R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles is helping underground hip-hop collective Odd Future break into the mainstream music industry by enlisting singer Frank Ocean to work on her new album.
The 12-strong California group, also known as Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, has built up a cult following in the past year, with celebrity fans including Kanye West and Mos Def.
The buzz surrounding the young stars, who range in age from 17 to 23, inspired Beyonce to reach out to Ocean to join her in the studio last week (11Mar11) - and the singing newcomer can't believe his luck.
He says, "Not to brag but man, this is surreal. Like... she's (Beyonce) singing my songs. If time were to stop right now, the past couple weeks would be near the top of the highlight reel for my short time on Earth."
And working with the Crazy In Love hitmaker isn't the only thing Ocean has to smile about - according to the New York Times, he recently landed a solo deal with Island Def Jam, making him the third member of the band to sign his own record contract.
Beyonce's forthcoming project is the follow-up to her 2008 smash hit, I Am... Sasha Fierce.