The Weeknd Enlists Madonna and Playboi Carti for New Idol Song “Popular”: Listen

The Weeknd, the acclaimed Canadian singer and songwriter, has once again made headlines with his latest musical endeavor. This time, he has enlisted the iconic Madonna and the talented Playboi Carti for his new song titled "Popular." The track serves as a follow-up to his collaboration with Future, titled "Double Fantasy," and is set to be featured on the soundtrack album of his HBO show, The Idol, Vol. 1, which is scheduled for release on June 30. The Weeknd co-produced the song alongside renowned producers Mike Dean and Metro Boomin. Let's delve into the details of this exciting musical collaboration.

The Creation of "Popular" and Its Presence in The Idol Soundtrack

In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, The Weeknd shared insights about the origins of "Popular." He revealed that the song initially started as a collaboration with Playboi Carti. The Weeknd had been holding onto the vocals for some time, working around them until he felt it was the right moment to bring the song to life. The addition of Madonna to the track was described by The Weeknd as the ultimate co-sign, adding prestige and significance to the song. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of The Idol soundtrack to immerse themselves in the musical world created by these talented artists.

The Weeknd's Admiration for Madonna and Their Collaborative Vision

The Weeknd expressed his longstanding desire to collaborate with Madonna and even went as far as envisioning producing an entire album with her. He described Madonna as a visionary with a unique perspective and a singular creative vision. The opportunity to work with her on "Popular" is an appetizer for what he hopes will lead to a full-fledged collaboration on a classic Madonna album. The Weeknd's admiration for Madonna's artistry and his desire to enter her world demonstrates the immense respect he has for her as an artist.

The Controversial Journey of The Idol

The Idol, the HBO show co-created by The Weeknd, Sam Levinson (creator of Euphoria), and Reza Fahim, has faced its fair share of challenges. Following a Rolling Stone exposé that revealed allegations of mishandled production and departure from the original script's feminist lens, the show experienced delays and criticism. Some crew members referred to certain aspects of the show as "sexual torture porn," further fueling the controversy. While the stars and creators of The Idol dismissed these characterizations during the press run at the Cannes Film Festival, the show's early reviews seemed to align with the concerns raised in the Rolling Stone report. Currently, The Idol holds a critics' score of 25 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the polarizing reception it has received thus far.

Playboi Carti's Legal Troubles

Playboi Carti, one of the featured artists on "Popular," faced legal troubles earlier this year. He was accused of assaulting and choking his pregnant girlfriend. However, his lawyer maintained that he was falsely accused and refuted the allegations. The incident brought negative attention to Playboi Carti and raised questions about his personal life and conduct. Despite these controversies, Playboi Carti's musical contributions remain significant and continue to garner attention from fans and critics alike.

The Weeknd's collaboration with Madonna and Playboi Carti on the song "Popular" for his HBO show, The Idol, has sparked excitement among music enthusiasts worldwide. The inclusion of these renowned artists and the creative process behind the track reflect The Weeknd's ambition to push boundaries and create exceptional music. While The Idol has faced its share of controversies, it remains an intriguing project that captures the attention of both critics and audiences. Playboi Carti's involvement in the song adds another layer of interest, albeit marred by legal troubles. As fans eagerly await the release of The Idol soundtrack, they are presented with a tantalizing taste of what is yet to come.

References:

(Pitchfork - [https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-enlists-madonna-and-playboi-carti-for-new-idol-song-popular-listen/)