Frank Ocean honored in ‘Time 100’ list of world’s most influential people

Jay-Z, Rand Paul, Jennifer Lawrence, Aamir Khan, Malala Yousafzai, Elon Musk, and Li Naeven on the covers of the 2013 Time 100 special edition magazine, via Time.com.

Time magazine included Frank Ocean in its 2013 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, published in a special issue on April 18. The Time 100 dates back to 1999, with new editions released annually since 2004.

Singer-songwriter John Legend was asked to write a blurb about Ocean for this year’s list. Legend highlighted Ocean’s creative talent, his 2012 album Channel Orange, and his 2012 coming-out letter:

Frank is brilliant. The day I started writing with him, it was clear that he has a very interesting mind and a distinctive way of expressing himself. He was fearless and innately creative. You talk to some people in this business, and you get the sense that they’re very focused on radio: what will be a hit or won’t be a hit. You never get that from Frank. The focus is on creating something that’s beautiful, that’s great art.

Frank broke a lot of rules with his album Channel Orange. He wasn’t focused on “What’s gonna be my single?” And obviously, one of the cardinal rules was that he wasn’t supposed to come out. But he did, and he did it in a way that speaks to what kind of artist he is, in a beautifully written letter to his fans. The day the letter was published, he came over to my house for a July 4 barbecue, where he was among friends who supported him and showed him love.

How fitting that he released his “declaration” on Independence Day. I think Frank’s career will be defined by his fearlessness and his artistic freedom. He has the talent, the ability, and the brilliance to have an impact for a long time. He will follow his muse wherever it goes—he’s not the kind of artist to adhere to everyone else’s schedule. That’s what makes him special.

Alongside Ocean, the list features other notable musicians, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Miguel. Check out all 100 at Time.com.

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Frank Ocean honored in ‘Time 100’ list of world’s most influential people
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