It’s been three years since Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange established his name as one of the most innovative modern artists, but it appears the singer is finally preparing for the release of his second full-length album – as well as his own publication.
News of his emergence began after the artist posted an image on his website alongside the words “I got two versions” and the hashtags #issue1, #album3, #july2015 and #boysdontcry. A spokesperson has since confirmed to Billboard that Ocean will release both a magazine and an album in July.
The as yet untitled followup to Channel Orange was expected to arrive in 2014, but apart from a short sketch of a song – not to mention his appearance on Beyoncé’s Superpower, Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail and John Mayer’s Paradise Valley – his second studio album is yet to appear.
Billboard have previously reported that the Odd Future member was working with a string of artists such as Happy Perez, Charlie Gambetta and Kevin Ristro, while producers Hit-Boy, Rodney Jerkins and Danger Mouse are also said to be on board for his second full-length.
Ocean was also initially involved with Brian Wilson’s new album, No Pier Pressure. However, the Beach Boys songwriter said that his guest vocals were axed after a creative conflict. He told Vulture: “Well, Frank Ocean didn’t want to do the song. He wanted to do rap, so we cancelled him.”
