every. single. time.
He’s peerless. His influence on contemporary music was almost instant. I think we shouldn’t understate the influence of his coming out, early in the 2010s, which is important in the context of being swept up in the Odd Future whirlwind. In fact, that seemed like the catalyst for them all to grow up, and mature into incredible musicians without quite so much of the… Odd Futurisms.
Think the fact he’s not on social media etc., doesn’t really do interviews, and just wants to do his thing is great too. And it seems that everyone is willing to give him that space because they now see how amazing the consequences of letting Frank just do his thing are.
His label-free approach to defining his sexuality is mirrored by his music too I think, certainly in Blonde, which feels like Frank’s had a weight lifted from his shoulders and is creating what he wants to create. Not just lyrically, where it’s often the focus, but like @BigAl says, it shifts effortlessly between genres and moods, that it’s clear it’s more than music: it’s art. It’s a statement piece. It’s complex. I think it’s a reflection of himself and it’s goddamn beautiful.
We’re very, very lucky to have him. When someone has released Channel Orange and it’s not even their best work, then they’re a fucking once in a lifetime talent.
Five.
