Frank Ocean gets support from his hip-hop peers after writing a heartfelt letter yesterday morning admitting his past relationship with a man.
One of the first to support Ocean was his fellow band mate Odd Future's Tyler the Creator.
"My big brother finally f---ing did that," tweeted Tyler on Wednesday. "Proud of that n---a cause I know that sh-- is difficult or whatever."
Russell Simmons, Def Jam Records co-founder, also showed his support and praised the rising R&B singer for his brave action in coming out despite how hip-hop views homophobia.
In a post entitled "The Courage of Frank Ocean Just Changed the Game!" Simmons wrote on his website Global Grind yesterday, "I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean. Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear. These types of secrets should not matter anymore, but we know they do..."
Simmons also said that it was "a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are." He said that Ocean's gifts are "undeniable. His talent, enormous. His bravery, incredible."
Ocean's mother, Katonya Breaux Riley, also commended her son on her Twitter page, saying, "Thank you to all who have shown love and support. My son is the most incredible human I know. Honest, true and loving. We appreciate you!" She also said, "I wish more people in the world could be brave enough to be who they really are."
She also re-tweeted a note from Solange Knowles, who said, "I salute you, brave soul. Independence day."
Country star Chely Wright was moved to tears when she read Ocean's detailed letter, but she said his freedom comes at a high cost, according to TMZ.
Wright, who was the first gay country singer to come out of the closet, said that her record sales dropped to 1/3 of what they were before she revealed in 2010 that she was a lesbian.
In a positive light, she said, "I can't think of a better way for Frank to celebrate Independence Day. It's spectacular."
Despite what the hip-hop world thinks of homophobia, the "Novacane" singer ,24, sounded optimistic in his letter on his Tumblr account that shared the details of his past relationship four summers ago who a man. He wrote about how he dealt with the feelings of love and sexuality.
"I don't know what happens now, and that's alrite. I don't have any secrets I need kept anymore." He ends the letter saying, "I feel like a free man. If I listen closely...I can hear the sky falling too."
