Video: Frank Ocean - 'Nikes'

  /  08.20.2016

Frank’s back already.

Just a couple days after dropping his visual album Endless, Frank Ocean returns with the eccentric video for “Nikes,” a song expected to land on his forthcoming LP, which was previously titled Boys Don’t Cry.

“Nikes” finds Ocean in a dream and nightmare-like trance, one filled with scattered visuals of glitter, the devil, semi-NSFW nudity, a rapping Chihuahua, and bodies on fire. Images of models, cash, horses, sex, and pregnant women flash before a baby is shown to close out the clip.

The five-minute video also features cameos from Trina and A$AP Rocky, who holds a framed portrait of the late A$AP Yams, followed by tributes to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin. “Pour up for A$AP,” sings Ocean. “R.I.P. Pimp C / R.I.P. Trayvon / That ni**a looked just like me.”

Aside from those acknowledgements, Ocean also celebrates iconic rap labels in the song’s lyrics, shouting out Slip-N-Slide (hence the Trina cameo) and Rap-A-Lot Records.

“Nikes” contains “two versions” overlapping one another. One is a chopped-and-screwed monologue, perhaps prompting the Rap-A-Lot reference, and the other a melodic piece filled with smooth harmonies.

The song’s release comes after a lengthy lead-up. Back in April 2015, Ocean teased Boys Don’t Cry with a Tumblr post captioned: “I got two versions. I got twooo versions…” Those lyrics now appear on “Nikes.”

Chance the Rapper also made reference to the lyrics on Twitter last year.

On Thursday night, Ocean released Endless, a visual album featuring Jazmine Sullivan, James Blake, Sampha, and TROY NōKA. “Nikes” is not on that project and is seen as the first sign of yet another Ocean project to follow.

Rolling Stone reports that the album previously known as Boys Don’t Cry is expected to be released this weekend under a different title.

TRENDING

Metro Boomin Addresses Speculation About Drake And Future's Alleged Beef: "Stop Making Stuff Up"

Metro Boomin told fans to “stop making stuff up for engagement” without clarifying whether he ...
03.25.2024

Drake Seemingly Trolls Nav After Realizing He Unfollowed Him On Instagram

Nav seemingly unfollowed Drake after the release of Metro Boomin and Future’s new album. Drake ...
03.24.2024

New Photos Of Drake Go Viral Following Kendrick Lamar's Verse On "Like That"

Social media fans claim that Drake looks stressed following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s new ...
03.23.2024

Social Media Reacts To Future Name-Dropping Megan Thee Stallion On "Type S**t"

Social media is debating whether Future’s “Take down Meg Thee Stallions by the group” lyric ...
03.22.2024
View More

Sponsored Stories