Frank Ocean’s Beats 1 radio show ‘Blonded Radio’ is like a gift certificate for intermittent spirit pick-me-ups when you most need it. What started off with the release of personal favourite single “Chanel” and “Biking” featuring Jay Z and Tyler The Creator, has now been supplemented with the drop of Frank’s third solo single of 2017 called “Lens”.
The lyrics are somewhat cryptic as per usual, but no one but Frank could talk about being unabashed when faced with spirits ogling us with our pants down. The cover art is seemingly inspired by the work of the incredible artist Kerry James Marshall, whose work has been crucial in reflecting the visibility and invisibility of the black identity in society. A retrospective of Marshall’s work at the Met wrapped in January, which you can find out more about here.
Kerry James Marshall “A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self” (1980)
Also released during the show (love the episode’s Mama Katonya x Baby Frank cover art) is a second version of the track, with an added Travi$ Scott verse. What all of these drops will amount to in the future, Frank only knows, but I’m content basking in the glow of his sudden need to share. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Listen to the full Episode 4 of Blonded Radio here.
