In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Ocean's hometown of New Orleans and his recording facility was destroyed by floodwater and looting.[17] To continue recording music, he moved to Los Angeles and intended to stay for just six weeks[12] but decided to stay longer and develop his music career after establishing contact with people in the music industry.[17] He recorded some demos at a friend's studio and shopped them around Los Angeles.[12] After getting a songwriting deal, he started working with other record producers and wrote songs for artists such as Justin Bieber, John Legend, Brandy,[12][17][18] and Beyoncé.[19][20] Ocean later said of his work at the time, "There was a point where I was composing for other people, and it might have been comfy to continue to do that and enjoy that income stream and the anonymity. But that's not why I moved away from school and away from family."[17] He has also worked with artists such as Nas[21][22] and Pharrell Williams.[23] Ocean joined Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future, whom he had met in 2009.[18] His friendship with Odd Future member Tyler, The Creator reinvigorated Ocean's songwriting.[24] In late 2009, he met Tricky Stewart, who helped him sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings as a solo artist.[18][25][26]