Author: JD

The Weeknd used to be an enigma in R&B but now he’s a bona fide pop star. In a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine, the 25-year-old singer gets candid about his newfound fame, his relationship with girlfriend Bella Hadid and his music career. Speaking of which, his seductive ballad, “The Hills,” has spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and boasts two separates remixes featuring Eminem and Nicki Minaj. “People tell me I’m changing the culture,” he tells the mag of his current popularity. “I already can’t turn on the radio. I think I’m gonna drop one more album, one more powerful body of work, then take a little break — go to Tokyo or Ethiopia or some s—.” The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, also talked about his relationship with 19-year-old model Bella Hadid, whom he has been dating since April. “I actually asked her to be on the artwork for Beauty Behind the Madness,” he recalls. “My motive was literally to work with her.” Tesfaye also discusses his writing and recording process when it comes to his music. Although the singer is known for his moody, drug-induced sound and sexual lyrics, he insists that he actually comes with concepts and ideas. “It’s all about songs for me right now,” he states. “The production can be cool and crazy-sounding, but that’s just special effects. If you can’t strip it down and play it on piano, it’s not a good song.” The Weeknd discusses a myriad of other topics including Taylor Swift petting his uniquely-styled dreadlocks, when he lost his virginity and his friendship with fellow Toronto crooner Drake, who discovered him (“I will always be thankful. If it wasn’t for the light he shined on me, who knows where I’d be”). You can read the full interview with the Weekend at RollingStone.com.