Two unreleased promo videos for ‘Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry’ surface online

Photo of Ysham Jackson with curly blonde hair, shirtless, with a Boys Don't Cry towel around his neck, next to a photo of Frank Ocean sitting in a chair, wearing a black baseball cap, green hoodie with a red rose, ripped blue jeans, and white vans.

Left: Ysham Jackson; Frank Ocean.

Two unreleased promotional videos for Frank Ocean’s August 2016 album and magazine, Blonde and Boys Don’t Cry, have surfaced on Vimeo from an unknown source.

The first clip (the so-called “haircut promo”) is a minute long and shows model Ysham Jackson getting his curly blonde hair cut, swimming in a pool, and sitting on the beach, alongside copies of the zine and an unreleased beach towel featuring the Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry logo. Images captured by Ocean during this session appeared in his photo spread “TUSH” for PRINT, “Issue One,” a magazine by Christopher Simmonds and Frans Burns, released in January 2017.

The second video (the so-called “interview promo”) features a split-screen of two camera angles, both capturing Ocean sitting in a chair in an empty room and speaking to someone off-screen. Ocean discusses his experience producing Blonde and Boys Don’t Cry over the two-and-a-half-minute clip. His statements are spliced together with little context, and the interviewer’s questions are cut from the conversation. One of the questions appears to have been about which superpowers Ocean wishes he had, as asked in Mikey Alfred’s 2012 Q&A “Hopes and Dreams,” featured in Boys Don’t Cry and the Blonde track “Futura Free.” The unusual editing (if not a deliberate artistic decision) may suggest the video was not intended for release in its present form. It is unclear when Ocean filmed the interview, although the date likely falls between April 2015 and August 2016, spanning from when he first announced his follow-up to Channel Orange (then known only as Boys Don’t Cry) to when he released both his albums (Endless and Blonde) and magazine. Some fans have speculated that this promo is footage from a larger, unreleased documentary by Ocean that follows him through the projects’ development, although this alleged film has never been corroborated by Ocean or his team.

Check out the videos and an interview transcript below.

“Haircut Promo,” fan re-upload.

“Interview Promo,” fan re-upload.

Interview Transcript:

Ight. Right now, I’m thinking that after, you know, said date, or said moment, or said thing occurs (Yeah)—right now, it just all feels like a build-up to that. I was thinking about this video, and I was like, man, filming for five days—this whole process has definitely made one thing clear. It’s like deejaying (Yeah), like the mix is always falling apart. You know, even when you feel like you’re ahead and you can chill, you can’t just chill; you gotta keep moving. […]

So, I should have said teleportation (Right), but I’m really interested in flying. I’m gonna say teleportation instead, but then it just ruins the joy of flying. […]

I think making this project, I haven’t shied away from expectations, you know. I’ve really tried to use it as fuel because people have a positive association of what I do and what I make, and they expect something that’s good. So okay, how do you convert that into, like I don’t know, just a better moment, you know, a better song, a better album, a better presentation, you know—(Haha). […]

The most frustrating thing about the process of doing this is that there’s been a bunch of times, you know, where I’ve—I don’t know, you just feel like you just really f-cked up. You just f-cked it up somehow. It’s irreversible. It already happened; there’s nothing you can do about it, and you don’t know if moving on even makes it better, you know. But it’s just like, man—like, you’re gonna be here; you gotta keep moving, and you gotta move on. You gotta try, you know. You know what I think? You know, it’s like momentum. Momentum helps with that—(Haha). […]

You know, there’s no fantasy on this record, you know, on this… and yet it’s music; it’s all for better for worse like—autobiographical or just like my experience. Like, you know, the foundation of what’s made me who I am today. And in doing so, you know, you come out with this thing where, yeah, you do feel like you’ve defeated something. […]

I think I appreciate other people’s ideas more than ever now—right (Haha). Well, I do.

Related Articles:

News Feed
Two unreleased promo videos for ‘Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry’ surface online
Two unreleased promo videos for ‘Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry’ surface online

Promotional media for Frank Ocean’s August 2016 album and magazine, Blonde and Boys Don’t Cry, has surfaced on Vimeo from an unknown source. The first shows model Ysham Jackson getting his curly blonde hair cut. The second features an unusual interview with Frank Ocean.

Frank Ocean releases ‘Blonde’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ magazine
Frank Ocean releases ‘Blonde’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ magazine

Ocean debuts his highly anticipated studio album, along with a 370-page, large-format art book, which he is giving away for free at pop-up shops in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and London.

Frank Ocean releases ‘Endless’
Frank Ocean releases ‘Endless’

The 46-minute visual album is available exclusively on Apple Music. It features Ocean constructing a spiral staircase in an empty warehouse, all set to new music—with potentially more to come.

Frank Ocean teases overdue album, zine ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ with cryptic library card
Frank Ocean teases overdue album, zine ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ with cryptic library card

A mysterious image has appeared on Ocean’s website, showing a library book insert with a series of crossed-out “due dates.” The post is his first update since April 2015, when he announced the originally planned July 2015 release date for “album 3” and “issue 1” of his companion magazine.

Frank Ocean announces new album, magazine ‘Boys Don’t Cry’
Frank Ocean announces new album, magazine ‘Boys Don’t Cry’

In a website and Tumblr post, Ocean reveals that “album 3” is set for release in July 2015, alongside “issue 1” of his companion magazine. The teaser offers a first look at the magazine’s cover, which will be available in “two versions.”

Interviews
Frank Ocean’s mom Katonya Breaux tells all in rare interview
Frank Ocean’s mom Katonya Breaux tells all in rare interview

Ms. Breaux opens up about parenthood and her son’s passion for music in a new podcast with Samson Shulman of Connection Is Magic. Throughout the 44-minute discussion, she offers unique insight into Ocean’s growth as a person and musician, as well as her own life’s journey.

Frank Ocean confirms ‘Look at Us, We’re in Love’ was not an album
Frank Ocean confirms ‘Look at Us, We’re in Love’ was not an album

In an Instagram comment, Ocean clarified that the “unreleased 2020 project” circulating online in recent years is not a scrapped album of his and some of its tracks are inauthentic. He also explained the origin of the “LAUWIL” tagline, which some fans had mistaken for the title and rollout of his fifth album.

Frank Ocean foreshadows his next music project in letter on new posters
Frank Ocean foreshadows his next music project in letter on new posters

The back sides of the “ThinkPad” and “Chairman” posters sold by Blonded in December 2022 form a missive by the “Recording Artist” that details his past events and alludes to his future music projects.

Frank Ocean reveals ‘Blonde’ lore on lyrics foldout
Frank Ocean reveals ‘Blonde’ lore on lyrics foldout

The lyrics foldout accompanying the December 2022 LP reissue features a cryptic note, titled “Cost of Master Recordings.” It tells a fictional story based on Ocean’s real-life struggle to retain ownership of his 2016 studio album from Def Jam.

Frank Ocean interviews Master Mingtong Gu in “blonded ENERGY!”
Frank Ocean interviews Master Mingtong Gu in “blonded ENERGY!”

In the second of two Blonded Radio special episodes, Frank Ocean talks to Master Mingtong Gu about the practice of Qi Gong.

Frank Ocean interviews Dr. James Fadiman in “blonded Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
Frank Ocean interviews Dr. James Fadiman in “blonded Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”

Blonded Radio returns after a 7-month hiatus with two special episodes. The first sees Frank conduct an interview with researcher Dr. James Fadiman about psychedelics.

Aziz Ansari shares Frank Ocean’s secret in new Netflix comedy special
Aziz Ansari shares Frank Ocean’s secret in new Netflix comedy special

The nightclub comedian ran into the musician at a party and asked, “Frank, how do you do it, man? You never do any press, you barely tour, and you only put out your music when you really want to. What’s the secret?” Ansari was astonished by Ocean’s reply.

Frank Ocean talks to Wim “Iceman” Hof, freestyles in third “blonded Xmas” special
Frank Ocean talks to Wim “Iceman” Hof, freestyles in third “blonded Xmas” special

In the first episode of his Apple Music 1 radio program in two years, Ocean interviewed the Dutch motivational speaker about “how to change your mind.” The third Blonded Radio Christmas special concludes with a 9-minute freestyle, titled “Come On World, You Can’t Go!”

Frank Ocean attends 2021 Met Gala with green robotic baby
Frank Ocean attends 2021 Met Gala with green robotic baby

His child’s name is Cody, and he wore a onesie to the festival. Ocean arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC wearing a black Prada three-piece suit, a “DreamCore” hat atop his green hair, and a diamond-encrusted “Sphere Legs” necklace from his new luxury brand, Homer. The theme of this year’s event was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.”

Frank Ocean interviewed about Homer in ‘How To Spend It’ magazine
Frank Ocean interviewed about Homer in ‘How To Spend It’ magazine

In his first interview in two years, Ocean goes into detail about the creation of the brand, his lifelong interest in fashion, and his inspirations behind some of the designs, brought to you by the Financial Times.

sebastian-feature-interview-header.jpg
SebastiAn discusses his work on ‘Blonde’ and story behind “Facebook Story”

The French electro-house producer contributed production and arrangement to both Endless and Blonde, but is perhaps best known to Frank Ocean fans as the narrator of “Facebook Story.”

boys-noize
Boys Noize talks about producing “DHL”

Alexander Ridha discusses crafting “DHL” with Frank Ocean during a studio session with A$AP Rocky.

WMag_Vol6_FrankOcean_COVER_WEB_ONLY (1).jpg
Frank Ocean covers ‘W’ magazine

The interview covers Frank’s interest in the nightlife at clubs, his childhood, themes in his new music, how he collaborates, his fashion sense, and more.

Frank Ocean covers ‘Gayletter’ magazine
Frank Ocean covers ‘Gayletter’ magazine

The interview is one of the most open and comfortable the artist has ever taken part in.

Frank Ocean GQ Alasdair McLellan
Frank Ocean covers ‘GQ’ magazine

“I think history will exalt Frank Ocean. By which I mean: One day he'll be known as the best, most boundary-shattering and timeless artist of his generation. Duh.”

Playboi Carti worked on five new songs with Frank Ocean
Playboi Carti worked on five new songs with Frank Ocean

Knowing what we do about Frank's process, it's not likely that we'll get to hear all five of their recently recorded tracks.

5976.jpg
Jorja Smith expresses an interest in working with Frank Ocean

In a new interview with 3voor12 Radio, singer Jorja Smith spoke about why her debut album, Lost & Found, had no features and who she'd like to work with on the next one.

attachment.jpg
Andrew Durbin discusses what led to his ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ contribution

During an interview, Durbin acknowledged how he came into contact with Frank Ocean, a meeting that would lead to his contribution of “You’ve Been Flirting Again” in issue 1 of Boys Don’t Cry.

Frank Ocean’s essay in ‘032c’ magazine published online
Frank Ocean’s essay in ‘032c’ magazine published online

“FRANK OCEAN: The Artist is Absent” is now available to read online for those who didn't grab a copy of the zine.

2647fc962f116f062b0d80720c877afe.700x700x1.jpg
Yung Lean talks about working with Frank Ocean

According to the video, Lean contributed to "Godspeed" where he has formerly been credited as a contributor on "Self Control."

Taco Wine and Bowties
Taco interviewed by ‘Wine & Bowties’

"I haven’t sent anything to Frank, in all honesty. I’m in the beginning stages. Nothing is mixed and mastered yet. He’s a perfectionist. I sent him a voice memo one time and he was like, 'It sounds like a bitch humming,' and I was like, 'Okay.'"

Frank Dukes talks “Chanel” and working with Frank Ocean on Zane Lowe
Frank Dukes talks “Chanel” and working with Frank Ocean on Zane Lowe

Producer and beat-maker Frank Dukes sat down with Zane Lowe this afternoon to discuss his exciting young career, including his work on the Blonded Radio singles “Chanel,” “Biking,” and “Lens.”

frank-ocean-back.png
‘The Right Kind of Brownies’ 2011 interview with Frank Ocean

"i’m not grounded bro. i’m bouncing all around this ****."

VN39_COLLIER_NOTEXT_08.jpg
Frank Ocean interviews Timothée Chalamet for ‘VMAN’ magazine

Timothée Chalamet talks to one of his inspirations, Frank Ocean, about film, music, and the art that influences them.

maxresdefault.jpg
Tyler, The Creator talks “911” in ‘Flower Boy’ documentary

Lonny came by, or Frank, however people know him, and he came by and I played it for him and he was like 'let me go in there and just try something.' He just starts making phone noises and it worked out so perfectly and we kept it.

Justin Timberlake compares Frank Ocean to Bob Dylan in new ‘Beats 1’ interview
Justin Timberlake compares Frank Ocean to Bob Dylan in new ‘Beats 1’ interview

In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 regarding his new album Man Of The Woods, Justin Timberlake spoke briefly on Frank Ocean, comparing him to Bob Dylan.

michael uzowuru.jpeg
Producer Michael Uzowuru interviewed for ‘i-D’ magazine

Michael Uzowuru has production credits on both Blonde and Endless. He was behind the boards for "RAF" and "Chanel." He's done work on many of Frank Ocean's most recent work, but he rarely does interviews.

Vegyn-Scan-LA-Mimi-Wade-1102x900.jpeg
Vegyn talks about working with Frank Ocean for ‘District’ magazine

Vegyn (Joe Thornalley) talks about making music with Frank and on his own in an interview with District Magazine.

Tom Sachs deconstructs Frank Ocean’s stage set
Tom Sachs deconstructs Frank Ocean’s stage set

Stuart Brumfitt interviews Tom Sachs about his contributions to Frank’s stage design for Amuse.

Brad-Pitt-GQ-Style-14.jpg
Brad Pitt professes his appreciation for Frank Ocean

Brad Pitt mentions Frank when asked what he's been listening to.

Ysham Jackson
Blonded drops ‘Acid Tab’ apparel collection
Blonded drops ‘Acid Tab’ apparel collection

The new merch includes a line of Acid Tab sweatshirts and pants, a Blonded Radio mug, and a restock of the 2022 Blonde vinyl reissue.

Blonded releases new shirts, posters
Blonded releases new shirts, posters

In the brand’s first merch drop since January 2020, Blonded has released several new T-shirt designs and a double-sided poster.

“blonded 007” premieres new single “Provider”
“blonded 007” premieres new single “Provider”

The seventh episode of Blonded Radio features Frank Ocean freestyling over 2 Chainz’s “Rolls Royce Bitch,” as well as a new single titled “Provider.”

“blonded 006” premieres new singles “Biking (Solo)” and A$AP Mob’s “RAF”
“blonded 006” premieres new singles “Biking (Solo)” and A$AP Mob’s “RAF”

Episode 006 of Frank Ocean’s Blonded Radio brought a new version of “Biking,” two versions of “RAF,” and the official album artwork for Endless.

“blonded 005” premieres new “Slide On Me” remix
“blonded 005” premieres new “Slide On Me” remix

Episode 005 comes just 24 hours after 004 and features a new mix of Frank Ocean’s 2016 Endless track “Slide On Me,” featuring Young Thug.

“blonded 004” premieres new single “Lens”
“blonded 004” premieres new single “Lens”

The fourth installment of Frank Ocean’s Blonded Radio debuted with a new track called “Lens,” alongside a remix featuring Travis Scott.

17934047_426256474400735_8442604865716224000_a.jpg
@blonded account registered on Instagram

It seems likely that Frank is using Instagram to share photos with his closest friends and family.

“blonded 003” premieres new single “Biking”
“blonded 003” premieres new single “Biking”

The third installment Blonded Radio debuted with a new track called “Biking.” A promotional video for the track and episode appeared on Frank Ocean’s website.

“blonded 002” premieres new single “Chanel”
“blonded 002” premieres new single “Chanel”

The second episode of Blonded Radio debuts a new track called “Chanel,” alongside a remix featuring A$AP Rocky.

‘Blonded Radio’ premieres on Apple Music with new Calvin Harris single “Slide”
‘Blonded Radio’ premieres on Apple Music with new Calvin Harris single “Slide”

Frank Ocean and a crew of radio DJs put out their first episode of the Beats 1 radio program in conjunction with Calvin Harris’ single “Slide,” featuring Frank Ocean and Migos. Between songs, Ocean also interviews legendary rapper Jay-Z. Listen to “blonded 001” on Apple Music.

Two unreleased promo videos for ‘Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry’ surface online
Two unreleased promo videos for ‘Blonde/Boys Don’t Cry’ surface online

Promotional media for Frank Ocean’s August 2016 album and magazine, Blonde and Boys Don’t Cry, has surfaced on Vimeo from an unknown source. The first shows model Ysham Jackson getting his curly blonde hair cut. The second features an unusual interview with Frank Ocean.

Frank Ocean publishes poem, photo series “Jumbo”
Frank Ocean publishes poem, photo series “Jumbo”

In his new magazine, Boys Don’t Cry, Frank Ocean shared a verse and photographic series titled “Jumbo” that features his friend Ysham Jackson modeling outfits styled by fashion director Rita Zebdi. The series includes an image used on one of three magazine covers.

video, interviews, campaignsOdysseusBDC Promo, Blonde, Boys Don't Cry, album 3, unreleased, promos, Ysham, "TUSH", Odysseus