Nikes (song)

"Nikes" is a futuristic R&B song.^[8]

Billboard ranked "Nikes" at number 28 on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: “As the first song on the most highly-anticipated album since D'Angelo re-emerged with Black Messiah, "Nikes" was always going to be heavily scrutinized—but as a re-introduction, it worked brilliantly. Its first three minutes are delivered in a pitched-up approximation of a child's voice, picking apart the hidden motives behind the wants and desires of his subject with a sweetly-concealed irony, as a musical dreamscape gently glides underneath. It serves almost as a lullaby of sorts—which makes the transition to his "real" voice, arriving suddenly for the second verse, that much more effective. "Nikes" proved that Frank Ocean was back, and with a whole new set of emotions to get off his chest.”^[9]

Pitchfork listed "Nikes" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 25.^[10]

The music video was released exclusively on Apple Music on August 20, 2016.^[11] It explores the concept of duality. Ocean's winged eye shadow evokes a queer aesthetic while the cars symbolize masculinity.^[12][13] While talking about the video in an interview with The Fader, director Tyrone Lebon said; "The visuals came immediately when I first heard the song - they all follow from the music and Frank’s lyrics."^[14] The video features a cameo appearance from American rapper ASAP Rocky holding a picture of the late ASAP Yams.^[15] It also pays tribute to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin.^[15] NPR named it as one of the best music videos of 2016.^[16]

• Frank Ocean – lead vocals, production, arrangement, additional programming
• Malay Ho – production, arrangement, Mellotron, drum programming
• Om'Mas Keith – production, arrangement, drum programming
• Amber Coffman – additional vocals