Frank Ocean Discusses New Album

In an interview with BBC in correlation with the broadcaster's Sound of 2012 list, Frank Ocean discussed his forthcoming debut album, due this spring.

The album, "...succinctly defines me as an artist for where I am right now and that was the aim, just to make something that represents where you are at that time. It's about the stories. if I write 14 stories that I love, then the next step is to get the environment of music around it to best envelop the story and all kinds of sonic goodness--sonic goodies."

The rapper and Odd Future cohort, born Christopher Breaux, also opened up about his personal life and philosophy outside the studio.

"I think we all change each others' paths. I don't know which law or idea that is in physics. But I don't think any of us can live without affecting one another and not to be broad but it's true. I think my path has been changed and affected by everyone who I've encountered in my life... I've been feeling really mortal lately. If I could do anything from today, not even looking at it in years but from today on, it's just really about trying to do what it is that I do, at a level of excellence."

As previously reported, the artist is finishing production on the record and has premiered pieces of the album for fans to audiences in London and New Orleans. However, longtime collaborator Kanye West will not be a part of the album's sound.

"I'm a big fan. He's a big influence on my music. I told him, 'As much as I want to work with you, I kinda want to do this without you.'" There is still no official release date for Ocean's debut. "I'ma just work at it till it's done."