What is The Weeknd’s Net Worth?
The Weeknd, a Canadian recording artist and record producer, has a net worth of $300 million. He gained fame through YouTube and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B genre with his unique musical style. He has sold over 70 million records in the United States and won multiple awards, including Grammys. The Weeknd has also pursued entrepreneurial ventures such as collaborations with brands and creating his own personal brand called “XO.” He is one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world and can earn up to $90 million before taxes in a year while touring.
The Weeknd’s Early Life and Struggles
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, was born on February 16th, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario. Raised by his mother and grandmother after his parents separated, Tesfaye is of Ethiopian heritage. His father was not involved in his life during his childhood, and the two only saw each other once or twice. Growing up, religion played a significant role in Tesfaye’s life, as he frequently attended the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
However, despite his religious upbringing, Tesfaye began using drugs at age 11, starting with marijuana and later becoming addicted to harder drugs. He claims to have committed crimes to fund his addiction. Although he attended high school, he dropped out before his final year and did not graduate.
The Weeknd’s Rise to Fame
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, got his stage name from leaving high school and his family’s house without returning. He ran into a producer named Jeremy Rose, who had been developing the concept of “dark R&B” and saw Tesfaye as a perfect fit for the movement. Rose produced several songs that Tesfaye rapped on, and he uploaded them to YouTube, gaining a significant following and catching the attention of Drake.
Tesfaye’s first major release was the mixtape House of Balloons, which was a huge success and resulted in Drake approaching him with a plan to collaborate. The two Canadian artists toured together, with The Weeknd opening for Drake. After releasing two more mixtapes, Tesfaye was approached by several major record labels who wanted to sign him.
The Weeknd’s Music Career
After touring in 2012, The Weeknd partnered with Republic Records and created his own label, XO. His first album, Kiss Land, debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard top 200. Beauty Behind the Madness, his second album, reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 and eventually went platinum. He set Guinness World Records in 2017 for Most Streamed Album on Spotify in One Year. In 2020, he announced his next album, After Hours.
The Weeknd’s Earnings
The Weeknd made $90 million between June 2017 and June 2018. In the following year, he earned $40 million from his various endeavors.
The Weeknd: Singer and Songwriter
The Weeknd is often categorized as a rap and hip-hop artist, but he considers himself a singer and songwriter. His music is influenced by legends like Michael Jackson and Prince, and his style blends indie and electronic elements with R&B.
However, The Weeknd’s lyrics are known for exploring heavy emotional themes such as drug use, heartbreak, and loneliness. His music is a mix of upbeat and melancholic tones, creating a unique and captivating sound.
The Weeknd’s Brand Collaborations
The Weeknd has collaborated with various companies, including condom manufacturers, e-cigarette makers, and Marvel. He is also a brand ambassador for Puma and one of the “faces” of Apple Music. The Weeknd sells his own “XO” branded merchandise and has collaborated with brands like A Bathing Ape and Alexander Wang in the fashion industry. Additionally, he owns shares in esports company OverActive Media Group.
The Weeknd’s Relationship History
The Weeknd began dating model Bella Hadid in 2015, but they split in 2016 due to scheduling conflicts. He then dated Selena Gomez in 2017, but they also split up after a brief period of living together. In 2018, The Weeknd reunited with Bella Hadid, but they separated once again in 2019.
The Weeknd’s Real Estate Ventures
The Weeknd purchased a penthouse in Los Angeles in December 2019 for $21 million, overlooking the Beverly Hills Country Club. The monthly HOA fee for the building is $6,800. Prior to this, he had been renting a triplex penthouse in New York City for $60,000 per month.
In June 2017, The Weeknd bought a three-acre estate in Hidden Hills, California for $18 million. He listed the property for sale in June 2020 for $25 million and sold it to Madonna in April 2021 for $20 million.
In August 2021, The Weeknd reportedly purchased a mansion in Los Angeles’ Bel Air neighborhood for $70 million. The property spans 33,000 square feet and sits on 1.6 acres overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club. It features an indoor pool, sports court, movie theater, gym, music studio, and outdoor pool.
The Weeknd was arrested in Las Vegas in 2015 for assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced to 50 hours of community service.
Awards and Nominations
The Weeknd has won several awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, eight Billboard Awards, two Junos, and two American Music Awards. He has also been nominated for an Academy Award.
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