Nikes (Frank Ocean song)
2016 single by Frank Ocean
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"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.[1] It is Ocean's first single since "Super Rich Kids", which was released in 2013.[2] Ocean wrote the song with James Blake, producing it alongside Malay Ho and Om'Mas Keith.[3][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 | |||
| Studio | Abbey Road Studios (London) | |||
| Genre | Futuristic R&B | |||
| Length | 5:14 | |||
| Label | Boys Don't Cry | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| Frank Ocean singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Nikes" on Apple Music | ||||
Critical reception
"Nikes" is a futuristic R&B song.[7]
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."[8]
Pitchfork listed "Nikes" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 25.[9]
Music video
The music video was released exclusively on Apple Music on August 20, 2016.[10] It explores the concept of duality. Ocean's winged eye shadow evokes a queer aesthetic while the cars symbolize masculinity.[11][12] 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."[13] The video features a cameo appearance from American rapper ASAP Rocky holding a picture of the late ASAP Yams.[14] It also pays tribute to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin.[14] NPR named it as one of the best music videos of 2016.[15]
Personnel
- 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
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[16] | 77 |
| New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[17] | 3 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts)[18] | 93 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[19] | 79 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[20] | 27 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[21] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[22] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[23] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | August 20, 2016 | Digital download | Boys Don't Cry | [14] |