Frank’s actions should not come as a big surprise. His time with Def Jam has been rocky for most of their relationship. After he released his breakthrough debut Nostalgia, Ultra, Def Jam sought to capitalize by trying to sell it at retail.
Frank reacted by blasting them on Twitter saying (via Complex):
“i. did. this. not ISLAND DEF JAM. that’s why you see no label logo on the artwork that I DID. guess its my fault for trusting my dumbass lawyer and signing my career over to a failing company. fuck Def Jam & any company that goes the length of signing a kid with dreams & talent w/ no intention of following through. fuck em. now back to my day. i want some oatmeal and toast. brunch swag.”
At the end of the day, we see Ocean walking away with his freedom while a larger company is reportedly trying to keep artists in control, essentially protecting their investments.
