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When Priests Rock the Stage: How a Houston Concert Broke the Internet

August 20, 2025

Imagine six Catholic priests performing at a sold-out Houston show instead of a well-known pop star. Their band's performance combined messages of prayer, celibacy, and faith with elements of rock...

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Nostalgia, Lightness, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Mother Mother’s Ryan Guldemond

August 20, 2025

Nostalgia, Mother Mother’s latest album, is one of those rare creations. It invites us into a world where lightness isn’t escapism—it’s a form of resistance, a beacon of hope, and a path forward....

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“Lovers” by Anna of the North: The Song That Defined a Generation’s Love Letters

August 19, 2025

When Anna of the North released “Lovers” in 2017, it was already a dreamy synth-pop gem, filled with wistful vocals and lush production that captured the ache of young romance. But it wasn’t until...

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“Let Me Know” ft. Future: The Meme Anthem We Didn’t Know We Needed

August 19, 2025

“Let Me Know” ft. Future started out as a moody, late-night playlist type of track, the kind you blast in your car pretending you’re in a music video while stuck in traffic. But now? It’s become...

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“Your Idol” in Kpop Demon Hunters: Beyond the Spotlight

August 19, 2025

“Your Idol” stands out in Kpop Demon Hunters not just as a catchy track, but as one of the most self-aware songs in the whole project. At first listen, it has all the hallmarks of a classic K-pop...

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Saja Boys Are Bubbling Over With “Soda Pop”

August 19, 2025

If you’ve scrolled TikTok, Insta, or literally any corner of the internet in the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard it: the fizzy, feel-good bop known as “Soda Pop” by the Saja Boys. Straight...

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Skai Is Yourgod and the Viral Stacks: From Vinyl to TikTok Glory

August 19, 2025

Skai Is Yourgod didn’t just drop a song, he dropped a cultural grenade. His track “Stacks From All Sides” has taken TikTok by storm, and the secret sauce? A cheeky little sample from Beetle on...

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Sombr’s “Undressed” Ends Hozier’s Historic Run on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart

August 19, 2025

After 70 weeks at No. 1 with “Too Sweet,” Hozier’s reign on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart comes to an end as newcomer Sombr takes over with...

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Charli XCX Closes 'Brat' Era With Emotional Final Show, Teases New Film Project:

August 19, 2025

Charli XCX brought her groundbreaking Brat era to a poignant close Friday night during an electrifying performance at South Korea's One Universe Festival. The pop innovator marked the final...

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Taylor Swift Breaks YouTube Records With ‘New Heights’ Podcast Debut

August 19, 2025

Taylor Swift’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast drew 1.3M live viewers, breaking YouTube records and sparking buzz with details about her new album The Life of a...

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Chance the Rapper Returns: Star Line Album + “And We Back Tour” Breaks His Silence

August 19, 2025

After a six-year silence, Chance the Rapper is officially back. On August 15, 2025, he will drop his sophomore album, Star Line, marking a new chapter filled with growth, travel, and creative...

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Lana Del Rey Calls Out Ethel Cain in New Song, Says She Was ‘Disturbed’ by Personal Involvement’

August 19, 2025

Lana Del Rey’s new song takes aim at Ethel Cain, referencing an alleged personal rift involving Instagram posts, a mutual ex, and behind-the-scenes remarks...

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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...