by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

An unlikely star has emerged from the hip-hop world - one Gay music fans can feel comfortable embracing. New Orleans newcomer Frank Ocean made jaws drop nationwide when he admitted to once falling in love with a man. Although he hasn't declared himself Gay, the revelation was enough to draw strong reaction from fans, fellow rap artists, and media. As of this week, Target is still refusing to stock Ocean's breakthrough CD, Channel Orange, stating that the reason has nothing to do with his recent admission (um, really?). But that isn't hurting the 24 year-old's popularity, which continues to soar with increasing album sales, YouTube video views, and sold-out concerts around the country, including this weekend's Seattle performance at Showbox at the Market.

A number of hip-hop and R&B colleagues have publicly voiced their support for Ocean, such as Beyonce, Russell Simmons, Busta Rhymes, Lil Scrappy, Tyler the Creator (whose collaborated with Ocean), and rap group Slaughterhouse. Joe Budden of Slaughterhouse stated, 'This is amazing that this is a question. We about to be in 2013, and honesty is like ... 'Oh! Honesty!' Beyonce, by the way, wrote a poem inspired by and intended for the young rapper, who appeared on Jimmy Fallon's late-night program on July 9 - further evidence of mainstream acceptance. Look for a review of Ocean's Seattle show in next week's SGN.

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