Is TikTok Removing Music?

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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.

Which UMG Artists Will Be Removed From TikTok?

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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.

Toxic Love: Essential, Wild R&B Songs For Valentine’s Day

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.

Ty Dolla $ign – “Horses In The Stable”

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.

Drake feat. Ty Dolla $ign – “Get Along Better”

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 – “Kill Bill”

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.

The Weeknd – “Shameless”

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.

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The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Becomes First Single to Stream Over 4 Billion Times on Spotify

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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 post The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Becomes First Single to Stream Over 4 Billion Times on Spotify first appeared on The Source.

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The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Just Made Spotify History By Being The First Song To Cross An Unreal Streaming Milestone

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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.

The last song to break this sort of ground was “Shape Of You.” It used to be Spotify’s most-streamed track ever, and in December 2021, it became the first song to hit 3 billion plays on the platform. At the time, “Blinding Lights” was second on the all-time list, but it rose to No. 1 in January 2023.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The Weeknd Teams with School on Wheels to Support Over 1,000 Students Experiencing Homelessness in L.A.

The Weeknd Announces Upcoming Pandemic, BLM-Inspired Album

Global music sensation Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye has significantly contributed to the Los Angeles-based organization School on Wheels, aiming to support over 1,000 students facing homelessness from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The primary mission of School on Wheels is to enhance educational opportunities for some of the most disadvantaged children in the city.

The Weeknd’s substantial donation will bolster crucial programs. This includes supporting the School on Wheels’ Literacy Program, providing in-person tutoring and essential tools for students aged 5-8, and aiding them in learning to read and write.

Additionally, the contribution will assist students living in homeless situations to graduate high school in 2024, addressing the challenge of only 68% of unhoused students typically completing high school.

Moreover, the donation will provide laptops, Chromebooks, internet access, and software for hundreds of students experiencing homelessness. This aims to bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic-induced shift to online learning. The software, including Renaissance Star Assessments, MyOn, and Freckle, will help assess students and offer adaptive learning based on their educational gaps.

The Weeknd’s generous gesture aligns with his commitment to social impact and provides hope for disadvantaged students striving for a brighter educational future. To learn more about School on Wheels and its mission, visit www.SchoolonWheels.org.

The post The Weeknd Teams with School on Wheels to Support Over 1,000 Students Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. first appeared on The Source.

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Will The Weeknd Drop A New Album In 2024?

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Last year, The Weeknd’s acting career was temporarily cut short when Max canceled The Idol. Surely that means the“False Idols” singer has more time for music. Will The Weeknd drop a new album in 2024?

According to a recent post online, it appears that so. On January 7, The Weeknd took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page to tease his next album. In a gallery shared to his account, The Weeknd uploaded the covers of his 2020 album, After Hours, and 2022’s Dawn FM. The last image in the gallery was a blank black canvas marked by a question mark.

The Weeknd didn’t provide any further information, but the post’s caption “three” signaled that whatever he is secretly cooking up will close out the chapter of his career. He first teased the album during an interview with Variety in June.

“I’m finishing the third part of this saga, of this trilogy,” he said. “The name of it will come out soon, but it’s not called what some fans think it’s called… what they think it’s called is actually a song on the album, but that’s not what the actual album is called [some fans speculated that it would be titled ‘After Life’]. So I’m just gonna say that.”

The Weeknd has not revealed when the unnamed project is set to hit streaming services.

The Weeknd Vaguely Teases New Album

The Weeknd needs no introduction at this point in his storied career. Canada’s own has done it all and he is a true global icon. A lot of music die-hards saw the potential in him after he came through with his debut project House of Balloons, in 2011. He then turned it into a trilogy with Thursday and Echoes Of Silence. Nine years later, The Weeknd would begin his second series with After Hours. The dark R&B tracks paired with the 80s pop hits, saw him hint at the direction he would eventually take a full dive into with Dawn FM.

While it did not feature global hits, it was The Weeknd’s most consistent project to date. There are just solid tracks throughout like “Gasoline,” “Sacrifice,” “Take My Breath,” “Out of Time,” and so many others. That 2022 release just turned two yesterday, January 7. That would also be the day that Abel decided to announce the third album in this series.

Read More: 21 Savage Reveals Rumored Biopic, Will Star Childish Gambino And “Stranger Things” Caleb McLaughlin

The Weeknd Sends Fans Into A Frenzy

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd)

He did so on his social media accounts with the caption, “3️⃣.” The Weeknd shared the After Hours and Dawn FM covers, with the third image showing only a question mark. Of course, this got his world-wide fanbase juiced. One person says, “I’m sobbing.” Another goes, “Crying and screaming!! Drop it babyyy XO.” So far, this is all we know about the tape, but let us just say we are just as excited as everyone else.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new announcement from The Weeknd about his new album? When do you think he will complete this trilogy? Do you think he will continue to stay within the 80’s pop lane? Or, will he revert to his contemporary R&B sound? What direction do you want to see him go? Out of the two albums in this series, which one do you like more? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding The Weeknd. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: DDG Reflects On He & Halle Bailey Becoming Parents, Jokes About Difficulty Keeping It Secret

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The Weeknd’s Movie, With Jenna Ortega And Barry Keoghan, Will Reportedly Premiere This Year

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The Weeknd‘s new movie — starring Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan, and himself — will be released later this year, according to a report from HotNewHipHop. An update on the movie’s IMDB page shows that The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, will also be a co-writer, along with director Trey Edward Shults and Reza Fahim.

Not a whole lot is known about the upcoming movie, like a plot or even a title, but the film marks Shults’ first since 2019’s Waves.

The movie was first announced last year via Deadline, with Shults and Ortega tapped as executive producers.

This will mark The Weeknd’s first starring role as a character, after briefly playing a fictional version of himself in 2019’s Uncut Gems. Last year, he also starred as a club owner and cult leader named Tedros in HBO’s controversial series, The Idol.

While The Weeknd’s acting has left fans divided, viewers can likely look forward to seeing him in more projects. In an interview with W Magazine, he shared that his upcoming album will likely be his last under the stage name.

“I’m going through a cathartic path right now,” he said. “It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill the Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”

Is The Weeknd’s ‘Trust Issues (Remix)’ On Streaming Services?

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This is the time of year when most artists starting winding down, taking the final days of the year off before looking forward to January and beyond. The Weeknd fans got a dose of excitement yesterday (December 18), though, when a new song popped up on The Weeknd’s Spotify artist page.

Is The Weeknd’s “Trust Issues” on streaming services?

Yesterday, “Trust Issues” made it onto Spotify, as HotNewHipHop notes. It’s a track fans know well, as it originally surfaced online back in 2011. The song is The Weeknd’s take on Drake’s “Trust Issues,” but with modified lyrics, so it’s sort of a cover and sort of a remix (the original upload was titled “Trust Issues (Remix).”

As soon as the song hit Spotify, some fans knew something was amiss. One listener who checked out the song’s credits tweeted, “This will be gone very fast, it looks like someone did that and it’s not approved by himself or the Label. – Label is called weeknd – No writer and producer – It would be called Trust Issues (Remix) – It would be out on other platforms.”

Indeed, it turns out the upload was not legitimate: The Weeknd retweeted a tweet that reads, “‘Trust Issues’ is NOT an official release! The Weeknd’s Spotify account was hacked and the hacker released the song ‘Trust Issues’.”

The song is no longer available on Spotify, or any other streaming platform in an official capacity, as of this post.