“The Rise of The Weeknd: A Look at the Life and Career of Abel Tesfaye”
Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, is one of the most successful and influential artists of the 21st century. His unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop has earned him numerous awards and accolades, four Grammy Awards, nineteen Billboard Music Awards, and six American Music Awards., when this was written. But what is the story behind this enigmatic artist?
Abel Tesfaye was born in Toronto, Canada on February 16, 1990. He was raised by his grandmother and mother, who both encouraged him to pursue his musical ambitions. At the age of 17, Tesfaye began to write and record music in his bedroom, eventually releasing his first mixtape, House of Balloons, on March 21, 2011. The mixtape was an instant success, and it quickly gained a cult following.
Tesfaye’s career continued to skyrocket, and he released his debut studio album, Kiss Land, in 2013. Kiss Land was greeted with favorable reviews from music journalists. The album charted at number two on the US Billboard 200 upon its release, initially selling 95,000 copies
Tesfaye has since released four more studio albums, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours, and his latest Dawn FM, all which have been met with critical acclaim. He has also collaborated with numerous other artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lana Del Rey.
The Weeknd’s style of R&B and Hip–Hop brings together influences from a variety of sources. From EDM and Trap music, to classic soul and 80s Pop, The Weeknd has established himself as one of the most innovative artists in modern music. The Weeknd draws influence from a wide range of musicians, both past and present. He has cited Michael Jackson and Prince as his biggest inspirations, both of whom he has emulated in his stage presence and fashion style.
The Weeknd often employs a falsetto register singing style and displays a vocal range that spans over three octaves. He has a light–lyric tenor vocal range and is known to make use of his head voice to build resonance. His signature style of singing possesses an Ethiopian characteristic and he has experimented in many genres, such as dream pop, post–punk, trap and synth–pop. He is most commonly categorized as an alternative R&B act due to the influence he has had in transforming the genre to encompass indie and electronic styles.
The Weeknd is an incredibly talented and successful artist who has achieved a great deal of success in a relatively short amount of time. His unique sound and style have made him one of the most popular artists in the world, and his influence on the music industry is undeniable. His story is an inspiring one, and it serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.