Frank Ocean skipping the Grammys for one *very* serious and important reason
We previously joked about Kanye West’s well-intentioned show of support for Frank Ocean skipping the Grammys, but there’s actually a very serious reason for the elusive singer’s planned awards show absence. As MTV reports, Ocean discussed his Blonde album release in addition to a key issue he has with attending the Grammy Awards in an interview with the New York Times.
Back in October, we learned that Ocean’s two albums Blonde and Endless weren’t submitted for Grammy consideration on purpose and the singer’s statements provide some insight into his decision.
"That institution certainly has nostalgic importance," Ocean said about the Grammys. "It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down."
"I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated," Ocean said. "I’d rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience."
For months, Kaepernick has protested during the national anthem by kneeling as a show of solidarity with protestors who have spoken out against and highlighted the many instances of police brutality and the ongoing oppression of black people and people of color in the US.
Like the other NFL players who joined Kaepernick in his protest, Ocean appears to be more than willing to sacrifice the perks and accolades that come with being a highly praised individual in the spotlight. But if the trade-off means amplifying the voices of marginalized communities that leads to fair and equal treatment and respect for all involved, there’s no doubt that Ocean will still come out on top.