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The Weeknd’s Record-Breaking Feat: “Blinding Lights” Illuminates Spotify with 4 Billion Streams

The Weeknd’s Record-Breaking Feat: “Blinding Lights” Illuminates Spotify with 4 Billion Streams

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

In the annals of music history, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” has etched its name in golden letters. The electrifying track has transcended boundaries, setting the precedent as the first-ever song to surpass the staggering 4 billion stream mark on Spotify. The achievement is a testament to the song’s universal appeal, its addictive melody, and the artist’s soaring popularity.

A Spectacular Journey Began in 2019

First unveiled to the world in November 2019, “Blinding Lights” was a part of The Weeknd’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album – “After Hours”. The album marked a new artistic direction for the Canadian singer-songwriter, defined by a pulsating mix of synth-pop and R&B.

Spotify Honors The Milestone

Recognizing the monumental achievement, Spotify celebrated the occasion with a commemorative video featuring an Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd’s real name) trophy. It signified the unwavering perseverance of the artist and the incredible impact his music has had on the global audience.

“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,” – The Weeknd

The Weeknd: The Reigning King of Spotify

The Weeknd’s relationship with record-breaking feats is not new. In February last year, he became the first artist in Spotify history to cross 100 million monthly listeners. Currently, he is the most listened-to artist on the platform, boasting 113 million monthly listeners. This incredible reach has placed him in an exclusive league of global music icons.

The Financial Aspect

According to a report by Variety, the revenue generated from “Blinding Lights” is estimated to be between $15.5 million to $17.5 million in royalties. This is supplemented by approximately another $4.5 million in publishing. These numbers underscore the financial power of streaming platforms and the earning potential of chart-topping hits.

Beyond Music: The Weeknd’s Philanthropy

The Weeknd’s influence extends beyond his music. He recently collaborated with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, School on Wheels, to support over 1,000 students experiencing homelessness from kindergarten through twelfth grade. His commitment to giving back to the community adds another layer to his persona, making him a true role model.

Looking Ahead: A New Album on the Horizon

Fans of The Weeknd have more reasons to rejoice. The artist recently hinted at the imminent release of the final album in the After Hours/Dawn FM trilogy. As anticipation builds, the world eagerly waits for another masterpiece from the enigmatic artist.

“Blinding Lights” reaching the 4 billion Spotify streams milestone is a fitting tribute to The Weeknd’s distinctive sound and profound impact on modern music. As the song continues to break records, it stands as a symbol of The Weeknd’s enduring appeal and an anthem for a generation.

The Weeknd has indeed made the world dance to his tunes, and with “Blinding Lights”, he has created a melody that will echo through the annals of music history. As we revel in the mesmerizing beats of this record-breaking song, we eagerly await the magic The Weeknd will conjure next.

Jay-Z: A Hip-Hop Giant’s New Milestone Unveiled

Jay-Z: A Hip-Hop Giant’s New Milestone Unveiled

Just as we were still marveling over Jay-Z‘s noteworthy Emmy win, the hip-hop titan surprised us again. This time, with a brand-new track, I Want You Forever”, that is sure to resonate with music enthusiasts across the globe.


The Reveal: “I Want You Forever”

This track isn’t just another addition to his extensive discography. It’s a part of the much-anticipated soundtrack of the film The Book of Clarence. The soundtrack, a rich tapestry of varying musical styles, features contributions from a diverse range of artists.

The Unprecedented Collaboration

From the vibrant Doja Cat and the legendary Lil Wayne to the enigmatic Kodak Black, soulful Jorja Smith, innovative Kid Cudi, and reggae king Shabba Ranks, the soundtrack is an impressive assembly of raw talent.

The Book of Clarence: An Overview

The soundtrack’s release on January 12 coincides with the film’s U.S. theatrical debut, painting a perfect picture of synchronicity between the music and the movie.

Jeymes Samuel: The Visionary

Jeymes Samuel, the man behind The Harder They Fall, has directed and written The Book of Clarence. In a candid conversation with Elliot Wilson and Jay-Z, Samuel shared insights about the movie and the soundtrack.

The Soundtrack: A Deep Dive

He described the soundtrack as “so deep” and revealed that Jay-Z’s cut was almost a whopping 10 minutes long. The soundtrack is a unique blend of sounds and emotions, which Samuel aptly referred to as “absolute soulful, Biblical bliss.”

Jay-Z and D’Angelo’s Track: A Masterpiece

A highlight of the soundtrack is the nearly 10-minute-long track featuring Jay-Z and R&B icon D’Angelo. This piece is expected to be a soulful journey, and fans can hardly wait for this epic collaboration.

The Star-Studded Ensemble

The Book of Clarence stars LaKeith Stanfield in the title role. This dramedy tells the story of a man who, in a desperate attempt to settle his debts, pretends to be the Messiah. The film also stars Omar Sy, Teyana Taylor, Anna Diop, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Book of Clarence: The Film

The Book of Clarence has been a long-cherished project for Samuel. Even while working on The Harder They Fall and other projects, the narrative and the music for this film were always brewing in his mind.

Jeymes Samuel: The Multi-talented Maverick

Samuel’s passion for the project extended beyond directing and writing. He composed the score and wrote and performed on the soundtrack, making The Book of Clarence his all-in-one creative journey.

The Book of Clarence: The Soundtrack

The soundtrack also includes the previously released track “Hallelujah Heaven.” Collaborating with Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and Shabba Ranks on this track was a thrilling experience for Samuel, who loved the synergy of these artists on the same track.

Epilogue: The Release and Reception

The 11-song soundtrack is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Fans of Jay-Z and the other artists involved are eagerly awaiting the film’s release and the chance to delve into the soundtrack’s depth.

With the soundtrack of The Book of Clarence, we see yet another side of Jay-Z’s massive talent. It’s a testament to his versatility and his ability to continually surprise us with his ever-evolving artistry. From his Emmy win to this exciting new release, Jay-Z continues to prove why he’s the king of hip-hop.