Biography
Frank Ocean and André 3000 are two of the most influential and enigmatic figures in contemporary music, each celebrated for their innovation and artistry. Frank Ocean, born Christopher Edwin Breaux in Long Beach, California, rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his evocative songwriting and genre-defying sound, particularly through his acclaimed debut album 'Channel Orange' (2012). Ocean is known for blending R&B, soul, and pop with deeply personal and poetic lyrics, and for his reclusive, auteur-like approach to music-making.
André 3000, born André Lauren Benjamin in Atlanta, Georgia, is best known as one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Outkast. Renowned for his inventive lyricism, genre-blurring production, and charismatic performances, André 3000 helped redefine Southern hip-hop and mainstream rap throughout the 1990s and 2000s. After Outkast's hiatus, André became a sought-after collaborator, lending his distinctive voice and perspective to select projects, including Frank Ocean's work.
The two artists first collaborated on 'Pink Matter' from Ocean's 'Channel Orange,' where André delivered a reflective verse and played guitar, followed by a striking appearance on 'Solo (Reprise)' from Ocean's 2016 album 'Blonde.' Their collaborations are lauded for their introspective lyricism and boundary-pushing musicality, cementing their legacy as icons who continually inspire new generations of artists.
Fun Facts
- André 3000 wrote and recorded his verse for 'Pink Matter' after Frank Ocean personally requested him to tell any story he wanted, resulting in a highly introspective contribution.
- Despite being invited, André 3000 declined to reunite with Big Boi as Outkast on 'Pink Matter,' preferring to keep their duo appearances exclusive to their own projects.
- Frank Ocean is known for his elusive public persona, rarely giving interviews and often communicating with fans through cryptic social media posts.
- André 3000 is also an accomplished actor, having portrayed Jimi Hendrix in the biopic 'All Is by My Side.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Outkast (Big Boi) - André 3000's foundational partnership and creative development occurred within Outkast alongside Big Boi, shaping his musical identity. (Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Aquemini, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below) [1992–2007]
Key Collaborators
- Frank Ocean - André 3000 contributed verses and guitar to Frank Ocean's albums. (Pink Matter (Channel Orange), Solo (Reprise) (Blonde)) [2012, 2016]
- André 3000 - Frank Ocean featured André 3000 on two of his most acclaimed albums. (Channel Orange, Blonde) [2012, 2016]
Artists Influenced
- Tyler, The Creator - Frank Ocean's innovative songwriting and genre fusion have been cited as influences by Tyler, The Creator and other contemporary artists. (Flower Boy, Igor) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Street Love | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Love. Angel. Music. Baby. | 2004-11-12 | Album |
| Tasty | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| Assume Form | 2019-01-18 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Pink Matter (channel ORANGE)
- The Real Her (Take Care (Deluxe))
- Life Of The Party (with André 3000) (Donda (Deluxe))
- Party (feat. André 3000) (4)
- Life Of The Party (with André 3000)
- Millionaire (Tasty)
- Green Light (feat. André 3000)
- SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (feat. Future & Eryn Allen Kane)
- Come Home (feat. André 3000) (Ventura)
- I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A "Rap" Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Frank Ocean & Andre 3000 has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 06:16 | Moon Riverfrom Moon River | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 01:39 | Cayendo (Side A - Acoustic)from Cayendo (Side A - Acoustic) | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 00:56 | Pink Matterfrom channel ORANGE | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |