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The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian music artist who has been captivating the global music scene with his distinctive voice, honest lyrics, and versatile styles. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists in the R&B genre, which blends elements of soul, pop, and hip hop. The Weeknd has also proven himself as a talented producer, a fearless advocate, and a visionary leader in the music industry1
Origins and Early Career
The Weeknd was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents of Ethiopian descent. He grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother being a professional opera singer. He developed a passion for singing and songwriting from a young age, and started performing at local events and fairs. He also learned to play the guitar, clarinet, drums, and keyboard12
In 2009, the Weeknd anonymously uploaded his songs to YouTube, using the stage name “The Noise”. He later changed his name to “The Weeknd”, after dropping out of high school and leaving home one weekend. He attracted the attention of a music manager, who helped him sign a recording contract with XO, a label co-founded by the Weeknd and his friends. He also gained the support of fellow Canadian artist Drake, who promoted his music on his blog and social media12
In 2011, the Weeknd released his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, which showcased his unique blend of contemporary and alternative R&B, with dark and atmospheric production and explicit lyrics. The mixtape received critical acclaim, and was named as one of the best albums of 2011 by several publications, such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. He followed up with two more mixtapes, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, which completed the trilogy of his debut project. He later compiled the mixtapes into a remastered album, Trilogy, which was released in 2012 under Republic Records12
Breakthrough and Global Success
In 2013, the Weeknd released his debut studio album, Kiss Land, which marked his transition from indie R&B to mainstream pop. The album featured the singles “Kiss Land”, “Live For” (featuring Drake), and “Wanderlust”. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as Pharrell Williams, Kavinsky, and Daft Punk. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart and the top 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the Weeknd’s growth as a songwriter and performer12
In 2015, the Weeknd released his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, which featured the singles “Often”, “The Hills”, “Can’t Feel My Face”, and “In the Night”. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as Lana Del Rey, Ed Sheeran, and Labrinth. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning five Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year, and winning two awards, Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best R&B Performance. The album also topped the US Billboard 200 chart and the Canadian Albums Chart, and became one of the best-selling albums of 2015. The album also received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised the Weeknd’s versatility and pop sensibility12
In 2016, the Weeknd released his third studio album, Starboy, which featured the singles “Starboy” (featuring Daft Punk), “I Feel It Coming” (also featuring Daft Punk), “Party Monster”, and “Reminder”. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Lana Del Rey. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning two Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and winning one award, Best Urban Contemporary Album. The album also topped the US Billboard 200 chart and the Canadian Albums Chart, and became one of the best-selling albums of 2016. The album also received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the Weeknd’s artistic reinvention and experimentation12
In 2020, the Weeknd released his fourth studio album, After Hours, which featured the singles “Heartless”, “Blinding Lights”, “In Your Eyes”, and “Save Your Tears”. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as Metro Boomin, Max Martin, and Oneohtrix Point Never. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and winning one award, Best R&B Performance. The album also topped the US Billboard 200 chart and the Canadian Albums Chart, and became one of the best-selling albums of 2020. The album also received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised the Weeknd’s retro and synth-pop influences and emotional delivery12
In 2022, the Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, which featured the singles “Take My Breath”, “Sacrifice”, “Gasoline” (featuring Tyler, the Creator), and “Here We Go Again” (featuring Lil Wayne). The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as Quincy Jones, Swedish House Mafia, and Doja Cat. The album was a critical and commercial success, topping the US Billboard 200 chart and the Canadian Albums Chart, and becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2022. The album also received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the Weeknd’s dance-pop and new wave influences and futuristic vision2
Future Plans and Vision
The Weeknd has stated that he wants to continue to push the boundaries of music and create a new sound that transcends genres and cultures. He has also expressed his desire to inspire and empower the youth of the world, and to use his platform to raise awareness on social issues and causes. He has also launched his own clothing line, XO, which reflects his fashion sense and personality2
The Weeknd is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary artists of his generation, and he has proven that he has what it takes to conquer the world with his music and message. He is a true chameleon and leader in the music industry, and he is set to become a legend in the history of music.
