Frank Ocean Preps 'Channel Orange' Album for July

Frank Ocean has remained quiet about his new music. But in the middle of the night, the Odd Future crooner surprised his fans with a viral video revealing what could be the title and release date of his highly-anticipated album.

In the mysterious teaser, directed by Nabil (“Mercy”), a BMW station wagon sits parked in front of a house at night. Ocean can be heard singing a new song with the lyrics, “She’s working up the pyramid tonight,” as an orange cloud passes through and the words “Channel Orange” and “7.17.12” appear on screen.

While all signs point to a new album, it’s currently unconfirmed if Channel Orange and July 17 represent the title and release date of his Def Jam debut or simply a new single.

In 2011, the reclusive singer released his acclaimed album Nostalgia, Ultra, which spawned the singles “Novacane” and “Swim Good.” The ballad “Thinkin Bout You” was released to iTunes in April.

“It succinctly defines me as an artist for where I am right now and that was the aim, just to make something that represents where you are at that time,” Ocean told BBC of his upcoming work. “It’s about the stories. If I write 14 stories that I love, then the next step is to get the environment of music around it to best envelop the story and all kinds of sonic goodness.”

UPDATE: Def Jam has confirmed that Channel Orange is indeed the title of Ocean’s new album, available July 17.