September 8, 2025
Tools like Suno are now powerful enough to generate melodies, lyrics, and even full songs in seconds. That’s exciting—and controversial. Just ask Timbaland. Recently, he came under fire..
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
The 1980s and 1990s analog music medium known as cassette cassettes is experiencing an unanticipated comeback, with Gen Z spearheading the trend. Taylor Swift, who included cassettes in the release...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
This week's most notable headline: Doja Cat's erotically charged, '80s-inspired music video, "Jealous Type," is dominating social media feeds and cultural discourse, marking her most daring...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
J-hope and GloRilla's "Killin' It Girl," a spectacular blend of K-pop flare and shameless hip-hop heat that has taken the world by storm, is this week's winner of the Best Collaboration of Summer...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
Carly Rae Jepsen is giving fans the ultimate gift for the 10th anniversary of her critically adored album Emotion: a special edition featuring four never-before-heard tracks and two fresh remixes...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
The wait is over, ARMY! BTS is officially back together and balancing work and play in their first moments of reunion after completing mandatory military service. J-Hope sent fans into a frenzy...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
Christian music stepped outside of its quiet comfort zone in 2025. "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a worship song by Brandon Lake, went platinum, sold out festival stages, and exploded from churches to...
Read moreAugust 23, 2025
In late July 2025, Christian artist Forrest Frank (of Surfaces, now a solo juggernaut in faith-pop) posted from a hospital bed: he’d fractured his L3 and L4 vertebrae in a skateboarding accident...
Read moreAugust 21, 2025
On September 16, the masked metal phenomenon Sleep Token will embark on their 2025 "Even In Arcadia Tour" across North America. The 18-show tour, which includes a huge date at Brooklyn's Barclays...
Read moreAugust 21, 2025
Due to a line dance that went viral and won over fans' hearts both inside and outside of the United States, 22-year-old Tre Little's song "Boots on the Ground" has become a cultural sensation this...
Read moreAugust 21, 2025
In addition to preparing for her next album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is reviving the physical medium this week by putting her songs on cassette tapes. This sentimental action...
Read moreAugust 21, 2025
Cardi B is officially back in album mode. On Friday, the rap superstar released her new single “Imaginary Playerz,” a bold track that samples Jay-Z’s classic “Imaginary Player.” The release comes...
Read moreThe Weeknd’s meteoric rise from Toronto’s underground music scene to global superstardom came full circle this weekend as Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Grammy-winning artist with the Key to the City a symbolic gesture cementing his legacy as one of Toronto’s most influential cultural ambassadors.
Amid roaring cheers from fans, Abel Tesfaye (born and raised in Scarborough) accepted the honor ahead of his four sold-out After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour shows at Rogers Centre. “I’m deeply honored,” Tesfaye said in an emotional statement. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.”
Mayor Chow didn’t hold back praise: “From Scarborough to the global stage, he’s reshaped modern music while lifting up our communities.” She also declared July 26-27 “Weeknd Weekend” across the city, coinciding with the tour’s first two explosive performances.
The ceremony highlighted Tesfaye’s philanthropic ties to his hometown:
“He represents the best of our city,” Chow added, nodding to his blend of artistic innovation and grassroots advocacy.
Fans at the July 27 show were treated to a career-spanning setlist, from early mixtape cuts to Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) hits, plus nostalgic nods to Toronto landmarks. Social media erupted over:
With two more Toronto dates (Aug. 7-8) before the tour’s finale, Tesfaye’s homecoming celebration is far from over. As the After Hours ‘Til Dawn juggernaut supporting his three consecutive Billboard Top 10 albums’ rolls on, one thing’s clear: The Weeknd’s roots remain as vital as his reach.