With the release of his new album Wildheart, Miguel solidified his place alongside Frank Ocean as among R&B’s most exciting young voices. But ask Miguel, as a reporter for The Sunday Times recently did, what his opinion is of Ocean, and you’ll get a crooner who is not just confident, but borderline cocky.
“I wouldn’t say we were friends,” Miguel said of his relationship with Ocean. “To be completely honest — and no disrespect to anyone — I genuinely believe that I make better music, all the way around.” He added, “It’s interesting, but we’ll see who’s in it for the long haul. It’s like a marathon, you know?”
Ocean will get a chance to make his case with sophomore album — possibly titled Boys Don’t Cry — which could arrive as soon as this month.
Update – Monday, 7:55 p.m.: Miguel has issued a statement in which he backtracks from his earlier comments about Ocean. “I want to clear the air. Yes, I am competitive, we ALL have to have a level of competitiveness to put ourselves on the line day in and day out. But I also believe there’s room for all artists. That’s what Wildheart is all about: celebrating individuality.”
