Miguel and Kendrick Lamar cover alternate versions of VIBE's May 2012 "Big List Issue." The interview with the Grammy Award-winning Miguel is very revealing: Despite the success of his second studio album Kaleidoscope Dream and the hit single "Adorn" ... Miguel says that Frank Ocean's game-changing revelation last summer about his sexuality "overshadowed" both of their music.
As dominant as “Adorn” was for much of last year, it seemed like once Frank Ocean dropped the bomb on Tumblr about his past relationship with a man, that he was the new “It” guy. Did you ever feel eclipsed?
MIGUEL: I don’t know if the word is eclipsed. [Long pause] That’s a really tough question to answer, man. In all reality, Frank Ocean took a big chance the way that artists are supposed to. I mean, even his album doesn’t sound like mine or anyone else’s. So sonically and how he writes and what he’s writing about and how he chooses to express himself vocally, all his choices are very unique, and I appreciate that about him. Not only did his announcement overshadow my music, but it overshadowed his as well. The general public was in awe and championing him for being brave enough to make that announcement publicly. I congratulate him for his successes. I would love to hear more of his music. He’s one of those artists that’s being himself and pushing boundaries. I gotta celebrate that.
Just a touch of ... "shade" ... in that remark, no?
Kaleidoscope Dream debuted on October 2 2012 at number three on the Billboard 200. The critically and commercially successful single "Adorn" was nominated for many awards, including the Grammy's "Best R&B Song"—which it won—"Song of the Year" and "Best R&B Performance."
Frank Ocean's major-label debut channel ORANGE debuted July 10 on digital and made No. 1 on iTunes in 10 countries. The album has attracted critical reviews, international attention and much support after Ocean revealed that the songs were inspired by his first love—another young man. Ocean posted on his Tumblr on July 3 to deliver an account of his same-sex relationship. After being at the center of a media firestorm for weeks, Ocean told The Guardian that he decided to open up about his sexuality for his "own sanity."
Ocean has been nominated for numerous awards after channel ORANGE, including six Grammy nominations. Ocean won three Grammys, including "Best Urban Contemporary Album."
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