Dear Frank,

I just saw you last night at Panorama NYC.

No words are needed.

You are the single greatest artist of our generation. No one comes even close, and you know it.

I’ve seen a lot of live music. The sheer amount of detail that went into this production was nothing that I’ve ever experienced before. You’re setting the game now. It’s your court, your rules. Fuck with that.

But let’s get personal.

I’m gonna be honest, I wasn’t in love with Channel Orange. I liked it, but more as an abstract concept rather than tied down to a central figure. I liked you as a voice, not as a person.

Blonde changed my life.

Part of the reason why I think Blonde hit me so hard is that I felt a lot of the uncertainty and insecurity that, ironically enough, comes with getting older. And a lot of that comes through in the album. But there’s so much more than that.

Because Blonde was there for me when I was crying in my car, unsure of who I was and what I was doing

wondering if there was anyone who understood what I was going through

wondering if I could ever tell my dad that

all I ever wanted was to put on some lipstick and feel pretty.

Blonde was what helped me embrace who I am today. I would not be who I am without you. You are what gave me renewed purpose to live. You healed me when I didn’t even know I was broken. Frank, you are the wings behind every smile I give everyone. And I smile a lot more now.

I’ve never had an idol before this. It feels a little bit weird, to be honest. I’m a very proud person. It runs in my blood. 上海人。 It’s hard for me to acknowledge superiors. But I’m working on that. I’m working on a lot of music too. I want to be great. I want to be you. You drive me to work harder, to attain perfection. That’s what I saw tonight.

To all my #prettyboys, I am here with you. I love you. You are beautiful.

I love you Frank.

~ s.