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Velvet Sundown: How an AI-Generated Indie Rock Sensation Took Spotify by Storm

July 13, 2025

When Velvet Sundown burst onto Spotify earlier this summer, few suspected that the band’s four “members” were never flesh and blood. With their ’60s-inspired riffs and dreamy vocal harmonies, the...

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K-pop Demon Hunters Hits Theaters With High Rankings and High Stakes

July 13, 2025

K-pop Demon Hunters, the latest fantasy-action flick, debuted on July 4, 2025, and it’s already topping charts globally. Mixing the glitz of K-pop with anime-style demon battles, the film follows a...

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Matt Cameron’s Final Beat: Saying Goodbye to Pearl Jam After 27 Years

July 10, 2025

On July 7, 2025, Pearl Jam’s powerhouse drummer Matt Cameron announced he was stepping away from the band that became his musical home for nearly three decades. With a simple yet heartfelt...

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A Bittersweet Farewell: Billy Corgan’s Reflections on Black Sabbath’s Final Show

July 10, 2025

When Black Sabbath took their final bow on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, it wasn’t just the end of an era for heavy metal—it was a deeply personal moment for countless fans whose lives...

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Katseye Releases a New Pop Single with Latin Inspired Melodies

July 10, 2025

Katseye is a new global girl band that was formed in 2023 under the Hybe and Geffen records under the Dream Academy project. A final 5 member lineup was confirmed as the result of the girl...

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Exploring the Fire and Serenity of Mereba's The Breeze Grew A Fire

February 27, 2025

Mereba has always been an artist who defies categorization, blending elements of folk, R&B, and hip-hop into a sound that's uniquely her own. With her latest album, The Breeze Grew A Fire, she....

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Doechii's Journey to the Grammys: A Story of Perseverance

February 17, 2025

On February 2, 2025, rapper Doechii achieved a historic milestone by winning Best Rap Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal...

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Player #007 From Squid Game 2 - YDG Is Going Viral For His Song Bolo

January 31, 2025

Player 007, has been gaining massive attention—not just for his acting, but also for his music. YDG (Yang Dong Geun)...

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Mariah Carey: The Voice That Redefined Pop and R&B

January 9, 2025

Few artists have shaped the music industry as profoundly as Mariah Carey. With her incredible five-octave vocal range, unparalleled songwriting talent, and an iconic presence that spans over three...

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Coldplay: The Evolution of a Band That Continues to Inspire

January 9, 2025

Few bands have managed to achieve the global reach, cultural significance, and musical versatility of Coldplay. Since their debut in the late 1990s, the British quartet—composed of Chris Martin...

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Barry Can’t Swim: Redefining Electronic Music with Heart and Groove

January 7, 2025

In the ever-expanding world of electronic music, few artists have managed to carve out a space as unique and emotionally resonant as Barry Can’t Swim. The moniker of Scottish producer and DJ Barry...

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Cher: The Goddess of Pop and Her Everlasting Legacy

January 7, 2025

Few artists have managed to transcend generations and genres quite like Cher. With a career spanning over six decades, she has solidified her position as one of the most influential figures in...

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From Scarborough to Stardom: The Weeknd Receives Toronto's Highest Honor Ahead of Homecoming Concerts

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The 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.

A Hero’s Welcome!

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.

More Than Music: The Weeknd’s Toronto Legacy

The ceremony highlighted Tesfaye’s philanthropic ties to his hometown:

  • $500K donation to Scarborough Health Network during COVID-19
  • Support for the University of Toronto’s Ethiopian Studies program
  • Co-founding HXOUSE, a nonprofit incubator for local creatives
  • New pledges to fund Birchmount Park Collegiate (his alma mater) and the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough

“He represents the best of our city,” Chow added, nodding to his blend of artistic innovation and grassroots advocacy.

The Homecoming Concerts: Night 1 Highlights

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:

  • A surprise appearance by Toronto rapper Pressa on “Heartless” 
  • A Scarborough-signature roti delivered to him onstage mid-performance
  • A tearful speech: “This city made me believe the impossible was possible.”

What’s Next?

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.

From Scarborough to Stardom: The Weeknd Receives Toronto's Highest Honor Ahead of Homecoming Concertsfrom-scarborough-to-stardom-the-weeknd-receives-torontos-highest-honor-ahead-of-homecoming-concertsEbrunida KaradagJul 31, 2025The 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...