Frank Ocean: Sitting Out Grammys Is 'My Colin Kaepernick Moment'

— -- Frank Ocean is known not just for his artistic flair, but also for his independence.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, the recording artist finally explains why he did not submit his music for consideration for next year's Grammy Awards.

"That institution certainly has nostalgic importance. It just doesn't seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down," he said. "I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated. I'd rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience."

Since the start of the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has been kneeling during the national anthem at the beginning of each game.

The star is just as free-thinking about his music, refusing to release music according to a record label's timetable. His latest album, "Blonde," was released this past August.

"Because I'm not in a record deal, I don't have to operate in an album format. I can operate in a half-a-song format," he said. "I believe that I'm one of the best in the world at what I do, and that's all I've ever wanted to be. It's more interesting for me to figure out how to be superior in areas where I'm naive, where I'm a novice."