August 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...
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August 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...
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August 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...
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August 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...
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August 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...
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August 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...
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August 21, 2025
Gary Oldman opened up about his decades-long friendship with the late David Bowie, calling the world a very different place since the music icon’s death in January 2016. In a heartfelt interview...
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August 21, 2025
The Queen of Pop just proved she's still the ultimate trendsetter even when it comes to birthday cakes. Madonna rang in her 67th birthday with a luxurious Italian getaway capped off by an enormous...
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August 20, 2025
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall isn't mincing words about artists who avoid political engagement, specifically calling out The 1975's Matty Healy for what she sees as a privileged stance. In...
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August 20, 2025
PinkPantheress has once again cracked the code of Gen Z’s collective brain chemistry with her track Illegal. It’s short, it’s addictive, and it’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re...
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August 20, 2025
Conan Gray has never been shy about writing songs that feel like reading your high school diary at 2 a.m. with the lights off. But with Caramel, he’s gone full Willy Wonka heartbreak mode. It’s...
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August 20, 2025
PinkPantheress has always had a gift for making music that feels like it was recorded inside your daydreams, half diary entry, half late-night Tumblr scroll. With Romeo, she’s taken that talent and...
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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.
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.
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