young and in love especially relating to Blonde

[@thebekgo1624]

the quotes in this are crazy

[@yungyip4324]

chills