People love superlatives: Best, strongest, fastest, etc. That’s especially true of the music world, which brings us to today’s question:
What Is The Biggest Song Of All Time?
There are at least a few ways you could look at it.
One is RIAA certifications. In January, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” was certified 18-times platinum, tying it with Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” as the highest-certified song ever. However, in February, “Sunflower” re-took sole ownership of first place as it was certified 2-times diamond, or 20-times platinum. Currently in third behind both of those songs is Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” at 17-times platinum. Worth noting, though, is that RIAA certifications only take into account data from the United States.
Another aspect to consider is sales of physical singles. Per Guinness World Records, the best-selling physical single of all time is Bing Crosby’s 1942 recording of “White Christmas,” which has sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide. Meanwhile, according to a Far Out post from earlier this year, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police tops the list of the “most-played songs on radio stations worldwide.”
So, while there is concrete data to consider, what is truly the “biggest song of all time” depends on the value you place on said data. Maybe the answer is “Sunflower,” maybe it’s “White Christmas,” maybe it’s “Every Breath You Take,” maybe it’s “Blinding Lights,” or maybe it’s something else. Ultimately, it’s one of those questions that might be impossible to answer definitively.
If you were playing any Fortnite Festival last weekend, odds are you had seen The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti’s new video for “Popular,” as it debuted exclusively on the platform and was available to watch from February 15 to 18. If you’re not a gamer but would still like to see the clip, though, they’ve given the visual a wider release and it’s available on YouTube as of today, February 22.
It’s a video that shows off the high life, as the three artists find themselves performing and flexing in a gorgeous castle environment.
The tune is a relic from the era of The Idol, The Weeknd’s 2023 HBO show that ultimately kicked the bucket after a short and controversial run. The song was intended for The Idol, but while it was initially shared and promoted in association with the show, it ultimately never ended up on any of the show’s soundtrack releases.
The Weeknd previously said of the song, “I’m proud of it. I’m definitely proud of it. Me and Carti had this… I mean, we’ve jammed out before. We’ve had a different version of this song prior. So I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of just worked around it, and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now it felt like it was time. It was time. And it felt right and it felt cohesive with this album that I’m working on right now. Or that I just actually finished. The Idol soundtrack, yeah. And so I’ve been producing the song for a while. And then Madonna, Madge. She’s the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you’ll hear more of her in the show as well, too. She is the ultimate pop star.”
The Weeknd hyped up his HBO show The Idol a lot last year, and while it was by no means perfect, it at least brought us some great music. It’s hard for him to miss in this regard at all, but fans were still shocked when he dropped “Popular” with two very interesting guests as a lead-up to the show. These are rap’s new wave leader Playboi Carti and pop legend Madonna, and fans were bewildered as to how these fusions would come out even if both fit with Abel Tesfaye separately. Regardless of fan expectations, it’s a pop banger, and just a couple of days after its premiere on Fortnite, we now have the official music video for the song on YouTube.
Of course, it’s a very lavish visual treatment that matches well with the shiny cleanliness and pristine production on “Popular.” The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti all appear individually at a grand mansion, a high-rise apartment, and a luxury car, respectively. It’s all very clear, crisp, and although simple, it does definitely invoke the aesthetics and mood of the record itself, so it’s a big success in our book. We would’ve loved to have seen the artists interact, though, as XO and Opium have a very strong relationship. Also, it’s wild to think about how the Queen of Pop and King Vamp would match stylistically, both in terms of fashion and general artistry.
The Weeknd’s “Popular” Music Video With Madonna & Playboi Carti: Watch
Still, this is adding to a heck of a victory lap run for the 34-year-old right now, one that will probably turn into a full album rollout very soon. He recently broke some more Spotify records and teases his next effort in a vague way. Everyone’s looking forward to see how the Canadian superstar wraps up his current trilogy, and his stage moniker as a whole, it seems. But don’t fear: just because he won’t go by The Weeknd anymore doesn’t mean that he won’t stay in the industry as a creative making great art.
Meanwhile, what did you think of this new “Popular” music video? Considering rumors about an upcoming project, are you looking forward to the “Alone Again” artist making new strides in film as a co-writer? Whatever the case may be, drop your thoughts in the comments section down below. Also, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and updates on The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti.
Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer The Weeknd has overtaken the world. His unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music has helped catapult him Into megastardom. Born Abel Tesfaye in Toronto, he gained fame in the early 2010s and quickly became one of the most successful artists of the decade. Let’s explore the factors that have contributed to his incredible wealth.
As of 2024, The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The Meteoric Rise
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 25: Musician The Weeknd arrives at the premiere of A24 Films “Amy” at ArcLight Cinemas on June 25, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
The Weeknd’s journey to fame began in 2010 when he uploaded a few songs to YouTube. These tracks quickly gained traction. Soon, he released a series of mixtapes combined into the compilation album, Trilogy. The album was a massive success, receiving critical acclaim and propelling him into the limelight.
Since then, The Weeknd has released multiple chart-topping albums. These include Kiss Land, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, My Dear Melancholy, and After Hours. These projects featured a string of hit singles, including “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” “Call Out My Name,” and “Blinding Lights.”
The Weeknd’s music has earned him numerous awards and accolades. He’s received three Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and two American Music Awards. His international success has also led to lucrative touring opportunities. His live performances generating millions of dollars in ticket sales.
Expanding His Empire: Business Ventures
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 27: In this image released on December 7, The Weeknd performs during his “After Hours Til Dawn” tour at SoFi Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Live Nation)
In addition to his music career, The Weeknd has ventured into various business opportunities that have contributed to his net worth. He has collaborated with high-profile fashion brands, including Puma, H&M, and BAPE, to release exclusive clothing lines and merchandise.
Moreover, The Weeknd has invested in several startups and companies, such as the esports organization OverActive Media and the music technology platform Moment House. These investments demonstrate his keen business acumen and desire to diversify his income sources.
The Power of Collaborations: Weeknd Net Worth Boosters
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: The Weeknd poses in the press room at the The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
The Weeknd has collaborated with numerous top-tier artists, producers, and brands throughout his career. These collaborations have helped expand his audience and further solidify his status as a global music icon. His most notable collaborations include tracks with Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Kendrick Lamar. Furthermore, The Weeknd has also ventured into film and television. He appeared in the Adam Sandler movie Uncut Gems and co-wrote an episode of the hit animated series American Dad.
The Weeknd’s Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 21: The Weeknd performs during the 2018 Life is Beautiful Festival on September 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
While The Weeknd has amassed a considerable fortune, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions to various charitable organizations, including the University of Toronto, the Black Lives Matter movement, and COVID-19 relief efforts. His generosity highlights the importance of giving back to the community and using his wealth to make a difference.
Conclusion/TLDR
The Weeknd’s net worth of $300 million in 2024 is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and undeniable talent. His rise to fame, lucrative business ventures, and high-profile collaborations contributed to his impressive wealth. As The Weeknd continues to dominate the global music scene, there is no doubt that his net worth will continue to soar.
Last June, The Weeknd had a big moment, linking up with Madonna (and Playboi Carti) on The Idol soundtrack cut “Popular.” The song now has an official video, but you’ll need to head into the world of Fortnite to watch it.
How To Watch The Weeknd, Madonna, And Playboi Carti’s “Popular” Video In Fortnite Festival
The video made its exclusive debut on Fortnite Festival on February 15 at 7 p.m. ET, and is set to play repeatedly until February 18 at 7 p.m. ET. To watch, it’s simple: log into Fortnite on your preferred platform (PlayStation, Switch, PC, etc.) and find the Discover screen. Then, enter the Festival Jam Stage, and there, there will be a dedicated viewing area, featuring a giant screen showing the video. The video is currently not officially available on any other platform, so find more details here.
It’s just about time for curtain call, but we’ve got one last surprise for #FNFestival Season 1.
The music video for hit single, Popular by @theweeknd, Madonna & Playboi Carti, will be debuting exclusively on the Jam Stage… starting tonight
The Weeknd previously said of the song, “I’m proud of it. I’m definitely proud of it. Me and Carti had this… I mean, we’ve jammed out before. We’ve had a different version of this song prior. So I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of just worked around it, and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now it felt like it was time. It was time. And it felt right and it felt cohesive with this album that I’m working on right now. Or that I just actually finished. The Idol soundtrack, yeah. And so I’ve been producing the song for a while. And then Madonna, Madge. She’s the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you’ll hear more of her in the show as well, too. She is the ultimate pop star.”
Madonna is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, TikTok has removed a ton of music from its platform. If you haven’t heard, the licensing agreement between TikTok and Universal Music Group expired yesterday, and as a result, all UMG artists‘ music must be removed or TikTok could face legal action for copyright infringement. That means artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and many, many, MANY more have been nixed, and no one is quite sure when or if they’ll be back, because UMG is adamant that TikTok hasn’t been negotiating in good faith.
Why Did UMG Remove Its Artists From TikTok?
Long story short, UMG’s leadership doesn’t feel that TikTok is offering fair market value for its artists. UMG also argues that while TikTok is building its own music platform, TikTok Music, and working on AI tools that may help users imitate real-life artists, it’s also undermining the value of any new licensing agreement, since the app could soon be flooded with more songs like AI-generated Drake song “Heart On My Sleeve.” This has been a pain point for the entire recording industry as these tools proliferate and possibly endanger fans’ interest in waiting for (and buying) the real artists’ actual songs.
In an open letter published on the company’s website on Tuesday (January 30), UMG wrote:
TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.
On AI, TikTok is allowing the platform to be flooded with AI-generated recordings—as well as developing tools to enable, promote and encourage AI music creation on the platform itself – and then demanding a contractual right which would allow this content to massively dilute the royalty pool for human artists, in a move that is nothing short of sponsoring artist replacement by AI.
Further, TikTok makes little effort to deal with the vast amounts of content on its platform that infringe our artists’ music and it has offered no meaningful solutions to the rising tide of content adjacency issues, let alone the tidal wave of hate speech, bigotry, bullying and harassment on the platform. The only means available to seek the removal of infringing or problematic content (such as pornographic deepfakes of artists) is through the monumentally cumbersome and inefficient process which equates to the digital equivalent of “Whack-a-Mole.”
While TikTok denied these accusations in a statement sent to Billboard, it also doesn’t appear that either company has any intentions to budge for the foreseeable future.
Beef between two major media companies was made public yesterday (January 30), and the feud could have a noteworthy impact on the day-to-day content people consume.
TikTok and Universal Music Group have a licensing agreement that expires today, and this agreement allows UMG songs to appear on the TikTok platform and be utilized in videos from TikTok users. Negotiations on a new contract have apparently been going poorly, as indicated by the open letters both companies shared criticizing each other. If a new deal isn’t reached, music by UMG artists could soon leave TikTok.
Which UMG Artists Will Be Removed From TikTok?
Let’s start by looking at what UMG is: Broadly speaking, it’s a massive company that owns a ton of recognizable record labels, including but not limited to Interscope, Geffen, Capitol, Def Jam, Island, Polydor, Republic, and Virgin Music Group.
So, presumably, in the event that a new licensing agreement is not reached, all acts on those labels would see their music leave TikTok. That includes so many hit-making artists, like Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, SZA, Steve Lacy, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, Rosalía, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Adele, U2, Elton John, J Balvin, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, and Post Malone.
Those artists have an estimated 950 trillion streams between them (note: exaggerated estimate for comedic effect only), and a ton of beloved acts not even mentioned above are also under the UMG umbrella. So, should their music be wiped off of TikTok, it would be a noticeable loss for the platform’s users.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With this holiday comes a season of love, affection, and romance. Further, R&B is the perfect genre for Valentine’s Day, whether you are single or in a committed relationship—or anywhere in between. There is a lane of the genre for everyone, including wholesome declarations of love and toxic soundtracks to pain.
Many legendary singers have dabbled in both ends of the R&B spectrum. Some, however, specialize in toxicity, penning some wild lyrics that become irresistible classics. In this modern era, toxic R&B has taken over. During times of heartbreak, listeners turn to toxic R&B, no matter how jarring the content may be. For this year’s Valentine’s Day, we are exploring toxic love by providing a list of essential wild R&B songs. Listed in no particular order, take a look at the selections below.
dvsn-if-i-get-caught”>dvsn – “If I Get Caught”
Canadian R&B duo dvsn make some of the best moody R&B. The lead single from their latest release, 2022’s Working on My Karma, basks in the group’s toxicity. Daniel Daley begins “If I Get Caught” by telling a girl “[she] wouldn’t want [him] if you thought [he] never had hoes” in response to her going through his phone. “Now you’re trippin’, girl, it’s not fair,” he sings. The JAY-Z-sampling song embraces its own toxicity with its catchy chorus. The choir chants, “If I get caught cheating, that don’t mean I don’t love you.” It is a song about cheating and trust that channels classic ’90s R&B records. The wild premise of “If I Get Caught” makes for the perfect toxic R&B for Valentine’s Day.
Undoubtedly, Ty Dolla $ign’s most toxic song is “Horses In the Stable.” He brags about having women in different area codes, likening his full roster to having horses “that [he] can ride anytime.” After listing off each girl’s name and city in the verses, he admits that “the way that [he’s] living ain’t right” but still says, “You just another girl, and this is just another night.” The song’s soulful swing and impeccable vocal performance make the lyrics seem very emotional, but the song is quite the opposite. Ty sings, “She said she lookin’ for a real one / I told her that she found a real one / Said she looking for relationships / I said, ‘Girl, who you playin’ with?’” The overwhelmingly toxic metaphor of horses in the stable combined with the instrumentation is overtly degrading but makes for a painfully honest song.
Jazmine Sullivan – “Roster”
Like Ty Dolla $ign, Jazmine Sullivan “keeps it honest” by telling someone about her “long list” on “Roster.” From start to finish, she is blunt in her approach and self-aware of how her habits may seem. “Toxic, call me toxic but you’ll never call me stupid,” she begins. “I’ve been told before, I’m ruthless ’cause I’m a player by nature / But I’ll always keep it honest / So for you, there’s one more spot left in my roster,” she continues. Jazmine Sullivan is enjoying herself, singing, “I’m not stopping in my prime / This the best time of my life.” She is interested in the person she’s speaking to but tells him, “Don’t catch feelings” and “You just gotta fall in line.” “Roster” explores having options, appealing to those disinterested in committed relationships around Valentine’s Day.
As both a rapper and a singer, Drake has a plethora of toxic tracks. Within the R&B realm of his catalog, many songs stick out as heartfelt expressions of heartbreak despite having a petty and toxic edge. On the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Get Along Better,” Drake ruminates on a past relationship and how it ended. He sings, “You had the nеrve to defend mistakes that you made at the end / You said I was too invested and that’s what had forced you to go and pretend.” Drake even doubles down, passionately singing, “I swear you crazy.” Promising pure intentions and that “this ain’t ‘bout revenge,” he still says, “now I get along better with your friend.” Despite not wanting to seek revenge on his ex, Drake remains frustrated with the way things ended between them but has finally moved on with her friend.
PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Savage Anthem”
“Savage Anthem” is appropriately titled as PARTYNEXTDOOR tells his girl that he will not change for her, sticking to his savage ways. “Don’t hold your breath, don’t wait on my love,” he tells her in the chorus before delivering some ruthless lines in the verses. PND tells the girl that she should not count on him to commit as he sings, “Don’t trust me to capture the moment / Forgive me, it just was a moment.” He is also clearly not open to hearing her side. He sings, “You see, I don’t give no f*cks now / Is it somethin’ we discussed now? / The truth got you in disgust now ’cause I’d rather we just f*ck now.”
Party is self-aware of his toxicity, saying that he puts “the dirt into dirtbag.” He knows “that’s f*cked up” but “that’s what pimpin’ do.” Overall, “Savage Anthem” certainly lives up to its title and is the essential song for those feeling toxic on Valentine’s Day.
SZA’s “Kill Bill” is another anthem for those feeling salty about how their last relationship ended. The Grammy-nominated single starts with SZA hating to see her ex happy with a new girl. She uses the metaphor of the famous Tarantino film to sing about being so hung up on her ex that she starts plotting to kill him and his new girl. Singing that she still loves him despite wanting to kill him, she says that she would rather be in jail and hell “than alone.” SZA clarifies that drugs do not influence her thinking, but she doesn’t want her ex to move on without her. The sentiments of “Kill Bill” resonate with listeners who hate to see their old flames move on without them. For that reason, it is the right kind of toxic R&B song for Valentine’s Day.
It really does not get more toxic than The Weeknd when it comes to R&B. Dark tales of pain, numbness, and cold-blooded lyrics riddle his discography. Throughout his career, he has enticed listeners with an intoxicated reality, bringing them into conceptual worlds of toxic relationships. Before returning to his “heartless” ways, The Weeknd declared himself “Shameless.” In this song, he details a no-strings-attached relationship with a girl who “lives for the pain” and begs him to come over.
The Weeknd recognizes her emotional baggage, singing, “That’s why you always call me ‘cause you’re scared to be loved.” Understanding the damage created by this relationship, he makes an empty promise to be there for her. Despite not wanting to hurt her, he admits he has no shame and continues staying in the relationship. With its “Shameless” lyrics, The Weeknd highlights toxic love in this song. It is the ultimate soundtrack to those feeling shameless around Valentine’s Day.
The Weeknd’s chart-topping anthem “Blinding Lights” continues to rewrite history as it surpasses its record and secures the title of the most-streamed song in Spotify’s history. With over four billion plays, the 80’s nostalgic track, known for its infectious beats and captivating melody, has not only dominated charts but has now etched its name in the annals of music streaming.
In February 2023, The Weeknd became the first artist on Spotify to amass a staggering 100 million monthly listeners. Fast forward to today, and he holds the coveted position as the platform’s number-one artist, commanding a massive audience of 113 million monthly listeners.
“I’ll never stop being humbled by anything I create making its way to millions of people let alone billions! I’m so thankful this song makes people feel a way that they keep going back to listen,” said Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye.
“Blinding Lights” has become an anthem for the ages, securing its place as the new No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time. The track’s monumental achievement surpasses Chubby Checker’s 1960 hit “The Twist,” solidifying The Weeknd’s legacy in the music industry.
As the Canadian artist continues to captivate global audiences with his unparalleled musical prowess, “Blinding Lights” is a testament to his ability to transcend time and make an indelible mark on the music landscape.
The Weeknd is an undisputed king of the streaming music era, as evidenced by the fact that “Blinding Lights” is the most-played song in Spotify history. Since its release in late 2019, the song has been racking up streams, and now, it has reached a height no song before it ever has: It’s the first song to ever reach 4 billion total streams on Spotify.
As of this post, Spotify currently shows “Blinding Lights” as having 3,999,046,181 streams, but some started reporting this afternoon (January 11) that the song had eclipsed 4 billion. Regardless, if it hasn’t hit 4 billion quite yet, it will any second now (perhaps by the time you read this) and become the first song to ever do so.
Currently, after “Blinding Lights” on the all-time Spotify list are Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” (3.74 billion streams), Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” (3.15 billion), Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” (3.1 billion), and Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey” (2.97 billion). Just outside the top 5 is The Weeknd and Daft Punk’s “Starboy” at 2.95 billion plays.
