frank ocean:

Heralded as a breath of fresh air, Frank Ocean quickly took music's mainstream consciousness by storm with the release of his breakthrough mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra. Fitting to his aversion of being classified into a specific genre, he broke free from the politics of the major label system (previously signed to Def Jam), and released his LP via Tumblr & Twitter.

Listeners responded to his eclectic talent, counting "Novacane" as its most unlikely R&B hit. In it, he cites meeting his inamorata cute at Coachella: "I went to see Jigga/ She went to see Z-trip/ Perfect."

Also known as Christopher "Lonny" Breaux, Ocean worked as a songwriter for the likes of Justin Beiber and John Legend before joining the hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All in 2011. Culminating with his sold-out headlining performance at El Rey Theater on November 15, Ocean's cool dimeanor was on perfect display with his stage presentation, consisting of a single Persian rug in an otherwise bare stage.

Standing alone in a conservative coat and tie, he crooned through a set that ranged from most of Nostalgia, Ultra, his songwriting contributions to Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch The Throne album (“No Church In The Wild”), and the introduction of a fresh
new track, “Super Rich Kids”.

Reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest's first arrival in an otherwise stale genre, Frank Ocean offers something different in a world where his male R&B counterparts are defined by their generic and mindless sexy anthems. His answer? "I feel more like some type of visual artist than a musician when I'm working. I just mean my process is more about imagery. To be honest, I don't think much about it." With his innate appetite for creativity, and boundless energy, it’s no wonder that Beyoncé and Brandy both have Ocean in the studio working on their upcoming projects. Similarly, we can't wait to see what he is in store for us next.

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i feel as if i am being pulled in many different directions. looking back at my posts, i realize how eloquent and how inspiring i am. but what have i done to actually achieve this? i am too easily distracted. and i don't want to be this way. the person who talks and talks. but never actually shows progress.

i feel i put out this pressure for myself. calling myself a 'hustler.' but what have i really hustled for?

and now that it's been over a year since i graduated from Philippines with my LVN, i'm no where near where i thought i'd be..

when i was younger, i used to think that i'd have it all figured out by now that i'm older. i mean, im 22... and i'm no where near being 'figured out.' i'm not even sure what it is i want to do. things that I HAVE accomplished is that i live in los angeles. i have passed my NCLEX-PN and now am a licensed PN in Florida. I am a Los Angeles Rep for Duck Down Music, the same record label of Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, Pharoah Monche, and Cypress Hill.. but this doesn't even seem like a real job. It's my side hustle. And I'm thankful for it.. it made me realize that music is my high. Music makes me feel alive..

I also have a job. But it's just a 'fun' job on Sunset Blvd working for movies. But it's not a career. It's no where leading me to my career. It's my 'bread.' It's what makes living in LA possible for me..

I don't know where to begin, I just pray that God guides me path. I know that if I put in an effort He will guide my steps. I am blessed and beautiful. I am capable.

I must never forget this.

Stay up & Stay busy,
Elainne 22 y.o.