Frank Ocean Preparing for Network Performance

This past week, singer Frank Ocean posted a statement on his blog about attraction to a man, and that drew attention from those in the R&B and hip-hop communities. But, Ocean, while perhaps a pioneer of sorts in being open with his sexuality, has an album coming out this month, and is preparing with his first network television appearance.

Scheduled for July 9, Ocean is performing on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, accompanied by house band the Roots. At this point, Ocean has not revealed which songs will be performed on television. However, as another preview for the sound fans should expect, he posted a new track on his Tumblr blog called Sweet Life. Listen to it here:

Oceans album, called Channel Orange, is scheduled for a July 17 release on Def Jam. His debut album follows an acclaimed mix tape, Nostalgia, Ultra, that came out in 2011. For the mix tape, Ocean recorded interpretations of tracks by Coldplay, MGMT, The Eagles, and other artists. Channel Orange will feature appearances by Andre 3000, Earl Sweatshirt, and John Mayer.

In regards to his earlier Tumblr statement, Ocean described falling in love with another man when he was 19 years old. Since writing his statement, Ocean received support from Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, and Def Jam founder Russell Simmons. About Oceans statement, Simmons said: "Today is a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we? I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean.