It’s no secret that The Weeknd is a megastar, and it seems like he’s only getting bigger with each passing year. The Toronto crooner has achieved a lot throughout his 13-year career with the help of his label, Republic Records, and their partnership is only set to continue in the years to come.
On Thursday (April 28), Universal Music Group — the home of Republic Records — announced a long-term global partnership deal with The Weeknd. According to a press release, the new deal extends the strong relationship between the two and will see UMG manage the 32-year-old singer’s entire music catalog, as well as merchandise and audiovisual projects.
UMG’s leading brand-management and merchandise company, Bravado, will also be assisting The Weeknd in expanding and developing global merchandising, branding, ecommerce and retail licensing opportunities for future projects and releases.
“Over the past decade, we have been honored to work so closely with Abel who has quickly become one of music’s most creative and important artists—a once-in-a-generation talent,” said Sir Lucian Grange, the chairman and CEO of UMG.
“With Sal and the XO team as our incredible partners, we’ve developed a deep trust and respect that has enabled us to successfully execute Abel’s brilliant vision. I am delighted that we are now able to expand this special relationship, welcome this world-class songwriter to UMPG, and evolve this creative partnership to new and exciting levels.”
Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby, founder and CEO of SALXCO and XO Records, added, “Over a decade together says it all. Our relationship is built on trust, success, and family values. I am proud and excited to be beside Sir Lucian, Monte, Avery, Jody and the rest of the Universal family building our next decade together.”
The deal comes after The Weeknd notched another successful album with Dawn FM. The project debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and broke their Global 200 chart record, with 24 songs charting in the project’s first week. That milestone made The Weeknd the only solo male artist to have that many songs chart at one time.
Signing a long term deal makes zero sense for someone who isn’t generating enough revenue to be worthy of it. Weeknd got his ass handed by a c list rapper (gunna) when The Dawn failed to go number one just because Weeknd spent more time dissing Drake (who helped him get a career) then actually make good music. Weeknd fell off when he sold out to pop after his first album.
Drake is someone who can headline stadiums across the world. Weeknd’s tour is flopping in presales.
Clearly you are not a fan, but millions of people are. Abel is very well positioned to be at the level of Michael Jackson for the next 30 years AND he is very much a successful part of the LA scene, which has its own rewards. UMG is the biggest, has the biggest distributions and pockets. Abel is a sure thing with very little controversy, which is also huge for a star his size. Drake, on the other hand, has tons of controversy. Drakes come and go, Abels do not. Abel has a much wider audience that spans the gaps between many genre’s, including hip-hop, pop, electronic, dance. Drake has hip-hop. In the world of big money music, Abel is the guy the big dogs want to bet on. Drake is quite a bit more risky of a bet. I am a fan of both. If I was going to hand an artists $200 million up front, it would definitely be Abel. He has a much wider appeal and longevity, this is not debatable, it is proven by the fact Abel is extremely popular in LA, Drake is not. Abel has already passed all of the tests to be a global star.
One shit hit song from weeknd doesn’t make him more successful. Drake had plenty of songs that were hits plus his albums actually sell.
Great news!! Hook Belly up with a deal too