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September 01, 2017
Ever Noticed the Connections Between Frank Ocean and 'Insecure'?
What’s up guys, Frazier here for Complex News. One of many reasons that we hold Frank Ocean to such a high standard is his extraordinary songwriting. The man doesn’t waste a line; indeed some of his songs have so much narrative and prose you’d think you were reading a book. With his novelistic, Bret Easton Ellis level lines packed with relatable insights into relationships and emotions, it technically shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Insecure writers room has been slyly incorporating Frank bars into each season 2 script. But still, wow, what an amazing easter egg. That’s right: there’s been a Frank reference in all six of the episodes so far this season. Allow me to point them out for you. Hella Great, episode 1 The premiere coyly lets viewers in on the plan when Lawrence makes a pointed reference to the missing Frank Ocean pillow in what used to be his and Issa’s apartment. Right before THAT scene. Hella Questions, episode 2 In one of the season’s most memorable laugh-out-loud moments, while Issa and her friends are IG stalking Tasha after finding out she’s who Lawrence has been, series Mvp Kelli’s commentary for one pic is “It looks like she’s working at the Pyramid tonight.” Amazing use of a classic song as shade. Hella Open, episode 3 When ya man Chris Darden is shooting his shot at Molly, he drops a line from “Solo” on her: “I’ve got to tell you how much I vibe with you.” Slick, bro. Hella LA, episode 4 When Molly is reminiscing with Dro, he says “My waves wouldn’t dip back then,” which you’ll remember, is one of the standout lines in “Ivy.” There’s another in episode 4 as well: during Lawrence’s 3some, one of the Get Out girls he’s hooking up with says “Fuck me good, fuck me long, fuck me numb,” which is of course, from Frank’s breakout “Novacane.” Hella Shook, episode 5 This one’s a little too on the nose. When Molly and Dro are catching up she tells him, she’s been thinking about him. Which, duh. Hella Blows, episode 6 In the most recent episode when Issa’s talking about how explicit she wants her next date with Nico to go she says “I’ma tell him shut the fuck up I don’t want your conversation-get in my lineup.” Someone’s been listening to too much “Nights”. This isn’t the first time the Insecure team has had some fun. As you’ve probably noticed, each season the characters are watching a fictional, totally ridiculous series-last year was Conjugal Visits, a reality series about...well, what the title says. And this year has been Due North, a ridiculous plantation love story featuring Regina Hall and Scott Foley. But they did the lyric thing as well, starting again with a premiere nod. Remember when Daniel says every black girl who went to college loves Drake in the pilot? Well every episode after had, you guessed it, a Drake lyric. So, keep your ears peeled for the Frank references in the last two remaining episodes of the season as Issa Molly and Lawrences lives get inevitably messier. Which artist should they go with for season 3? THat’s the news for now but for more on Insecure, Frank Ocean and Issa Rae subscribe to Complex News today.
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