Person Biography:
Frank Ocean was born Christopher Breaux in Long Beach, California. When he was around 5 years old, he and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up, he was surrounded by the local jazz scene and listened to his mother's CDs, including albums by Céline Dion, Anita Baker, and the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack.
As a teenager, Ocean saved up money to rent studio time and enrolled in the University of New Orleans, moving into the dormitory in 2005. However, his plans were disrupted when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, destroying his recording facility and forcing him to relocate to Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, Ocean continued to develop his music career, recording demos and shopping them around. He eventually landed a songwriting deal and began working with other record producers, writing songs for artists such as Justin Bieber, John Legend, and Brandy Norwood.
Ocean's music career gained momentum when he joined the Los Angeles-based hip-hop collective Odd Future, also known as OFWGKTA. His friendship with Odd Future member Tyler the Creator reinvigorated his songwriting, and he eventually signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings as a solo artist.
Ocean released his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, in 2011 to critical acclaim. The mixtape focused on interpersonal relationships, personal reflection, and social commentary. He also appeared in the music video for Tyler the Creator's single "She" and performed at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Ocean's debut studio album, Channel Orange, was released in 2012 to widespread critical acclaim. The album featured the hit singles "Thinkin Bout You" and "Pyramids," and Ocean made his debut television performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
In 2014, Ocean co-produced and wrote the song "Cinderella" for recording artist Damienn Jones.
