Nikes (song) explained

Nikes
Type:	single
Artist:	Frank Ocean
Album:	Blonde
Genre:	Avant-pop dream pop alternative R&B ambient pop^[1]
Label:	Boys Don't Cry
Chronology:	Frank Ocean
Prev Title:	Super Rich Kids
Prev Year:	2013
Next Title:	Slide
Next Year:	2017

"Nikes" is a song recorded by American singer Frank Ocean. It was released on August 20, 2016, as the lead single from his second studio album, Blonde (2016), accompanied by a music video directed by Tyrone Lebon, exclusive to Apple Music.^[2] It is Ocean's first single since "Super Rich Kids", which was released in 2013.^[3] Ocean wrote the song, producing it alongside Malay Ho and Om'Mas Keith.^[4] Former Dirty Projectors vocalist Amber Coffman contributed additional vocals.^[5] An extended version of the song featuring Japanese rapper Kohh was included on the physical CD release of Blonde.^[6]

Critical reception

Billboard ranked "Nikes" at number 28 on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: “As the first song on the most highly-anticipated album since D'Angelo re-emerged with Black Messiah, "Nikes" was always going to be heavily scrutinized—but as a re-introduction, it worked brilliantly. Its first three minutes are delivered in a pitched-up approximation of a child's voice, picking apart the hidden motives behind the wants and desires of his subject with a sweetly-concealed irony, as a musical dreamscape gently glides underneath. It serves almost as a lullaby of sorts—which makes the transition to his "real" voice, arriving suddenly for the second verse, that much more effective. "Nikes" proved that Frank Ocean was back, and with a whole new set of emotions to get off his chest.”^[7]

Pitchfork listed "Nikes" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 25.^[8]

Music video

The music video was released exclusively on Apple Music on August 20, 2016.^[9] While talking about the video in an interview with The Fader, director Tyrone Lebon said; "The visuals came immediately when I first heard the song - they all follow from the music and Frank’s lyrics."^[10] The video features a cameo appearance from American rapper ASAP Rocky holding a picture of the late ASAP Yams.^[11] It also pays tribute to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin. NPR named it as one of the best music videos of 2016.^[12]

Personnel

• Frank Ocean – production, arrangement, additional programming
• Malay Ho – production, arrangement, Mellotron, drum programming
• Om'Mas Keith – production, arrangement, drum programming
• Amber Coffman – additional vocals

Notes and References

1. Web site: New Music. The Drainage. 29 September 2016.
2. Web site: Detangling Frank Ocean's 'Blonde': What It Is And Isn't. August 25, 2016.
3. Web site: R.Kelly & Justin Bieber Hang Out Like Besties + Prince Drops New Music "Screwdriver" + Frank Ocean's Next Single "Super Rich Kids".. August 25, 2016.
4. Web site: Here Are the Full Credits for Frank Ocean’s 'Blonde'. Complex. en. 2017-06-02.
5. News: Amber Coffman on life after Dirty Projectors: ‘Being on my own was pretty heavy’. Snapes. Laura. 2017-06-02. The Guardian. 2017-06-02. en-GB. 0261-3077.
6. Web site: Kim . Michelle . 2016-07-30 . Meet KOHH, The Japanese Rapper Featured On The Extended Cut Of Frank Ocean’s “Nikes” . 2024-08-05 . The Fader . en.
7. Web site: Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks. Billboard. December 12, 2016. December 25, 2016.
8. Web site: The 100 Best Songs of 2016. Pitchfork Media. December 12, 2016. December 12, 2016.
9. Web site: Watch "Nikes" posted by Frank Ocean on Apple Music. - iTunes - Apple. August 25, 2016.
10. Web site: Meet Tyrone Lebon, The Director Behind Frank Ocean’s "Nikes" Video. The Fader. August 20, 2016. October 14, 2017.
11. Web site: Watch Frank Ocean's Astounding 'Nikes' Video. Rolling Stone. August 20, 2016. October 14, 2017.
12. Web site: Best Music Videos Of 2016. NPR. December 20, 2016. October 14, 2017.
13. Web site: NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. August 29, 2016. August 26, 2016.