Since his early-2010s arrival, singer-songwriter Frank Ocean has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B, blending idiosyncratic style with enigmatic lyrics and emotionally charged vocals. In addition to his Grammy-winning solo work, he’s ghostwritten songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Beyonce, and John Legend, and worked alongside Tyler, the Creator in alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future to consistent critical acclaim.
An avid reader, the New Orleans native regularly recommends titles on his personal tumblr – ranging from classic coming-of-age fiction to Michelle Alexander’s powerful study of racialized mass incarceration. Collected by Goodreads user Miquel, find a list of Frank Ocean’s favorite books below. Complement with the bookshelves of Jay-Z, J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, and Tupac.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (also rec’d by Nipsey Hussle)
Mr. Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood (also rec’d by David Bowie)
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
The Book of the Courtier by Baldassare Castiglione
Difficult Men by Brett Martin
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander (also rec’d by Henry Rollins & J. Cole)
Utopia by Thomas More
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (also rec’d by Kurt Cobain)
Summer Crossing by Steve Tesich
(via Goodreads)