It’s hard to know how to react to Frank Ocean’s latest musical debut, a two-minute song called Memrise, which he posted straight to his Tumblr last Friday. The track combines dreamy, atmospheric beats with some staggering lyrics. Though it is more paired back and experimental than the stuff that we’re used to, more of an interlude than a finalised song.
Perhaps this is a teaser for new music to come. We do know that he’s been signed to management with Three Six Zero according to Billboard, possibly working with producers such as Hit-Boy and Rodney Jerkins, after parting ways with agency 4 Strikes earlier this year. Yet so far no announcements have been made confirming the release of a new album.
Whether this is Ocean’s attempt at remaining charmingly elusive, or simply a musical gift to his Tumblr fans, we can only hope that he has more in store for us.
All in all, if his new music is even close to the immense quality that we enjoyed with Channel Orange, we know we’re in for something damn special.
I memorized the wayward expressions
Never look down
Never let you see me down
I memorized the way no directions
Can I come over now
I’d like to stay a little while
I memorized your body exposed
I could fuck you all night long
From a memory alone
I never forget a face
Don’t go plastic on me
Nothing’s set in stone
You’re not dipped in gold
Dipped in gold
You can’t breathe if you’re dipped in gold
You are not on paper
You are not a copy
You’re so, you’re so..so thick, so thick