Ten years ago today, The Weeknd released his mixtape entitled "Echoes of Silence," the third full-length project in the now-legendary hat trick from the then-underground Toronto R&B artist. Today, Abel Tesfaye is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, so that he can afford the very fancy-looking video for the "Echoes of Silence" title track. Kurando Furuya directs the CGI clip with creative direction from the famed Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. Perhaps best known on Rap Twitter for designing Tyga's Kyoto album cover, Soryama brings back his signature sexy robots for a chrome-finished sojourn through a post-apocalyptic, "Dune" landscape. If you were tapped in when "Echoes of Silence" first dropped, it's wild to see the relatively lo-fi piano dirge get such a luxurious treatment. To celebrate Echoes of Silence’s 10th anniversary, Tesfaye has also launched a capsule collaborating with Sorayama. The collection features a 1000% Sorayama x The Weeknd Be@rbrick, 400% + 100% Sorayama x The Weeknd Be@rbrick, and a handful of cut and sews t-shirts, long sleeves shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, a bomber jacket, trucker hat, and lithograph. "Echoes of Silence" is also re-released in its original vinyl and a special edition version with artwork by Sorayama. Each of The Weeknd's first three mixtapes – "House of Balloons," "Thursday," and "Echoes of Silence" – were re-released in their original forms on streaming this year.

Rising pop sensation AJ Mitchell has released "Skyview" Deluxe, an expanded edition of his debut album that features live recordings of his singles, “I Choose You,” “Cheap Red Wine,” and “Miss You.” A new performance video accompanies every live recording. "Skyview" is named after the drive-in movie theatre AJ frequented as a child because he says the album is a coming-of-age story. On his new record, Mitchell displayed the signature singing ability and pop draw that made him a talked-about artist (see: “Slow Dance”). But he also demonstrates a reflective side. For example, on the track “Miss You,” Mitchell speaks openly about death, specifically, the idea of his parents passing away. “When I write my music,” he says, “I really just want to speak from the heart.” He adds, “It’s weird to think about, my parents are still here, but I miss them. That as a concept—I really just wanted to talk about that. It came out of being very vulnerable and emotional.” As the young singer looks ahead, he has big goals. He wants to be an impactful, respectable artist, perhaps staying near the top of the charts. And Mitchell may achieve that—and sooner than some may think. But as he reaches for those gold rings, he says he will keep music—especially music composition—at the front of his mind. Good, surprising, and remarkable compositions. That’s what’s always mattered most.

FKA Twigs recruits the Weeknd to give in to their “emotions overload” in the new song “Tears in the Club.” The track follows the release of FKA Twigs’ single “Measure of a Man” featuring Central Cee, which appears on the soundtrack from the upcoming film "The King’s Man" out Dec. 22. “Tears in the Club” lives up to the promise of its name, pairing a booming dance floor beat and atmospheric synths with lyrics from Twigs and the Weeknd that are packed with heartache and angst: “Tears in the club” goes part of the hook, “Because your love’s got me fucked up.” The track also arrives with a moody, sci-fi-tinged music video — replete a few big dance numbers, to boot — directed by Amber Grace Johnson. Last year, FKA Twigs told Grammy Museum’s "Programs at Home" that she completed an album in quarantine during the pandemic. Her most recent album is 2019’s "Magdalene." In November, the Weeknd dropped the video for Starboy‘s “Die for You,” teamed up with Post Malone for “One Right Now,” collaborated with Rosalía on “La Fama,” and just released a new track titled "Poison" with the late singer Aaliyah. The singer is also working on his upcoming HBO series "The Idol," which is slated to star Troye Sivan, TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, and Anne Heche. The Weeknd, meanwhile, released his latest album, "After Hours," in March 2020. Its second single, ‘Blinding Lights,’ became the biggest US Billboard Hot 100 song of all time last month.

Capping a landmark year that kicked off with the release of his debut full-length "El Dorado," which is one of just 12 RIAA certified Gold albums in 2021. and spanned several more singles and collaborations, huge festival performances, and some of his most notable headlining performances to date. Now, multi-platinum artist 24kGoldn has released his brand new single “More Than Friends” today. The song was produced by Phil & Davy (Philip Lawrence [Bruno Mars] & Davy Nathan [Daya]) and interpolates Biz Markie’s classic “Just A Friend.” 24kGoldn’s 2021 debut album El Dorado, which was recently certified R.I.A.A Gold features appearances from the likes of fellow rap superstars Future, Dababy, and Swae Lee. Recorded with frequent collaborators KbeaZy, Omer Fedi, and Blake Slatkin, the album includes a seamless blend of genres as 24kGoldn sets out to make music reflective of today’s Gen-Z and millennials. 24kGoldn has had an incredible and highly successful year, fueled by his over 5 Billion catalogue streams and the 5x RIAA-certified Platinum hit “Mood.” The song has attained certifications in 30 countries worldwide – even breaking the pop radio record for most spins in 7 days and topping the Billboard Hot 100 at #1 for eight weeks. The breakout hit also recently received a Titanium award for 1 Billion spins on radio.

Earlier this year, Madonna and Warner Music Group joined forces for a milestone, career-spanning global partnership that includes a new agreement for her entire recorded music catalogue. With global sales of over 300 million records, Madonna is the best-selling female artist of all time, with countless accolades. Today, we see the release of the EP for her 1994 single "Take A Bow," which includes a total of 3 remixes, three instrumentals, the original version and an edited version. 2022 will mark the 40th anniversary of Madonna's recording debut. Next year will see the launch of an extensive, multi-year series of catalogue releases that will revisit the groundbreaking music that made her an international icon. For the first time, Madonna will personally curate expansive deluxe editions for many of her landmark albums and introduce unique releases for special events and much more. Warner Music's catalogue team will oversee the series of releases, led by Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music. "Take a Bow" was released on December 6, 1994. It peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 for the week of February 26, 1995. The track maintained the top spot for seven weeks in a row. "Take a Bow" also hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart for the week of February 19, 1995; the tune held firm at the top of the chart for more than two months with a nine-week run. It still stands as her longest-running #1 on the Hot 100.

More than two years after releasing his debut album, Roddy Ricch has returned with his highly-anticipated follow-up, "Live Life Fast." Featuring appearances from Future, Jamie Foxx, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Ty Dolla Sign, Gunna, Fivio Foreign, Bibi Bourelly, Takeoff, and Alex Isley, "Live Life Fast" is a star-studded affair. The production side of the record is handled by some heavy hitters, too, including Mustard, Southside, TM88, Kenny Beats, Boi-1da, and Ronny J, among others. The 25-song project is nearly all-new material from the Compton rapper; only the Mustard-produced “Late at Night” was previously available, with the single reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the lead-up to the album's release, Roddy Ricch shared a preview of the intro track with a dramatic trailer. “My OG P told me the goal in life was to have fast money, fast bitches, and fast cars. But the consequences behind that life are glory. But all fast things must slow down,” he said in the clip. “And at some point, life will force you to stop. His result was 26 years in federal prison. I’ve realized I’ve lived fast. I want to take my time. Time is the most expensive luxury in the world. It’s something you spend and never get back. But you never know how much you have left.”

Jacquees shares his new song "Land Of The Free" with 2 Chainz after going viral with his rendition of the national anthem. Produced by iMarkKeyz, Jacques "Land Of The Free" samples his now-famous runs during the Anthem as he adds a romantic vibe to the record. 2 Chainz starts off the first verse as a featured guest, understanding the assignment and kicking things off right. A week ago, the self-proclaimed "King of R&B" Jacquees went viral with his rendition of the National Anthem, which he sang at the Los Angeles Lakers game. The internet quickly made his performance into a meme, sharing funny videos of the singer's "FreeeEEEeee" vocal runs during the anthem. As 'Quees continues to find internet success with his version of the Anthem, the 27-year-old Decatur-based artist has officially come through with his new single, titled "Land Of The Free," which is remixed from the viral moment. Last year, Jacquees blessed his fans with the mixtape Exit 68, a reference to his hometown. That project saw 16 tracks with assists from FYB and Trey Songz — the latter of whom contributed to the standout track “All On You.” His last official body of work — the aptly titled "King of R&B," his second — contained 18 cuts with a slew of appearances from T.I., Tory Lanez, Quavo, Young Thug, Gunna, Summer Walker, Lil Keed, Lil Gotit, Lil Baby, and more. Future also provided vibes on the single “What They Gone Do With Me.”

This year, much of Aaliyah’s music arrived on streaming services for the first time. A posthumous album from the singer is next, and now a new single called “Poison” has been released via Blackground Records 2.0 and Empire. It features Canadian superstar The Weeknd. “Poison” is notably one of two significant features from The Weeknd to arrive on the same night. He also appears on FKA twigs’ new song “Tears in the Club,” which is out on Thursday night (December 16). It follows his recent singles with Rosalía and Post Malone. “Poison” seems to serve as the lead single from Aaliyah’s upcoming collaborations album. Aaliyah’s uncle, Blackground Records founder Barry Hankerson, announced plans to release a posthumous project Aaliyah featuring new music, including contributions from Drake, Future, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland. “It has been really nice,” Hankerson told Billboard of the new recordings. “The only part that has been a little distasteful has been so many people being angry with me because the music didn’t come out when they wanted it. But I learned to live with that. There’s nothing I can do about it.” The Weeknd sampled Aaliyah’s 2001 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 track “Rock the Boat” on his own “What You Need” from his 2012 compilation album "Trilogy." The original Baby Girl sample was finally heard in the studio recording when The Weeknd finally released his debut 2011 "House of Balloons" mixtape on streaming services in March for its 10th anniversary.

Tierra Whack is in a festive mood this holiday season because she has gifted them with more new music to fans' amazement. Whack returned with her third December project, following the three-track EPs "RAP?" and "POP?" earlier this month. Titled "R&B?" the Philadelphia artist's latest effort is a more disquieting release than both of the projects above, as she explores a significantly darker sound. The new EP’s first two songs—“Heaven” and “Cutting Onions”—were produced by J Melodic, while the EP closer “Sorry” was produced by Kenete Simms. The melancholy nature of "R&B?" is best exemplified by "Heaven," the EP's first track. The song finds Tierra Whack longing to reconnect with all of the loved ones she has lost throughout her life, and its hook is heart-wrenching. Over and over, the rapper, singer, songwriter, and poet laments, "Heaven has all of my favourite people." Although the song is somewhat repetitive, its emotional intensity doesn't take away. Intriguing visuals also accompany the track. Tierra Whack is seen holding an umbrella, rather than protecting her from the rain, unleashes the storm directly upon her. Now that she’s released three EPs in the same mode, it’ll be interesting to see whether she keeps the theme going or moves on, but one thing’s certain: It’ll be the thing she wants to do, and she will do it her way.

23-year-old London-based singer Poppy Baskcomb is a promising talent, ready to take over the crown of the electro-pop queen. An experienced songwriter and featured vocalist, who collaborated with Sonny Fodera and Mel C, releases her debut single "Teardrop," a catchy, fun, and powerful track that will become a hit. The track features '80s pop and EDM sound vibes. Poppy Baskcomb shared on social media, “It's been five years leading up to this moment, and I'm so happy to share this project with you. And who better to film this lil vid with than the two legends who helped me make it. Big love to my friends and family. Big love to my team.” Poppy describes the musical influences behind the single as a combination of Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, and Robyn. Lyrically, ‘Teardrop’ celebrates love. ‘We just had fun, combining all of our experiences from nights out and club romances,’ shares Poppy, and she doesn’t hide that she feels great about her track. ‘It’s the first song where I felt like there was a lot of me in it. And that’s why I’m so gassed to have it as my first single, and I hope everyone else is too.’ Poppy also released a lyric video to her newest single, which accurately represents her fun, colourful aesthetics and love for disco. Her nostalgic sound with a modern touch, all wrapped by a robust and unapologetic vocal, should make both Blondie and Charlie XCX proud.

Meghan Trainor has finally released the official music video for “Title," seven years after being filmed. As the Clash of the Cover Bands judge explained, the track recently blew up on TikTok, so she got the okay to share it. “Title” happens to be the title song on Trainor’s debut album, also called "Title." It was first released on her 2014 EP of the same name. Trainor filmed a music video for the song in 2014, and it was released with the "Title" special edition album the next year. However, the music video has never been available on Trainor’s YouTube channel until now. “Title” is having a moment on TikTok these days. There are currently over 14,000 videos listed featuring the song. As mentioned earlier, many of the clips feature people dancing to the lyrics, kissing their hands and then touching their rear end. "Title" has become one of TikTok's most-used songs, with 4,659 videos showcasing everyone from moms to influencers to social-media-crazed teenagers getting down to it. Earlier this week, the family of Jets player Zach Wilson even performed a choreographed dance to the tune.

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Finneas releases a new music video for his latest single, “Only A Lifetime,” where he wanders through an empty aquarium, holding onto the calm he’s become comfortably used to while in isolation. “Only A Lifetime” is one of the more reflective songs on the album, and in the new single-take video, Finneas meditates on the words as he walks through the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. He asks, “How do you know if you’ve done everything right? Is it the love you have in hand or the cash you kiss at night?” while passing groupers and anemones in their massive tanks. The song is very forward about seizing the time that we have before us, and he speaks like a comforting therapist as he sings, “So don’t waste the time you have, waiting for time to pass. It’s only a lifetime, and it’s not long enough; you’re not going to like it without any love, so don’t waste it.” Finneas recently received nominations in each Big Four category ahead of the 2022 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. This week, he was also nominated ​​for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes for “No Time To Time,” the new Bond theme song he created with Eilish and Hans Zimmer.

INNA enjoys real professional success. The artist has released a collaboration with Sean Paul titled "Up" remix. Inna hopes that the song will be among the favourites of her fans. INNA continues the series of successful collaborations, including the latest single, "Up," with Sean Paul, one of the most beloved and well-known artists in the world. Jamaican dancehall singer and rapper Sean Paul entered the global mainstream in the early 2000s with songs such as "Get Busy" from his Grammy-winning album "Dutty Rock" and "Temperature." An early supporter of the pop dancehall movement, Sean Paul collaborated with Beyonce for "Baby Boy," with Sia, Clean Bandit and Pharrell Williams. His 2018 EP "Mad Love" includes the superhits "No Lie" with Dua Lipa and "Mad Love" with David Guetta and Becky G. "I am very happy for this collaboration with Sean Paul; he is an artist that I appreciate and with whom I have often met at concerts in various parts of the world. His songs are internationally known hits, and I hope that "Up" will conquer the charts! Let's go UP! ”Said INNA. INNA launched "Up" a month and a half ago and already has over 12 million views on YouTube and is ranked 55th in the top Shazam Global, 6th in the top Shazam Dance, 2nd in the top Shazam Romania, 16th place on Shazam Turkey, 128th place on iTunes Global, 42nd place on Deezer in Romania and 20th place on entire Shazam Russia.

Illumination, Universal Pictures and Republic Records have released the "Sing 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack." It accompanies the eagerly awaited new chapter in Illumination’s blockbuster animated franchise, "Sing 2," which opens in US theatres on December 22, 2021. The soundtrack includes a new track from rock legends U2, “Your Song Saved My Life," released last month. It marks the first new music from U2 since 2019. Bono, the lead singer of U2, makes his animated film debut in "Sing 2" as the voice of Clay Calloway. The band is very familiar with creating original songs for the film, having received two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song among their many honours over the years. The Sing 2 soundtrack features three original works – U2’s “Your Song Saved My Life,” Sam i feat. Anitta, BIA & Jarina De Marco on “Suéltate,” and a record from Adam Buxton with Fancy Feelings feat. DSCOSTU entitled “Tippy Toes.” The soundtrack also features a special "Sing 2" mix of the record “Soy Yo” by Bomba Estéro as well as a cover of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from Keke Palmer ft. Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon & Tori Kelly. The soundtrack also includes additional music from the film, including contributions from superstars Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Elton John and Billie Eilish, and performances by cast members Tori Kelly, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Nick Kroll, Taron Egerton and more.

Rebecca Black is back onto the airways with hyper-pop princess Slayyyter's new track titled "Read My Mind," which has excited fans. Black has been steadily re-inventing her image after "Friday" burst onto the scene in 2011, unveiling a new ultra-stylish look and now teaming up with viral star Slayyyter. Slayyyter is known for her commitment to freshening the early 2000’s aesthetic, and Black seems to have gotten on board. Slayyyter has worked with fellow pop-princesses like Charli XCX and Kim Petras and worked with the late SOPHIE, arguably one of our generation's most significant producers and at the forefront of hyperkinetic pop, so it will be exciting to see which direction Black’s new song will take. Black's track "Friday" burst into our lives in 2011 and was streamed more than 30 million times on YouTube in the first month of its release - forever being engrained in the memories of anyone who ever listened to it. She released a remix of 'Friday' earlier this year to celebrate the song's 10th anniversary. Her voice was altered to sound more like something from "Alvin and The Chipmunks," and the music had a bit more of a techno feel to it. Rebecca has since tried to revamp her career after debuting one of the hottest tracks of the 2010s. She also has appeared on a reality TV singing competition to prove that she does have the pipes to be a star.

Noa Kirel’s unapologetic confidence shows on her new single, "Bad Little Thing," which touches on her beauty, wealth, and success; the lyrics let her boast about everything she’s proud of over a fun sax-tinged instrumental. Noa worked with hitmakers Casey Smith, DJ Swish, JHart, Nate Merchant, and Sam Martin on the track, so it’s no surprise the song is ridiculously catchy. Their credits include Jason Derulo’s "Want to Want Me," Little Mix’s ‘Power,’ Olivia Rodrigo’s "jealousy, jealousy," and YG’s "FDT." Along with the track comes a music video that has a little bit of everything: euphoria-inducing chemicals; a giant crane game, where she’s the most sought-after prize; synchronize aqua-choreography; an unintentional visual pun of the term “designer drugs”; and more eye-catching colours than an electric rainbow. Paired with the undeniable groove and Noa’s intoxicating vocals, and “Bad Little Thing” is a very, very good thing. It’s also a great introduction to those unaware of this global pop phenomenon. “Bad Little Thing” comes after Noa’s breakthrough English-language debut, “Please Don’t Suck," released over the summer. The track has the Israeli pop superstar team with production duo The Monarch, flipping the melody of The Chordettes‘ “Mr. Sandman” into a modern dance banger. It has amassed over 24.5 million views on YouTube in a few short months, proving that the English-speaking world is ready for Noa’s exciting take on pop music.

ABC’s new hip-hop musical series “Queens” officially premiered a few weeks ago, seeing Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton, and Nadine Velazquez become the fictional group Nasty Bitches, a hip-hop group from the 90’s who reunite for a second chance at fame. To date, we’ve received quite a few visuals for fans to enjoy, including “I’m That Chick,” “Nasty Girl,” “The Introduction,” “Hear Me,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Heart of Queens,” a collaboration with rapper and costar Cam’ron. Now the “Queens” cast presents the latest track released, “Until My Final Breath,” which played during an emotional scene about loss from the show is replayed as Brandy’s vocals detail thoughts of devotion. The touching lyrics focus on an unfortunate situation revolving around Brianna, aka Professor Sex, and the friendship and bond the hip-hop band members share with her. It was written by Ruby Amanfu and included additional vocals from Amanfu and her husband, Sam Ashworth. Created by Zahir McGee, all the original music in “Queens” is performed by the show’s stars at the direction of executive producer Swizz Beatz. In terms of the show’s storyline, after their popularity skyrocketed with the success of their chart-topping single, those as mentioned earlier, “Nasty Girl,” were once regarded as one of the most influential girl groups of their generation. Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and jealousy. Aside from "Queens," Brandy has recorded songs like “Somebody’s Son” with Tiwa Savage and “Euphoric” alongside Eric Bellinger.

Here is a new piano acoustic version of JC Stewart's single "Break My Heart" which he co-wrote with Niall Horan. It’s accompanied by an official video which was directed by Charlie Sarsfield who also directed the video for JC’s previous single "I Need You To Hate Me".

Grammy Award-winning R&B hitmaker NE-YO unveils the cinematic music video for his latest single, “Stay Down” [feat. Yung Bleu]. He premiered it exclusively on Facebook. NE-YO and his female accomplice pull off a smooth high-stakes heist at an upscale jewelry store in true Queen and Slim fashion. While resting after a job well done, water slowly floods their post-robbery hideaway. Along the way, the chemistry between the couple practically melts the frame. Meanwhile, Yung Bleu delivers his sizzling cameo outside between NE-YO’s fluttering and fiery hook. Next up, NE-YO will host the Urban One Honors presented by T-Mobile. The two-hour event debuts on Monday, January 17, 2022 [Martin Luther King, Jr. Day] on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One. He’s in good company sharing the stage with the evening’s recipients, including Jennifer Hudson, Timbaland, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Jermaine Dupri, to name a few. The new single from Ne-Yo follows the release of “What If” in September. It’s looking like Ne-Yo has more work up his sleeve for 2022.

You speak of a comeback every time an act starts a new music project in the K-pop industry. For example, South Korean girl gro upTWICE is already on three comebacks in 2021 alone, with two albums and an EP. This does not include the singles yet, because this year, the Korean women's group made its first English debut with the song "The Feels," and now they released their ninth new EP titled "Doughnut." The group comprises nine members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. Twice was formed under the television program "Sixteen" in 2015 and debuted on October 20, 2015, with the extended play (EP) "The Story Begins." The EP consists of two new tracks: The title track and another song called “Wonderful Day.” Instrumental versions of both are included as well. “Doughnut” comes after a successful string of releases for TWICE. In late November, the K-pop superstars released their most recent album, "Formula of Love: O+T=<3," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album’s first full English single, “The Feels,” saw TWICE make their Billboard Hot 100 debut as the song entered the chart at No. 83. “Doughnut” follows the July release of TWICE’s third Japanese album, "Perfect World." Twice rose to domestic fame in 2016 with their single "Cheer Up," which charted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, became the best-performing single of the year, and won "Song of the Year" at the Melon Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards.