The Weekend

Over 100.2M+ followers on spotify, Popular for music genre.

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, has risen to become a formidable figure in the music industry. Of Ethiopian descent, he was raised by his mother and grandmother in Scarborough, a multicultural neighborhood in Toronto. Abel's upbringing was steeped in the sounds of his parents' homeland, as well as the vibrant mix of reggae, soul, and other genres that permeated his surroundings. As a child, he was enamored with artists like Michael Jackson and Prince, whose eclectic styles would later influence his unique sound. Abel dropped out of high school at 17 and embarked on a journey of self-discovery through music. Initially uploading tracks to YouTube in 2010 under the moniker 'The Weeknd', his rise was a testament to the power of social media in launching new talent. With haunting, mysterious music, he quickly captured the attention of listeners worldwide.

The Weeknd's career officially took off with the release of his debut mixtape 'House of Balloons' in 2011, which gained significant attention for its novel fusion of dark R&B and alternative rock influences. This project, along with two other critically acclaimed mixtapes released that same year, 'Thursday' and 'Echoes of Silence', was pivotal in redefining the genre's boundaries. The compilation of these mixtapes into the 2012 album 'Trilogy' marked Abel's entry into mainstream consciousness, establishing him as a unique voice in contemporary music. Over the years, The Weeknd's sound has evolved from the brooding melancholy of his early work to a more polished pop-infused edge, while retaining the emotive core that defines his music. 2015's 'Beauty Behind the Madness' saw him incorporate upbeat tracks like the global hit 'Can't Feel My Face', catapulting him to superstar status. His work continues to straddle multiple genres, reflecting his dynamic influences and innovative artistry.

The Weeknd's discography is a testament to his prolific nature and his ability to consistently deliver both critically and commercially successful music. His first major compilation, 'Trilogy', released in 2012, compiled his initial mixtapes with added tracks. In 2013, he released 'Kiss Land', which built on the moody aesthetics of his earlier work. However, it was the 2015 album 'Beauty Behind the Madness' that marked his true breakthrough, featuring hits like 'The Hills' and earning him two Grammy Awards. 'Starboy' followed in 2016, a project that blended his signature sound with pulsating pop anthems and collaborations, cementing his status in the music industry. 2020's 'After Hours', a deeply personal and introspective project, garnered acclaim for its cohesive exploration of heartbreak and existential themes. Each album displays a growth in not only musical style but in storytelling, showcasing Abel's ability to reinvent himself.

The Weeknd's catalog is celebrated for numerous chart-topping hits that have defined modern pop and R&B. His breakout single 'Can't Feel My Face', released in 2015, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named by Rolling Stone as one of the best songs of the year. 'The Hills' followed suit, receiving quadruple platinum certification and topping charts worldwide. His electro-pop anthem 'Starboy', featuring Daft Punk, maintained his chart dominance, while 'I Feel It Coming', another Daft Punk collaboration, showcased his versatility. More recently, 'Blinding Lights', released in 2019 ahead of the 'After Hours' album, set a record by spending over a year on the Billboard Hot 100, capturing the top spot and demonstrating enduring fan appeal. Each of these releases underscores The Weeknd's knack for crafting songs that resonate on both artistic and commercial levels.

Collaboration has been a significant part of The Weeknd's musical journey, enhancing his sound with diverse influences. His work with Drake on 'Take Care' in 2011 was a pivotal early career moment, gaining exposure and critical acclaim. The 2016 release of 'Starboy' saw him team up with the legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk, resulting in hits like 'Starboy' and 'I Feel It Coming'. The Weeknd has also collaborated with esteemed artists across genres, including Lana Del Rey on 'Prisoner' and Kendrick Lamar for the soundtrack single 'Pray For Me' from the 'Black Panther' album. Each collaboration leverages his unique vocal style and broad appeal, creating a bridge between diverse musical domains and audiences, and showcasing his ability to blend with and enhance distinct artistic styles.

The Weeknd's streaming numbers highlight his immense popularity and global reach. On Spotify, he consistently ranks among the top most-streamed artists, with 'Blinding Lights' alone having surpassed 3 billion streams, making it one of the platform's most streamed songs of all time. His Spotify monthly listener count regularly exceeds 60 million, illustrating his widespread and enduring appeal. On YouTube, his official videos, such as 'Starboy' and 'The Hills', have garnered billions of views collectively, demonstrating his powerful visual storytelling ability. Additionally, his fanbase on Apple Music is substantial, with detailed playlist inclusions and many tracks featured in top playlists globally. These statistics underscore The Weeknd's status as a dominant force in streaming, reflecting the comprehensive reach of his artistry in the digital age.

The Weeknd's illustrious career has been marked by numerous prestigious awards and accolades. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Urban Contemporary Album for both 'Beauty Behind the Madness' and 'Starboy'. His achievements extend to international accolades, such as multiple American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, where he received the 2017 accolade for Top Artist. The Canadian artist's music has also achieved Platinum certification multiple times across albums and singles, recognizing millions of global sales. As a highly influential figure, his contributions have been acknowledged in various illustrious publications, further cementing his legacy in the music industry. His consistent array of accolades not only reflects his past success but also forecasts a promising trajectory for future endeavors.

The Weeknd's musical style is a lush tapestry of R&B, pop, and alternative influences, characterized by his distinct ethereal vocals and a penchant for dark, atmospheric soundscapes. His early work introduced an enigmatic style, interweaving haunting lyrics with samples that nod to influences as varied as Michael Jackson, Prince, and 1980s synth-pop. Each album illustrates a unique phase in his artistic evolution, transitioning from moody introspection in 'House of Balloons' to the expansive, radio-friendly soundscapes of 'After Hours'. His ability to combine emotive ballads alongside uptempo, danceable tracks has broadened his appeal. Artists like David Bowie and Depeche Mode are among the inspirational figures that he cites, reflecting in his continually evolving sound. This rich tapestry of influences not only shapes his music but also underlines its transformative impact on the modern music scene, particularly within the R&B and pop genres.