The Weeknd

Over 93.2M+ followers on spotify, Popular for canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop music genre.

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada. Raised by Ethiopian immigrant parents, Samra and Makkonen Tesfaye, Abel grew up listening to a diverse array of music, from Ethiopian jazz to pop and soul, which would later influence his eclectic sound. Childhood was not particularly rosy for Tesfaye; he was raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents separated, and he often speaks candidly about the struggles he faced during his formative years. Abel attended Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute and West Hill Collegiate Institute but did not complete his education, opting instead for a leap into the world of music. His entrance into the music scene was unconventional; Abel began uploading anonymous songs to YouTube in 2010, maintaining mystique and intrigue. These early uploads included "What You Need" and "Loft Music," which contained moody yet captivating productions that immediately captured attention. Inspired profoundly by Michael Jackson, Prince, and the dark undertones of the 90s alternative scene, The Weeknd's nascent career was marked by a cryptic persona, high emotional resonance, and the ability to convey darker human experiences through his music.

The Weeknd's entrance into mainstream music was meteoric. His first mixtape, 'House of Balloons,' dropped in March 2011 and was quickly followed by two other mixtapes, 'Thursday' and 'Echoes of Silence,' collectively known as the 'Balloon Trilogy.' These works showcased a raw and innovative sound, blending soul, electronic, and contemporary R&B, which soon drew critical acclaim and significant online attention. In 2012, The Weeknd launched his compilation album, 'Trilogy,' which was a remastered version of his mixtapes and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200. His major breakthrough came with his first studio album, 'Kiss Land,' released in 2013, which, although darker than mainstream music at the time, cemented his narrative style and entrenched his status as a major player in the music industry. The evolution of his sound was evident in subsequent albums: 'Beauty Behind the Madness' (2015), with hits like 'Can't Feel My Face' and 'The Hills,' marked his transition from niche artist to pop sensation. By 2016, 'Starboy' continued his rise with more upbeat tempos and collaborations with Daft Punk. Over the years, The Weeknd's music adapted to a broader audience while retaining the deep, introspective elements that first garnered attention, culminating in 'After Hours' (2020), a nostalgic lean into 80s synthwave, and 'Dawn FM' (2022), which continued pushing sonic boundaries.

The Weeknd's discography is a testament to his consistent evolution as an artist. Some of his early work includes three pivotal mixtapes: 'House of Balloons' (2011), 'Thursday' (2011), and 'Echoes of Silence' (2011), which he later compiled in the 'Trilogy' (2012). His debut studio album, 'Kiss Land' (2013), set the stage for future success with singles like 'Wanderlust' and 'Belong to the World.' The album 'Beauty Behind the Madness' (2015), which soared to number one on the Billboard 200, established The Weeknd as a household name, with chart-toppers such as 'Can't Feel My Face' and 'Earned It.' In 2016, 'Starboy' explored newer sonic territories, and its title track, co-produced by Daft Punk, became an instant hit. Following this was the 'My Dear Melancholy,' EP in 2018, which returned to his darker storytelling roots. Not one to rest on his laurels, The Weeknd released 'After Hours' (2020), which featured the global hit 'Blinding Lights,' a song that became one of the longest-running chart successes in Billboard history, and 'Dawn FM' (2022), once again reinventing his sound palette with an experimental approach to production and thematic content.

The Weeknd's music is known for its unique blend of moody, emotional narratives and kinetic melodies, which have consistently topped charts globally. His earliest major chart success, 'Love Me Harder,' a duet with Ariana Grande, peaked as a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it was 'Can't Feel My Face' that crowned him as a pop icon; the track not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also brought in a slew of pop, R&B, and soul fans. 'The Hills' followed suit, spending considerable time at the summit of the charts. The album 'Starboy' furnished him with another number-one hit with its title track featuring Daft Punk. Upgrading his sound led to 'Heartless' and 'Blinding Lights,' both of which topped charts globally, with the latter setting records for commercial success and streaming numbers. 'Blinding Lights' became the first song in history to spend an entire year in the Billboard Hot 100's top ten. Besides his solo hits, The Weeknd has also garnered attention through collaborations, including 'Pray For Me' with Kendrick Lamar, featured in the 'Black Panther' soundtrack, and the viral sensation 'Save Your Tears,' which received a revitalized push from a remix featuring Ariana Grande.

Throughout his career, The Weeknd has shown a remarkable ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of artists, enhancing his music's reach and richness. Notable early collaborations include his work with Drake on tracks like 'Crew Love' and 'Live For,' which helped introduce his sound to a wider audience. His partnership with Daft Punk on tracks such as 'Starboy' and 'I Feel It Coming' marked a successful blend of distinct styles that led to widespread acclaim. Furthermore, The Weeknd has contributed to top-tier collaborations with A-listers in various music genres. His vocals adorned the track 'Pray For Me' with Kendrick Lamar for the 'Black Panther' soundtrack, showcasing his versatility and appeal within film music spheres. More recently, his collaboration with Rosalía on 'Blinding Lights (Remix)' and with Ariana Grande on 'Save Your Tears (Remix)' highlighted his ongoing influence and ability to maintain relevancy across different musical landscapes. Additionally, his involvement in the world of production and songwriting has seen him lend his talents to projects beyond his albums, contributing to albums and projects with artists such as Sia, Travis Scott, and Kanye West.

The Weeknd's commercial success is evident across numerous platforms, with impressive streaming statistics that reflect his global reach and persistent popularity. On Spotify alone, he regularly amasses over 70 million monthly listeners, making him one of the most-streamed artists on the platform consistently. "Blinding Lights," arguably his most iconic track, has surged past three billion streams on Spotify, placing it amongst the most-streamed songs globally. His YouTube channel features over 30 million subscribers and hosts music videos with views in the billions, particularly hits like 'Starboy' and 'Earned It,' which continue to attract immense attention. Additionally, the music video for 'Blinding Lights' itself has surpassed one billion views, reinforcing the song's enduring appeal. On Apple Music, The Weeknd's albums frequently appear on top charts globally, with repeat appearances in top streaming counts, affirming his status as a prolific artist in digital music consumption. These statistics collectively highlight his ability to not only achieve massive hits but also maintain a broad and devoted fanbase across multiple digital platforms.

The Weeknd's artistic prowess has not gone unrecognized, with his trophy cabinet flaunting an impressive array of awards across various prestigious platforms. He has received three Grammy Awards out of sixteen total nominations, spanning multiple categories, reflecting his appeal across different musical styles and industries. In 2020, his album 'After Hours' and its single 'Blinding Lights' earned him American Music Awards for Favorite Album and Favorite Song in the Soul/R&B category, among others. He was also acknowledged at the Billboard Music Awards, receiving honors for Top Artist, Top Male Artist, and Top Hot 100 Artist, testament to his commercial success and widespread influence. Beyond the major ceremonies, The Weeknd has been celebrated internationally, receiving the Allan Slaight Award from Canada's Walk of Fame for the impact of his music and philanthropy, and he has been involved in numerous humanitarian endeavors, further showcasing his global influence and reach. His contributions to music have not only earned him critical acclaim but also solidified his legacy as an innovative and transformational figure in modern music.

The Weeknd's music is a transcendent blend that weaves together a complex tapestry of emotional depth, lyrical introspection, and sonic innovation. Often falling into the alternative R&B genre, his music draws on influences from various realms, including pop, rock, and electronic. The hallmark of The Weeknd's style lies in his ability to convey deeply personal and often dark narratives while maintaining a captivating melody, a trait that reflects his influences like Michael Jackson and Prince. His music often explores themes such as love, heartbreak, and indulgence, accompanied by haunting yet irresistible production. The use of heavily reverbed vocals, alongside intricate production techniques, creates a sound that is both immersive and enduring. Beyond these sonic elements, The Weeknd's work is characterized by a cinematic feel, often drawing visual comparisons to film noir and embracing experimental production akin to the likes of David Bowie and the soulful grit of Marvin Gaye. His ability to adapt, innovate, and evolve with each album release, while remaining true to his idiosyncratic style, makes The Weeknd a singular artist revered for both his musical versatility and unique auditory footprint.

The Weeknd's influence in the music industry extends far beyond chart successes and catchy singles. He stands as a transformative icon in modern pop and R&B, reshaping the landscape through his bold style and storytelling. His presence has pioneered a way for artists blending dark, introspective lyricism with mainstream appeal, substantially broadening the narrative scope for subsequent generations. Throughout his career, he has inspired countless emerging artists, noting significant influence over talents like Post Malone and Billie Eilish, who have commended his artistic bravery and innovation. The Weeknd’s unique ability to weave cinematic storytelling and gritty realism into mainstream hits challenges the conventions of popular music and expands the genre's expressive potential. Culturally, he's used his platform to address social issues, notably speaking on racial justice and global humanitarian efforts, enhancing his legacy as an artist with a purpose beyond the charts. As an influencer within fashion and pop culture, his distinct style and music videos have continually pushed boundaries, establishing him not just as an entertainer but a fashion and cultural trendsetter. The Weeknd's impressive legacy is not only visible in his accolades but also in the profound, lasting impact he has had on music, culture, and the arts.