Frank Ocean Says Withholding Album From Grammys His 'Colin Kaepernick Moment'

Photo of Frank Ocean, courtesy artist

Frank Ocean has addressed his decision not to submit his album Blonde nor his visual project Endless for Grammy contention, calling it his "Colin Kaepernick moment."

“That institution certainly has nostalgic importance," he said in a newly published interview with The New York Times. "It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down.”

He went on to add: “I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated. I’d rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience.”

Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has been at the center of controversy since back in August when he stopped standing during the national anthem, declaring America "a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

Kanye West said last month he wouldn't attend the Grammy Awards next February if Ocean's album wasn't somehow nominated. "I’ll tell you this right now, if his album is not nominated in no categories," he warned. "I’m not showing up to the Grammys."