Grammy-award-winning super producer Timbaland is a one-of-a-kind artist, and since his emergence on the scene in the mid-1990s, the musician has gone on to achieve incredible things within the genres of R’n’B and hip-hop. From ‘Sexy Back’ to ‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder’, the Virginia act is responsible for countless chart-topping songs.
However, despite not being at the forefront of contemporary hip-hop, the beatmaker still pays attention to culture and recognises its stars. As such, it is no surprise that last year, the ‘Cry Me A River’ producer took to social media to compare one release to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
One of hip-hop’s most popular new acts is The Weeknd. The Canadian musician is known for creating anthems and has released several bodies of work. The songwriter (real name Abel Tesfaye) has a multitude of hits, from ‘Earned It’ to ‘Can’t Feel My Face.’ However, one of his biggest tracks is ‘Blinding Lights.’
Released as the lead single, ‘Blinding Lights’ dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for weeks, and the 2020 album it appears on, After Hours, became a classic, earning double-platinum certification and selling over two million copies in the US. However, this was only the beginning.
Following the release of After Hours in March of 2020, the global lockdown prevented Tesfaye from touring. As such, he began working on a new project. Subsequently, in 2022, The Weeknd released the critically acclaimed body of work, Dawn FM.
The album included interludes by Jim Carrey — who acted as the station’s host. It also featured guest appearances from the likes of Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator. Concerning its sonics, Dawn FM gave listeners a fusion of 1980s funk and electronic dance music.
Timbaland loved the project, especially the nostalgic sound it carried. As such, to express his affinity for the album, the beatmaker broadcasted an Instagram Live on which he stated, “Yo, this album different y’all. This sh*t right here, this on some Thriller sh*t,” he said. “Trust me when I tell you.”
He continued, “And the way he dropped this sh*t, yo! Congrats; this sh*t is amazing. This album is beyond great. We need a vinyl to this.” You can listen to The Weeknd’s Dawn FM below.