If Drake is Canada's hottest hip-hop export, then the Weeknd is the R&B equivalent. An enigma in the R&B game, singer Abel Tesfaye has slowly embraced his cult status despite not being signed to a major label.
In 2011, the Weeknd released three critically acclaimed mixtapes via his official website that collectively has garnered millions of downloads. This year, the crooner plans to remaster and re-release all three mixtapes together in one box set called 'The Trilogy' with bonus tracks. As for a full-length studio album, no one knows if he will ever release one.
Nevertheless, the Weeknd's ascension in music has been remarkable since he doesn't follow the traditional methods of promoting music by industry standards. Since he doesn't do interviews, it's difficult to understand the method to his madness. Only time will tell if Mr. Tesfaye is the real deal. -- Trent Fitzgerald
Listen to the Weeknd, 'Dirty Diana'