While Target sells music from numerous gay artists, it won’t be selling Frank Ocean’s new Channel Orange. But the move has little to do with Frank’s recent revelations about his sexuality and more to do with the sales impact of his decision to release the album early on ITUNES. Target has decided that it won’t carry the album because debuting Channel Orange on ITUNES conflicts with their emphasis on the sale of physical CD’S. Frank Ocean’s representatives however, were livid. Ocean’s manager, Christian Clancy tweeted: “Target has refused to carry Frank’s album because of iTunes exclusive. Interesting since they also donate to non-equal rights organizations”. He was correct. Target indeed has a history of donating to far right wing causes and politicians. However, Target also carries the work of a number of gay musicians, sells gay pride t-shirts and very likely made it’s decision based on potential sales as opposed to prejudice. After considering the evidence, Ocean’s manager, tweeted: ” Note to self: Take your own advice. Emotional knee-jerk reacting isn’t the move”.

The album will still be on sale at Best Buy and of course, ITUNES! Before the confessions of Mr. Ocean, his album was projected to sell approximately 40-50,000 copies. The increase in publicity however, now has Channel Orange, projected to sell between 100-120,000 copies, which will put him on pace to challenge Chris Brown for the top spot. This is a feat no one would have predicted for Mr. Ocean or his Odd Future comrades prior to the his recent announcement.