coachella

Frank Ocean’s Complicated Relationship With His Fanbase

by

Frank Ocean has unintentionally had the internet in a chokehold over the past week. Rumors swirled about Ocean releasing a new album along with his headlining performance at Coachella 2023. Now that the dust has settled, most of Ocean’s fanbase has been left disappointed by the result. The overarching sentiment seems to be that the singer doesn’t care about his fans. A user on Twitter stated, “Started the set late, didn’t let them live stream it, now ending the set early … Frank Ocean you will rue the day.”

Headlining Coachella on Sunday night, fans were bemused to find out that the Coachella livestream wouldn’t include Ocean’s performance. We don’t yet have a concrete reason why it wasn’t shared. Was it per the request of Ocean? Did Coachella not want their main act to be shown off to the world? A day after the event, the music fanbase is still baffled by the hour-long performance.

Frank Ocean’s Coachella Performance Was A Mixed Bag

Frank Ocean’s Coachella performance was a mixed bag at best. After months of preparation by the performance event staff, he asked them to “destroy” the laid-out stage moments before he went on. This contributed to Ocean showing up to the performance one hour late. Considering the hundreds of dollars fans spent to see him, it wasn’t the greatest look. At the show’s end, Ocean claimed to his fanbase that he was being forced off stage due to “curfew.” However, the plan was always for the show to end at midnight.

Ocean performed reworked versions of songs such as “Novacane,” “White Ferrari,” and “Bad Religion.” Of course, he also performed some of his hallmark tracks off of Blonde and Endless. “Nights” saw him jumping around the stage, while “At Your Best (You Are Love)” reminded fans of his innate talent as an emotive vocalist. This was especially notable on “Godspeed.” In addition, he implemented an impromptu DJ set in the middle of his performance. It was the disorganization of the show rather than Frank Ocean’s performance which hurt the Coachella 2023 headliner.

Frank Ocean Hinted At A New Album

MANCHESTER, TN – JUNE 14: Frank Ocean performs at The Other Tent during day 3 of the 2014 Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival on June 14, 2014 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by FilmMagic/FilmMagic for Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival)

There was hope from fans that he would use the platform to announce a new album. While this wasn’t the case, Frank Ocean did confirm that new music is on the way at Coachella. He stated, “I want to talk about why we’re here because it’s not because of a new album – not that there’s not a new album.” About the new project, he later stated, “But it’s not right now.” It wasn’t the grandiose release of new music that fans hoped for. However, Ocean gave fans just enough to chew on for the near future.

Amid mixed reviews of his Coachella performance and a continuing hiatus from music, the complicated dynamic between Frank Ocean’s fanbase and himself has continued. The tension began all the way back in 2016. Fans were disappointed at Ocean for not releasing Boys Don’t Cry (which later morphed into Endless) sooner. However, Ocean’s reasons for postponing the record were later revealed. He infamously used the project to get out of his deal with Def Jam Recordings.

Ryan Breaux Inspired His Performance

NEW YORK, NY – JULY 26: Singer Frank Ocean performs at Terminal 5 on July 26, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

During Coachella 2023, Frank Ocean revealed to his fanbase that his reasonings for headlining the show were deeply personal. His late younger brother, Ryan Breaux, would force Frank Ocean to go to Coachella with him when they were younger. He stated, “My brother and I came to this festival a lot. I know he would’ve been excited to be here with all of us.” Unfortunately, his younger brother’s tragic passing is another reason for the discourse between himself and his fans. After the news of the accident came out, droves of fans claimed that the emotional experience from his brother’s passing would translate to better music. Along with the pandemic, Breaux’s death reportedly postponed any plans Ocean had for new music.

In an interview with GQ in 2019, Ocean referenced the constant microscope that his fanbase has on him. He stated “As a writer, as a creator, I’m giving you my experiences. But just take what I give you. You ain’t got to pry beyond that. I’m giving you what I feel like you can feel.” As social media has become a huge part of our society, Ocean has unsubscribed from the notion that fans constantly need to be in the know-how.

Ocean Is Purposefully Disconnected

Lastly, Frank Ocean spearheaded the release of the Homer fashion brand last year. Largely releasing luxurious products, he infamously released a $27,000 penis ring in August of 2022. While there’s nothing wrong with getting into the fashion fields, it seemed like a slap in the face to his fans. About this, iconic music reviewer Anthony Fantano stated, “Frank Ocean did an amazing job at gaming the system. Now that he’s established, he’s pitching us the same garbage snake oil that anybody else in a position of capitalistic influence would.”

There’s also the moral question of, does Frank Ocean owe his fanbase anything. With some fans reacting unemotionally to his brother’s passing, this may have further solidified his lack of interest in engaging. However, it seems Ocean’s naturally shy personality doesn’t blend well with the microscopic nature of the internet era. The Louisiana-born creative will continue to do what we wants, whether fans like it or not. Frank Ocean made that very clear with his performance during the first week at Coachella.

Metro Boomin Confirms Future Collab Album Is On The Way

by

Metro Boomin says that his collaborative album with Future is on the way, following their performance at Coachella over the weekend. The iconic producer made the announcement in a post on Instagram, Tuesday afternoon. The two most recently worked together on Future’s Heroes & Villains album from last December. They previously teamed up for “Mask Off,” “Jumpman,” “Thought It Was a Drought,” and many more over the last 10 years.

“After a 10+ year journey it was surreal to perform @coachella in front of 20k+ with my brother @future Metro Pluto album otw #TROCHELLA,” he wrote with several fire emojis. There were many positive comments shared in response. Quavo wrote, “Well Deserved,” while many other fans expressed their excitement for the collaboration.

Metro Boomin On Stage With Future

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 14: (EDITOR NOTE: A lens filter was used in this image.)Future and Metro Boomin perform during Future & Friends “One Big Party Tour” at State Farm Arena on January 14, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Metro previously spoke about the upcoming project during an interview with FLAUNT, last month. “Definitely. I would bet on it,” he said, when asked if the album will drop this year. “I would definitely bet on it.” Speaking more broadly about his friendship with Future, he added: “Oh, that was fire. You know, Pluto, that’s my brother. We’ve been at it for a long time. This whole superhero moment, it’s like the beginning of our phase two. We haven’t had a song out since ‘Mask Off,’ they’ve been on our heads. With this, and then the whole State Farm thing, it’s starting to slowly put people on notice: we crankin’ that shit back up too.”

Despite their close working relationship, Metro was left off Future’s prior effort, 2022’s I NEVER LIKED YOU. When asked about the move by Ebro Darden, Metro explained that just doing one or two songs in the wake of their hit, “Mask Off,” wouldn’t be enough. It’d have to be an entire project. He said at the time: “I was like, ‘Look, the last time anybody’s really heard a song from me and you was ‘Mask Off.’ So instead of us randomly throwing one or two songs we did on here, we got to wait and just give them a joint.’”

Metro Boomin Confirms New Album

[Via]

10 Essentials For Anyone Going To Coachella 2023

by

The first weekend of Coachella 2023 may be over, but there is still one more amazing weekend left. From Friday, April 21st to Sunday, April 23rd, festival-goers can still look forward to another exciting music, art, and culture weekend. The annual music and arts festival in Indio, California features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres.

Bad Bunny, Blackpink, and Frank Ocean headlined this year’s festival. If you plan to attend weekend two of Coachella, packing the right gear will help guarantee a safe and comfortable experience. From sun protection to comfortable sleep arrangements, here are ten essentials you shouldn’t leave home without. 

10. High SPF Sunscreen

The hot and arid climate of the California desert means that festival-goers are exposed to intense sunlight, which can lead to painful sunburns and skin damage. That’s why it’s crucial to pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating and reapply it regularly throughout the day. In addition to sunscreen, attendees should also wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts to shield themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

9. An Easy to Assemble Tent

After a long day of music, art, and partying at Coachella 2023, having a comfortable and private resting place is essential to recharge for the next day. Pack a warm sleeping bag and a comfortable pad to ensure a good night’s rest. While hotels and other accommodations are available in the area, camping is a popular option for festival-goers who want to be closer to the action and save money. Coachella has car and tent camping sites adjacent to the festival grounds.

8. Phone Strap and Portable Charger

In today’s digital age, phones have become an indispensable part of our lives, even more so when attending. From capturing memories to staying up to date with potential line-up changes, having a fully charged phone is crucial for a smooth and fun experience. That’s why it’s essential to pack a phone strap to prevent it from getting lost or stolen. Moreover, with so many photo-worthy moments, a portable charger can be a lifesaver, especially since there are limited charging stations on the festival grounds. 

7. A Water Bottle Carrier

Staying hydrated is paramount when attending any festival this summer. It’s so important to drink plenty of water to avoid the risk of dehydration. While water is available for purchase at the festival grounds, having a water bottle carrier keeps your hands free for dancing, enjoying your favorite drinks, and much more. Additionally, bringing a reusable water bottle helps you save money and reduces the amount of plastic waste generated at the festival. Coachella has water bottle-filling stations on the festival grounds.

6. Clipon Hand Sanitizer

Hand hygiene is still a top priority in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s especially the case when attending a huge music festival like Coachella 2023. With thousands of people around you, picking up germs is easy, which can quickly ruin your experience. Packing hand sanitizer in your bag and using it frequently is essential. Clip-on hand sanitizers are a great option as they are easy to carry and can be attached to your bag, keychain, or clothing for quick access. 

5. Money, Bank Card, and Photo ID

When attending the festival, it’s vital to have a secure and accessible form of payment, such as cash or a bank card. This year, Coachella went cashless — a trend that began during the pandemic. Bringing a bank card, or more preferably, a credit card, guarantees you can access your funds throughout the festival. Additionally, the festival requires attendees to present a government-issued ID to obtain a wristband to purchase drinks. Be sure to have your identification with you at all times. Also, security becomes more stringent each year, and having proper identification is essential to avoid any issues or delays when entering the festival grounds. 

4. Fun Sunglasses

In addition to looking stylish, sunglasses are fundamental for protecting your eyes from the harsh desert sun and dust. The winds can pick up at night, creating a sandstorm effect that can be uncomfortable and irritating to the eyes. Clear or colored lenses can keep the dust out while also making a fabulous fashion statement at Coachella. Opt for sunglasses that won’t slip off during your dance moves. And remember to pack a few different looks to match your outfits.

3. The Perfect Bag

INDIO, CA – APRIL 16: A Louis Vuitton mini backpack at the Revovle Festival during day 3 of the 2017 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 1 on April 16, 2017 in Indio, California. (Photo by Christian Vierig/GC Images)

It’s critical to consider the security of your belongings while at the festival. A crossbody purse or backpack with zipper closures and secure compartments can help prevent theft and keep your valuables safe. Durable materials, like leather or waterproof nylon, are perfect to protect your belongings from weather conditions. Per Coachella’s website, they only allowed medium-sized backpacks that are no bigger than 18″x13″x8.5″ when packed. This year, they’ll fit your backpack into a box to ensure that it’s of size, similar to how carry-on luggage is measured at airports.

2. Earplugs and an Eye Mask

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: Festivalgoers are seen during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 16, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)

Along with earplugs, an eye mask is a must-have for the festival. Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult with all the excitement and activities. And with the sun rising early in the desert, you might wake up earlier than you’d like. An eye mask can block out light and create a better sleeping environment. It can also come in handy for mid-day naps or resting in between sets. Packing earplugs for when you want to tune out and sleep is great since the festival can be noisy and chaotic, even during nighttime. 

1. Your Ticket

And finally, don’t forget to pack your ticket for Coachella 2023. You could try sweet-talking your way into the festival with your charming personality, but your dazzling smile probably won’t sway the security guards. So, do yourself a favor and put that ticket at the very top of your packing list.

[VIA]

YG & Saweetie Dating Rumours Run Rampant After Coachella Weekend One

by

There were plenty of noteworthy moments to come from Coachella weekend one, and even more are sure to follow in the coming days with the festival’s second and final round. While much of the focus was on the performers – namely headlining acts Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Frank Ocean – the celebrities in attendance also caused a stir. Not only did Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet make headlines for failing to officially debut as a couple, but now, YG and Saweetie are also sparking dating rumours.

The two California natives have actually been connected for some time, though they’ve managed to keep their situation lowkey. Saweetie was at YG’s birthday party in March, which is when gossip first began to fly, though no official confirmation came with it. According to @thejasminebrand, they spent their time at Coachella cozying up together, though no photographic evidence has surfaced online quite yet. Seeing as the pair have previously collaborated with Tyga on “Money Mouf” and Mozzy on “In My Face,” it’s not surprising to see them link up romantically.

Does Saweetie Have a New Man?

Saweetie attends the Spotify and Hulu “RapCaviar Presents” premiere celebration at Ysabel on March 23, 2023, in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)

What is a bit shocking, however, are the rumours that YG gives his Icy Girl a “blank check” every month so she can spend to her heart’s desire. “He apparently has a black card with a ridiculously high credit limit,” AllHipHop alleges. “She’s not there for his money, supposedly,” the outlet added, which makes sense seeing as Saweetie’s got plenty of her own racks.

Prior to this new rumoured romance, Saweetie was briefly linked to both Lil Baby and Damson Idris, though nothing serious ever transpired. Her last long-term high-profile relationship was with Quavo, and many hip-hop heads were sad to see them part ways. As for YG, he and Kehlani spent some time together a few years back, and he also dated Keke Palmer from 2014 to 2015. Revisit one of the alleged couple’s collaborative tracks below, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates.

Revisit the Rumored Couple’s “Money Mouf” Collab with Tyga

[Via] [Via]

Latto Denies Coachella Crowd Photoshop Allegations

by

Latto gave what’s been labelled as undoubtedly one of the most exciting performances at Coachella weekend one on Sunday (April 16). Still, that hasn’t stopped haters from trying to find any possible flaws. On Monday, the reality star celebrated her major W with a photo dump shared on Twitter. It consists of selfies, snapshots of her outfit, and finally, an enormous crowd watching on as she stood in front of them. Not long after her post went up, Latto was hit with zoomed in screenshots of the bottom right image. Upon inspection, some are accusing her of photoshopping it to make the audience at her show look bigger.

“That crowd tho! Wow. Goals 🙏,” one person wrote along with receipts that show them same face in the crowd twice. This hate train isn’t as massive as others Latto has conquered as of late. However, it’s likely exhausting for her to take on such constant criticism nonetheless. Thankfully, the 24-year-old is an undeniably resiliant spirit, and often addresses the gossip circulating about her online with a tough attitude. After seeing the negative response to her “LATTOCHELLA” post, she took thinks over to Instagram to speak her mind with a Story.

Latto Shares Photos from Coachella

“Never photoshopped a crowd lmao, I expanded it so it would fit in my Instagram swipe without getting cut off,” the Atlanta-based artist wrote earlier this afternoon. “It was clearly f*cked up so I didn’t end up using it and just posted the wrong version by accident on Twitter babes 🥰. Next,” Latto’s message ended. Since she’s spoken out, it seems as though many are taking the “Lottery” hitmaker’s side in the spat, calling the behaviour of those accusing her of editing “weird.”

“This is just weird in general… Everyone knows how packed Coachella is,” one IG user wrote in @theneighborhoodtalk’s comments. “I saw videos from a fan in the crowd from her set. Idk how she can do it, y’all be hating on these female rappers like crazy! They can’t make a mistake, gotta be perfect etc. I’d be tired if I was her.” Read more about what went down during Latto’s performance here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

Clapping Back at Trolls

@latto777/Instagram Story

[Via]

It Sure Looks Like Latto Photoshopped A Coachella Crowd Photo, But She Has An Explanation

by
latto
Getty Image

Just days after Latto performed at Coachella over the weekend, a photo that she posted of the crowd has made the rounds online — after many believed it was Photoshopped. While it’s unclear what the reason for this might have been, social media users pointed out that there were duplicates of the audience members.

People also chimed in with some jokes. “That’s me and my twin brother enjoying our time with friends,” one person replied, pointing at the fact it was the exact same person. “Literally cropped out the extended pixels and it still looks like a crowd to me. Just weird they decided to do that,” another wrote.

However, some Latto fans weren’t having it, questioning the point when her Coachella crowd was full.

Shortly after the viral picture spread, Latto has responded, saying she didn’t Photoshop it at all.

“Never photoshopped a crowd lmao I expanded it so it would fit in my Instagram swipe without getting cut off but it was clearly f*cked up so I didn’t end up using it & just posted the wrong version by accident on Twitter babes,” she shared to her Instagram story.

Check out Latto’s crowd pics above to decide for yourself. Below, find some more social media reactions.

Here Are All The Surprise Guest Performances From Coachella 2023

by
coachella
Getty Image

Weekend one of Coachella kicked off this weekend, with most of the prominent acts bringing along some surprise guests to join them on stage. Sometimes, there was even more than one at the same show.

Here are all the surprise guest performances from Coachella 2023… So far.

Friday started off with Muna bringing out Boygenius, where they performed the hit song, “Silk Chiffon,” together.

Kaytranada had Kali Uchis join to play “10%” and Aminé to perform the duo’s new song together. Later, on Sunday, Uchis would perform her own Coachella set, where she brought out Tyler The Creator for “See You Again,” Don Toliver for “Fantasy,” and Omar Apollo for “Worth The Wait.”

Metro Boomin had a wild lineup, with The Weeknd, Mike Dean, Future, John Legend, 21 Savage, and Diddy all joining him for various songs.

In typical fashion, Gorillaz brought quite a few surprises, including De La Soul, Del The Funky Homosapien, Thundercat, Slowthai, Peven Everett, Jamie Principle, and Bootie Brown.

Bad Bunny, who headlined Friday night, brought along Ñengo Flow, Jowell & Randy, Post Malone, and Jhayco as surprise guests performances during his set.

On Saturday, Rosalía brought out her fiancé, Rauw Alejandro, as they performed their “Beso” collaboration.

Labrinth also had Billie Eilish join him for a performance of their collab, “Never Felt So Alone,” which was recently released.

Latto‘s Sunday set included appearances from Lola Brooke for the “Don’t Play With It” remix and Saweetie on “Bitch From Da Souf.”

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Justin Bieber Reacts To Frank Ocean’s Coachella Set: “I Was Deeply Moved… He Continues To Set The Bar High”

by

What was expected to be one of the biggest headlining performances in Coachella history unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations on Sunday (April 16) evening. First it was announced hours before Frank Ocean was due to go on stage that his set wouldn’t be a part of the YouTube live stream. The California native was also an hour late and left many confused with his haphazard setlist. The majority of reactions pouring in online have been largely critical of the performer. Of course, he was likely nervous prior to taking to the stage for the first time since 2017.

It’s since been revealed that Ocean suffered an injury while biking ahead of his concert. This reportedly lead to several last-minute changes. Some sources report that he almost didn’t go on at all. Others tell of a giant ice rink that was never used for its intended purpose. As music lovers continue to ponder what this means for his headlining set during Coachella weekend two, another artist is using their platform to applaud the 35-year-old for his efforts. Late on Monday (April 17) night, Justin Bieber shared an Instagram photo from in the crowd at Ocean’s show, sharing his thoughts in the caption.

Justin Bieber Praises Frank Ocean’s Controversial Headlining Performance

“I was blown away by Frank Ocean’s Coachella performance,” the Canadian crooner wrote while giving the “Nikes” artist his flowers. “His artistry is simply unmatched, his style, his taste, his voice, his attention to detail.” According to Bieber, watching his fellow singer this past weekend left him feeling “deeply moved.” He added, “It made me want to keep going and get better as an artist. He continues to set the bar high and gave me a night I will never forget! Thanks Frank.”

To keep the peace, the Journals hitmaker turned off his comment section, preventing any potential haters from further bashing his friend. As Complex notes, Ocean himself described his first attempt at headlining as “chaotic,” though he did hint that a new album is locked and loaded in his arsenal, generating at least some excitement amid the disappointment. Do you agree with Justin Bieber’s opinion of Frank’s show? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music news updates.

[Via]