The Weeknd rarely gives interviews, something he talked about in his recent cover story with Rolling Stone magazine. In the magazine he also talks about his celebrity friendships, including Drake, who he thanks for putting him on and admits giving half an album’s worth of music.
On Drake’s Manager Oliver Giving Him A Chance
The Weeknd: Apparently, Drake wasn’t even fucking with it at first. Oliver was the one vouching for me.
You may recall Drake and The Weeknd had a bit of a falling out a few years ago after The Weeknd did not sign to OVO. Neither party has acknowledged any “beef” however, and they’ve seemingly gotten over it. The Weeknd also said that at one point Drake was his closest friend in the industry, and still gives him credit for putting him on.
The Weeknd: I gave up almost half of my album. It’s hard. I will always be thankful—if it wasn’t for the light he shined on me, who knows where I’d be. And everything happens for a reason. You never know what I would say if this success wasn’t in front of me now.
On Why He Doesn’t Do A Lot Of Interviews
The Weeknd: Me not finishing school—in my head, I still have this insecurity when I’m talking to someone educated. I don’t want them looking at me like this fucking retard—no disrespect.
On His Influence & His Future
The Weeknd: I’m not gonna say any names, but just listen to the radio. Every song is House of Balloons 2.0. People tell me I’m changing the culture. 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 shit.
On His Trademark Hair
I want to be remembered as iconic and different. So I was like, ‘Fuck it—I’m gonna let my hair just be what it wants.’ I’ll probably cut it if it starts interfering with my sight. I can kind of see it right now. But if I cut it, I’d look like everyone else. And that’s just so boring to me.
