MUSIC: HOW THE WEEKND AND SAM LEVINSON BROUGHT 'THE IDOL' TO LIFE

While most people may know The Weeknd as a musician, his talents go beyond music. Most recently, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is credited as co-creator and actor on The Idol.

Sam Levinson, who is the creator of Euphoria, co-created The Idol with The Weeknd and Reza Fahim. During a new interview with W magazine, Levinson elaborated on the process of how the show came to be.

“Abel came to us with a pitch. He said something that I’ll always remember: ‘If I wanted to start a cult, I could.’ What he meant is that his fans were so loyal and devoted that they would follow him anywhere. That was the germ of the idea for The Idol: what happens when a pop star falls for the wrong guy and no one speaks up.”

The Weeknd and Depp play Tedros and Jocelyn, who are each other’s love interests. For Levinson, a chemistry test was crucial for the actors. “We had met socially, but I didn’t know him,” Depp explained to the publication. “Abel is so warm and friendly, but I was very nervous about the chemistry read because I really wanted the part. Like all my favorite on-screen couples, Jocelyn and Tedros complemented each other in the most dangerous way. They had that push-and-pull connection.”

The Idol premieres on HBO on June 4.

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ORIGINAL STORY (April 12, 2023): The Weeknd has taken to social media to share a snippet of a song from The Idol soundtrack.

“THE IDOL VOL. 1 coming soon (double fantasy & jealous guy just a taste),” he captioned the tweet, which includes a video of him in the recording studio as the song plays.

The music playing in the clip perfectly matches the dark and dramatic tone of the show. The official synopsis reads as follows: “The Idol, set against the backdrop of the music industry, centers on a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult, who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol.”

The forthcoming series stars Lily-Rose Depp as the said pop idol, Jocelyn. Meanwhile, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, plays a self-help guru and the head of the cult.

The Idol is reportedly premiering at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May followed by HBO in June.

Best New Tracks: Mozzy, Sauce Walka, E-40, Dom Kennedy, Rick Ross & More

Last week, our Best New Tracks series spotlighted new releases from Black Milk, Chynna, Caleb Giles, Vegyn, Tove Lo and more. Now, we’re highlighting the latest projects, visuals and singles from Mozzy, E-40, Rick Ross, Dom Kennedy, Sauce Walka, P-Lo, Ariel Pink, Nef the Pharaoh, Lil Pete, Shootergang Kony, Villain Park, Sweeze Don, Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Damian Lillard.

P-Lo & Mozzy – “Don’t Think”

For his latest major single, P-Lo is teaming up with Mozzy for a new single known as “Don’t Think.” Notably, “Don’t Think” serves as the follow-up to P-Lo’s July single “Going Big” and comes to us on a month after SOB X RBE dropped the video for the new single P-Lo produced for them, “Rich.” “Don’t Think” is being shared to support P-Lo’s next full-length studio project SHINE, which is scheduled to see release next week on August 16.

Rick Ross – Port of Miami II

For his 10th studio album, Rick Ross is serving up a sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2016 debut Port of Miami. Made up of 15 new tracks, the feature-heavy Port of Miami II pairs Rick Ross’ bars with verses from Nipsey Hussle, Meek Mill, Swizz Beatz, Denzel Curry, YFN Lucci, Drake, Jeezy and more. Solo highlights come courtesy of songs like “Vegas Residency.”

Dom Kennedy & OPM – Young Nation Vol. 2

Last October, Dom Kennedy debuted a new full-length solo project known as Volume Two. Now, the West Coast cult-favorite is linking up with the rest of his OPM crew for a new group album titled Young Nation Vol. 2. OPM’s Young Nation Vol. 2 LP is comprised of 18 new records, including songs with Jay 305, The Game, Quentin Miller, Niko G4, Warm Brew and more.

“We working on [OPM Vol. 2] right now because we got that same camaraderie and everybody got that same hunger and vision and that’s when it’s best,” Dom Kennedy previously told us during a recent episode of our MIC/LINE podcast series. “OPM is at its best, it’s right now. Like I feel like that era we talking about, this era is going to completely wipe that era it out.”

Villain Park – “Visions”

To support and introduce their forthcoming studio album The Recipe, Villain Park are releasing a music video for its new single “Visions.”

“Visions came from a personal place,” Villain Park share with us. “We want to let everyone know that no matter what’s going on, Villain Park will always stick to our vision and keep it real with no pressure. On this visual, we wanted to match the crazy energy that we bring on the track and take it to a higher level. We were looking to create something that no one has seen before and make people BLACK OUT.”

“Our upcoming album The Recipe releasing on August 28th is the start of a new chapter in our lives,” the up-and-coming West Coast rappers add. “Showing our fans and the world that we can create a body of work and execute something that is naturally crazy. Especially in these times in rap where a lot of people are on the same wave. It’s our recipe to life. We want to wake everybody up and leave something that can possibly change the world and create a shift in the game.”

Ariel Pink – “Stray Here With You” & “So Glad”

Ariel Pink is releasing an unreleased song known as “Stray Here with You,” and a new iteration of the 2002 Loverboy salvo “So Glad.” Notably, the two tracks are being released to support the forthcoming arrival of Mexican Summer’s new reissue series Ariel Archives, which sets out to deliver re-releases of the Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti albums Underground and Loverboy and a compilation of other unreleased records known as Oddities Sodomies Vol. 2.

Kaleta & Super Yamba Band – “Medaho”

Nigerian Afrobeat musician Kaleta’s NYC-based psych-funk group Kaleta & Super Yamba Band are planning on serving up a new full-length project on September 6. Dubbed Mèdaho, the album delivers afrofunk grooves and rhythms blended through a psychedelic filter. To introduce listeners to that unique sort of alchemy, Kaleta & Super Yamba Band are debuting the title track off their forthcoming LP.

“Mèdaho means a lot to me. It Brings back memories as a young child with a huge ambition to see the world starting form Lagos a stone throw away,” Kaleta tells us. “This song reminds me of the struggles, and most of all the fulfillment of dreams come true.”

Sweeze Don – “500 Grams”

For the latest heavy-hitter from an up-and-coming Detroit rapper, Sweeze Don adds to his city’s flood of new heat with a visual for “500 Grams.” Notably, the clip was put together by director Erik Thomas of LED Productions.

E-40 – “Goat”

For the latest Practice Makes Paper visual, E-40 is revisiting one of the LP’s opening cuts, “Goat.”

“Some of these lists seem game goofy,” E-40 shares via an official statement. “I don’t think people are including all the right things when making their lists. These lists should be inclusive of style and legendary status but also mogul status, record sales, microphone skills, uniqueness, relevancy, longevity, and consistency.”

Sauce Walka – “New Sauce City”

For his latest slice of heat, Sauce Walka serves up a visual for the Jrag-produced “New Sauce City.” This latest videos comes to us a few months after the release of clips for the Rizzoo Rizzoo collaboration “Noodles” and the Peso Peso-assisted “Didn’t Notice.”

Lil Pete – “Said & Done”

Towards the end of spring, Lil Pete revealed plans for his debut studio album HARDAWAY. The LP’s announcement was coupled with the release of its lead single, “Honest,” which allowed Lil Pete to create a record that tackled the the perils of the streets and “what goes on in them and people that live in poverty.” Now, the Bay Area artist is sharing another record off HARDAWAY, “Said & Done.”

“I worked really hard on HARDAWAY; it’s like my debut,” Lil Pete previously told us. “I Made A Promise and 4EverFocused were tapes. I spent so much time on this album. I feel like I gotta go hard and make a way.”

Nef the Pharaoh & Shootergang Kony – “Beat That Vest Up”

On August 15, Nef the Pharaoh plans on releasing a new full-length studio project titled Mushrooms & Coloring Books. For the album’s latest single, the Vallejo rapper is linking up with Sacramento star-in-the-making Shootergang Kony and fast-rising producer DTB (ALLBLACK, Offset Jim, Rexx Life Raj) for the hard-hitting “Beat That Vest Up.” Besides this contribution from Shootergang Kony, Mushrooms & Coloring Books will also feature features from SOB X RBE’s Slimmy B, Sada Baby, Tyga and others.

“This song was inspired by real life. Don’t kill nobody after listening to this song,” Nef shares in an official statement sent to FADER. “I don’t promote violence, but this tracc puts you in murder mode. It’s a real gritty song about fonk hours.”

Damian Lillard/Dame D.O.L.L.A. – Big D.O.L.L.A.

Damian Lillard continues to work on building up his musical career as Dame D.O.L.L.A. by cooking up a new full-length studio album, Big D.O.L.L.A.. Notably, the NBA superstar’s latest LP delivers 10 new tracks, including collaborations with Lil Wayne and Mozzy. Lillard’s third album as a rapper, Big D.O.L.L.A. servess as the full-length follow-up to 2017’s Confirmed.

NEW MUSIC ALERT:

Last week, we looked to new releases from A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Future, Drake and others for our previous Best New Tracks entry. This time around, we’re co-signing new videos, projects and singles from Offset, Rex Orange County, Nipsey Hussle, G Perico, Lucki, AzChike, Lil Yee, Kossisko, MemoTheMafioso, O’Way and AzBenzz. You can check out all of our picks for this week’s best new musical releases below.

Nipsey Hussle, Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy – “Racks in the Middle”

All Money In/Atlantic

Following an incredible streak of success in 2018, Nipsey Hussle serves up his first new release of 2019. Known as “Racks in the Middle,” the Los Angeles rapper’s latest features contributions from fellow West Coasters Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy.

Lucki – Freewave 3

Lucki

Continuing his Freewave series, Lucki delivers his latest full-length, Freewave 3. Supported with the Earl Sweatshirt-assisted single “All In,” the Chicago rapper’s latest project gives fans 15 new tracks to listen to, including collaborations with talented producer and close Valee collaborator CHASETHEMONEY. Lucki also keeps his new tape light on features, giving Earl Sweatshirt the lone guest spot.

“Freewave 3 & ‘Politics’ is a whole year of my life,” Lucki shared via an exclusive statement to us. “What I’m receiving & the anticipation for the project is like nothing I’ve ever got before.”

Rex Orange County – “New House”

Dan Burn-Forti

For the first time since 2017, Rex Orange County releases a new solo single. Following up “Love Is Easy,” the singer-songwriter serves up something special for Valentine’s Day, “New House.”

“I want to say thank you to everyone that is here for me now and to those who are still here from before,” Rex Orange County shared via an official statement on social media. “Life is weird and it seems like everyone has a difficult time in one way or another. The greatest things always seem to come with a level of confusion that makes it easy to question whether anything matters … with that being said, I must confirm that I still love doing this and that i’m beyond grateful for all the support I’ve been shown … Life is good. I’m happier today than I was for the majority of last year. Thea is my valentine … and whether you’re in love today or not, this one is for you, from me … Happy Valentines.”

Offset – “Red Room”

Universal Music Group, Quality Control

With his debut solo album a week away, Offset delivers its lead single, “Red Room.” Debuted via an Aisultan Seitov-directed video, the Metro Boomin-produced “Red Room” and its accompanying visual are intended to give fans a deeper insight into Offset’s life-story and the trials and tribulations he has faced along the way — including his headline-dominating car wreck.

MemoTheMafioso & O’Way – “Effortless”

MemoTheMafioso, O’Way, PlusTax

While it’s still too early to give fully-formed analysis and insight into what’s going on in San Diego’s contemporary rap scene, it’s pretty easy to see that the waves and musical movements birthed by Drakeo the Ruler and FrostyDaSnowmann have established a stronghold in the 619 region and motivated an entire generation of new rappers to hit the YouTube and SoundCloud circuits. Out of the current crop, MemoTheMafioso and O’Way stand as the best the region currently has to offer, and they combine their talents together for “Going Bad.” Also worth checking out: O’Way’s new “Chili Chasers” collaboration with SamiSideFly, which features a verse from O’Way that’s a masterclass in acrobatic, serpent-tongued slick-talk.

AzChike, Mike Sherm & GBO Lean – “Strapped Up”

ORGOODNESS5AKE/WCKDTHGHTS

The West Coast hasn’t been this strong since the ’90s, and AzChike is an easy choice for one of its next major stars. For his latest, AzChike goes to the Bay to connect with Mike Sherm and GBO Lean for “Strapped Up.” This song is shit-talking at its finest.

G Perico & Polyester the Saint – “Love Letter”

Ian Goodwin

Out of all the love songs and romantic ballads released on or around Valentine’s Day this year, G Perico definitely served up the best one. Similar hairstyles aside, this is the type of record that you could picture DJ Quik and Tony Toni Tone creating in the “Let’s Get Down” sessions.

AzBenzz – ThugzNeedLoveToo

AzCult

Right in time for Valentine’s Day week, AzBenzz releases a quickstrike EP. Clocking in at a lean three tracks, ThugzNeedLoveToo features a sole guest feature from Big $wift and additional contributions from Sal Treze, Paupa, XIA Beats, SideflowMusic, IcerMakinBangers, ThatsBigGame, Kali, RobTWO and MixedByZ.

“The real gangstas and thugs are either dead, or in jail. We, us thugs love the streets, but the streets don’t love us back. The motivation of this EP comes from real life stories that I’ve been through, things I wish I could’ve changed, and situations I wish I had handled better,” AzBenzz explained to us. “ThugzNeedLoveToo is the beginning is GUDDAR&B, that thug love. This EP is an appreciation of all women who sacrifice moments and situations in their lives for us to be loved too.

Lil Yee -”Red Eagle”

Lestyn Park

25-year-old San Francisco artist Lil Yee has already racked up millions of streams for his melodic, stylistically-diverse take on his region’s most recognizable and infectious sounds. Now, Yee is back with plans for a new studio album, Live 4 It, Die 4 It, and is introducing the effort with a video for its lead single, the Zaytoven- and Cassius Jay-produced “Red Eagle.”

The main concept is that eagles fly alone and are a rarity, similar to myself,” Lil Yee tells us, breaking down “Red Eagle.” “Red’s my favorite color. It symbolizes blood. I’m running my show, being the head of the house, taking care of my sisters and brothers, I did everything on my own. My mom’s passing was a touchy situation for the whole family. I couldn’t cry in front of my siblings because I was the one who was telling them that it was going to be alright. The weight on my shoulders on everyone, showed no weakness. The eagle do shit by itself.”

“Music is something I live for and I rap about about a lot of family is incarcerated and so in essence, I live for them too. They living for the music,” Lil Yee adds. I got a few big cousins in prison for life and I’m their inspiration. It’s a touchy subject for me and my family. That’s the one thing that keeps them lit. They say to me, ‘We look forward to listening to your music.’ It’s a reflection of my life, all the shit I’ve been through … I took my time with this tape so it’s personal to me. I really got to take my time with it and show my craft and uniqueness, coming from the Bay, everyone expects everyone to have this hyphy sound, you need an uptempo beat, I’m here to show that the Bay Area is diverse.”

Kossisko -”SUPERFICIAL”

EMPIRE

Revisiting his stellar, criminally-slept-on 2018 album LOW, Kossisko teams up with director Natalie Fält for a video in support of LP standout “SUPERFICIAL.”

“I could say this is really like my debut album,” Kossisko recently told us, breaking down his latest project and current creative direction. “I did some EPs and shit, but it wasn’t this. Now it’s dialed in, and this is what the f*ck I wanted to do. This is the first album I feel like I have ever done — even considering what I did with 100s. This is me as a person, with all my influences and everything. Now, I’m at the point where I’m like, ‘this is exactly what the f*ck I wanted to do.’”