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For the last decade, he has not only brought the auto-biographical hits, he is currently the hottest act in music going by bridging decades and being unashamed about his influences. #theweeknd
Even though he has not been around for as long as many of the artists we spotlight on this program, in just 9 years, the man known professionally as The Weekend has been incredibly busy and highly prolific. He has filled the huge void left by Michael Jackson, that of a intensely focused musician with enough pop-savvy fun (not to mention an incredibly similar-sounding voice) that spans multiple genres.
Born Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye in Toronto, Canada, the 30 year old performer we are featuring released three mix tapes in 2011 alone (which were compiled and remixed into a three-disc set in 2012), three full length albums, an EP, several remixes for other artists, appearances on several major soundtrack albums and more than two dozen other appearances on releases by other artists.
“I want to be remembered as iconic and different.”
The weeknd
Just how much of an impact has this young man made? in 2015, he became the first artist in chart history to hold down the top three spots on the Billboard R&B chart simultaneously, has had four Billboard 100 Pop singles, an Oscar nomination and multiple Grammy wins. All of his non-mixtape releases have reached the top 5 of the Billboard 200 album chart, and his last four releases all hit the pole position.
His style is often called alternative R&B. Regardless of the name, he has connected with a huge cross section of people, myself included, in a way few have managed in recent memory. When asked why he decided to do something many major artists are avoiding during the coronavirus pandemic, which is to release a highly anticipated album, he simply stated he didn’t wish the fans to wait any longer.
Streaming and sales are far removed from what they were just five months ago, and the touring business is at a complete standstill. He could have waited and gave what would normally be the standard go-to answer for any major artist with no one even questioning his motives one way or another. The internet, and fans, however, have spoken: According to the industry trade publication Billboard, The Weeknd is the hottest artist going now for several weeks straight. Fortune favors the bold.
First Part
- Blinding Lights, 2019, After Hours
- Devil May Cry, 2013, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack
- The Hills, 2015, Beauty Behind The Madness
- Wanderlust, 2013, Kiss Land
- Lonely Star, 2012, Trilogy: Thursday
- Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey) [Marian Hill Remix], 2015, Fifty Shades Of Grey Remixed
Second Part
- Can’t Feel My Face, 2015, Beauty Behind The Madness
- I Was Never There, 2018, My Dear Melancholy,
- Initiation, 2011, Trilogy: Echoes Of Silence
- In Your Eyes, 2020, After Hours
- A Lonely Night, 2016, Starboy
Finale
- House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls, 2011, Trilogy: House Of Balloons
Love to you all.
Ben “Daddy Ben Bear” Brown Jr.
Host, Producer, Audio Engineer, Researcher, Webmaster and Writer
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