"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]
| "Nikes" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Frank Ocean | ||||
| from the album Blonde | ||||
| Released | August 20, 2016 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 5:14 | |||
| Label | Boys Don't Cry | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Christopher Breaux | |||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Frank Ocean singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Nikes" on Apple Music | ||||
Critical reception
editBillboard 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
editThe music video was released exclusively on Apple Music on August 20, 2016.[9] It explores the concept of duality. Ocean's winged eye shadow evokes a queer aesthetic while the cars symbolize masculinity.[10][11] 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."[12] The video features a cameo appearance from American rapper ASAP Rocky holding a picture of the late ASAP Yams.[13] It also pays tribute to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin.[13] NPR named it as one of the best music videos of 2016.[14]
Personnel
edit- Frank Ocean – lead vocals, production, arrangement, additional programming
- Malay Ho – production, arrangement, Mellotron, drum programming
- Om'Mas Keith – production, arrangement, drum programming
- Amber Coffman – additional vocals
Charts
edit| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[15] | 77 |
| New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[16] | 3 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[17] | 93 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[18] | 79 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[19] | 27 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[20] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[21] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 20 August 2016 | Digital download | Boys Don't Cry | [13] |
References
edit- ^ "New Music". The Drainage. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ "Detangling Frank Ocean's 'Blonde': What It Is And Isn't". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
- ^ "R.Kelly & Justin Bieber Hang Out Like Besties + Prince Drops New Music "Screwdriver" + Frank Ocean's Next Single "Super Rich Kids"". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
- ^ "Here Are the Full Credits for Frank Ocean's 'Blonde'". Complex. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
- ^ Snapes, Laura (2017-06-02). "Amber Coffman on life after Dirty Projectors: 'Being on my own was pretty heavy'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
- ^ Kim, Michelle (2016-07-30). "Meet KOHH, The Japanese Rapper Featured On The Extended Cut Of Frank Ocean's "Nikes"". The Fader. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
- ^ "Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks". Billboard. December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
- ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2016". Pitchfork Media. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
- ^ "Watch "Nikes" posted by Frank Ocean on Apple Music. - iTunes - Apple". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
- ^ Mikelle Street (20 August 2016). "A Breakdown of the Powerful Cultural References in Frank Ocean's "Nikes"". Complex. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
- ^ "Frank Ocean and the cars of Blonde". The Verge. 2016-08-25. Archived from the original on 2023-06-02.
- ^ "Meet Tyrone Lebon, The Director Behind Frank Ocean's "Nikes" Video". The Fader. August 20, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Watch Frank Ocean's Astounding 'Nikes' Video". Rolling Stone. August 20, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
- ^ "Best Music Videos Of 2016". NPR. December 20, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
- ^ "Frank Ocean Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
- ^ "NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 29, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
- ^ "Frank Ocean Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
- ^ "Frank Ocean Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Frank Ocean – Nikes". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ "British single certifications – Frank Ocean – Nikes". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 24, 2020.