If you’re someone who tunes into Kiss 108 as soon as you start your car, you’re probably familiar with The Weeknd. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, was born on Feb. 16, 1990. He has been publishing songs since Aug. 16, 2009. His tracks have redefined R&B, often exploring a despairing perspective on the world.
With 67 gold and platinum albums and singles, along with being the first artist to have 25 songs surpass a billion streams on Spotify, he initially hid his identity while his dark mixtapes gained a cult following. Over time, Abel emerged from the shadows, and as his fame grew, so did his vision and desires.
This Canadian singer-songwriter, known to 77% of the population, shared his final words in his song “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” The track reflects on his struggles with drug abuse and near-death experiences.
In the song, he sings a verse from “Baptized in Fear,” where he hums, “I fell asleep in the tub, I was met with paralysis.” The song slows down his vibrant eighties synth-pop style into a heavy, sorrowful rhythm.
There’s no doubt that this will be his last album under his stage name.
The announcement was striking, not because of its finality, but because who knew this album drop would be where he reached the outer limits of his villainous alter ego.
Fans wondered if Abel was transitioning into a new era, exploring different sounds, or just taking a break from the spotlight. The silence left many questioning whether he’d return with something unexpected or if his creative journey had taken a new direction entirely. Is this the final chapter?
While Abel has stated that Hurry Up Tomorrow will be his final album, he has no intention of retiring from the music industry. He reassures his fans that he’ll keep making music, though perhaps not as The Weeknd, but instead as Abel.
Being one of the most influential song artists of the past decade, consistently pushing boundaries with his sounds, visuals, and collaborations, if he does decide to step away, I’d fully respect his decision. This is especially if he feels like he’s accomplished everything he set out to do.
That being said, his involvement in the music industry has been groundbreaking, from his unique voice to his blend of R&B and pop. If he were to retire, it could open up a new space for new artists to emerge, but it’d leave a void in terms of his influence.
In his final words, he shares that he’s ready for tomorrow and excited for a new chapter in life as Abel.
