The music industry has witnessed few transformations as compelling as The Weeknd before and after his meteoric rise to fame. Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd has evolved from an enigmatic underground artist in Toronto to a global pop icon whose influence spans music, fashion, and culture. This in-depth news article explores the weekend before and after his journey, diving into his career milestones, style evolution, personal growth, and lasting impact on the industry.
The Weeknd Before Fame: Roots in Toronto’s Underground
In the early 2010s, Abel Tesfaye was a relatively unknown artist uploading tracks to YouTube under the pseudonym The Weeknd. The name, inspired by a weekend when he left home and never looked back, reflected his rebellious spirit. His debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011), introduced a haunting blend of R&B, electronic, and alternative sounds, earning praise from critics and fans alike. According to Pitchfork, the mixtape was a “game-changer” for its raw, cinematic storytelling.
The Weeknd before and after fame was a stark contrast. In his early days, Abel shunned the spotlight, avoiding interviews and letting his music—laden with themes of heartbreak, excess, and vulnerability—speak for itself. His aesthetic was gritty, with dreadlocks and casual attire reflecting his roots in Toronto’s underground scene. Songs like “High for This” and “What You Need” captured his struggles with substance abuse and personal turmoil, resonating with listeners seeking authenticity.
The Rise to Global Stardom
The transition from obscurity to superstardom marks a pivotal chapter in the weekend before and after narrative. By 2013, The Weeknd signed with Republic Records, releasing his debut studio album, Madness. Tracks like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” became chart-topping hits, earning him three Grammy Awards and cementing his place in the mainstream. Rolling Stone described his sound as “a masterclass in blending pop accessibility with dark, introspective themes.”
Alongside his musical evolution, The Weeknd’s style transformed dramatically. The dreadlocks gave way to tailored suits and a sleek, cinematic persona, evident in music videos like Starboy (2016) and Blinding Lights (2019). These visuals, often inspired by 1980s aesthetics and sci-fi themes, showcased his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic core. This shift in the weekend before and after fame highlights his knack for balancing innovation with authenticity.
Collaborations with artists like Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande further showcased his versatility. His 2016 album Starboy debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, proving his ability to dominate both alternative and pop charts.
Personal Growth: From Darkness to Redemption
The Weeknd’s personal journey is as compelling as his professional one. In early interviews, such as one with The Guardian, Abel spoke candidly about his struggles with addiction and mental health. His early music reflected a hedonistic lifestyle, but albums like After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022) revealed a more introspective side. Tracks like “Save Your Tears” and “Less Than Zero” explore themes of regret, redemption, and self-awareness.
“I had to get out of that dark place… I wanted to show people you can come back from anything,” Abel said in a 2020 interview with Esquire.
His After Hours era, complete with a bloodied and bandaged persona, symbolized the emotional scars of his past. This bold visual choice, paired with introspective lyrics, marked a significant shift in the weekend before and after his personal growth, resonating with fans and critics alike.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond music, The Weeknd has used his platform for good, further defining the weekend before and after his rise to fame. His Ethiopian heritage has influenced his philanthropy, with significant contributions to global causes. In 2020, he donated $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts, as reported by Billboard. He has also supported the Black Lives Matter movement and humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, showcasing his commitment to social change.
His openness about mental health has also sparked conversations in the industry. By addressing his struggles, The Weeknd has helped destigmatize these topics, inspiring fans to seek help and embrace vulnerability.
Fan and Critic Reactions to The Weeknd’s Transformation
Enthusiastic support for the weekend before and after his transformation has come from fans, who admire his ability to evolve while staying authentic. On platforms like X, admiration shines through posts praising his bold aesthetic changes and lyrical depth, with one user noting, “The Weeknd’s journey from House of Balloons to Dawn FM is unreal—same soul, new vibe.” Critics have also lauded his reinvention, with NME calling Dawn FM “a testament to his artistic evolution.”
His 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show, watched by over 100 million viewers, was a cultural milestone. The performance, featuring a maze of mirrors and a choir, was praised for its theatricality, with Variety describing it as “a dazzling display of his creative vision.”
The Cultural Impact of The Weeknd’s Evolution
The Weeknd’s transformation has left an indelible mark on music and culture. His genre-blending approach—merging R&B, pop, electronic, and hip-hop—has inspired artists like Billie Eilish and Post Malone to experiment with their sound. His fashion, from retro jackets to tailored red suits, has influenced trends, earning him features in Vogue as a style icon.
His performances, including Coachella and the Super Bowl, have set new standards for live shows, combining storytelling with spectacle. The contrast in the weekend before and after his rise underscores his ability to push boundaries while maintaining authenticity.
What’s Next for The Weeknd?
As of July 15, 2025, The Weeknd shows no signs of slowing down. Recent teasers on X suggest a new album blending nostalgic synth-pop with modern production, sparking excitement among fans. Rumors of a 2026 world tour and potential collaborations with artists like Rosalía have heightened anticipation. His continued evolution ensures that the weekend before and after narrative will remain a compelling story of reinvention.
In conclusion
The weekend before and after Fame is a testament to Abel Tesfaye’s resilience, creativity, and cultural impact. From Toronto’s underground to global stages, The Weeknd’s journey reflects an artist who has navigated fame with authenticity and innovation. As he continues to redefine himself, his influence on music, style, and culture will endure for years to come.
