The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a critically acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his sonically versatile and darkly introspective music. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, he began his career by anonymously uploading songs to YouTube in 2010. Gaining widespread attention with his 2011 mixtape trilogy—'House of Balloons,' 'Thursday,' and 'Echoes of Silence'—The Weeknd emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry, bringing a moody, indie R&B aesthetic to a wider audience.

His major-label debut, 'Kiss Land,' was released in 2013, but it was his second studio album, 'Beauty Behind the Madness' (2015), that catapulted him to superstardom, featuring hits such as "The Hills" and "Can't Feel My Face." The Weeknd's work often encompasses themes of romance, excess, and self-reflection, wrapped in a blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences. With further chart-topping projects like 'Starboy' and 'After Hours,' The Weeknd has cemented his status as a music industry heavyweight. His most recent contributions showcase his versatility and reach into other media, as he composed music for HBO's original series "The Idol," reflecting his continued evolution as an artist and his expansion into the world of soundtracks and scoring.

Genres

Canadian Contemporary R&b

Canadian Pop

Pop

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Frank Ocean

Bryson Tiller

Miguel

PARTYNEXTDOOR

Post Malone

Khalid

Tory Lanez

Travis Scott

Chris Brown

SZA

Jhené Aiko

Latest Release

São Paulo

The Weeknd•

Anitta

Single - Released October 31, 2024