The Weeknd Release Collaboration With the Late Juice WRLD “Smile”
The Weeknd shook up the music world by releasing his collaboration with the late rapper Juice WRLD. The song, "Smile" is the result of the first and last time the two paired up
Photo Credit: XXL Mag
The Weeknd teased the release of the single earlier in the week posting on his Instagram page “XO + 999 Thursday night”. True to his word, the single dropped last night along with a lyric video which was posted on Juice WRLD’s YouTube page.
The song is a rap and hip hop crossover with sensitive lyrics about the rapper wanting to bring joy to someone he loves even if is means he will not be able to be in this person’s life. “I’d do anything in my power just to see you smile,” he raps.
Juice is accompanied by the Weeknd who sings verses with lyrics like “Don’t cry, Even though it means I gotta let you go/ Dependent on you gotta learn to be alone.”
The video features an artist painting a picture of Juice WRLD and then eventually moving on to paint a picture of the weekend as the lyrics flash in bold lettering at the forefront of the screen.
Before he died, Juice WRLD had hinted of a collaboration between himself and the Weeknd in a Tweet he posted last September. “Me and the Weeknd would make a diamond record,” he stated.
Juice died shortly afterwards in December of 2019 at just 21 years of age. He suffered a seizure after landing in Midway International Airport in Chicago. He was rushed to the hospital and died a few hours later. The cause of death was given as an accidental overdose of codeine and oxycodone.
Following his death, Juice continued to be successful in the music world. His posthumous album “Legends Never Die” claimed top spots on Rolling Stone’s Top 200 Albums and Artists 500 Charts in July.
The Weeknd has also had his share of success. Earlier this year he made the biggest debut of 2020 when he released his album “After Hours”. The LP ended up coming in at number one on the Top 200 Albums chart in March.
In related news, The Weeknd will also be jumping on the bandwagon of artists who are performing augmented reality concerts. His performance will be airing exclusively on Tik Tok today, August 7th in collaboration with X, Republic Records label and the virtual entertainment company Wave.
The augmented experience livestreams are meant to be more interactive and participatory. The Weeknd is using the show to raise funds for the Equal Justice Initiative and Tik Tok will match all donations made. Fans can donate directly in the app before the show airs and proceeds for exclusive merchandise promoting the concert will also go to the charity.
The Weeknd and Juice WRLD’s collaboration pays tribute to an artist that was taken too young and features a lot of new talent. Be sure to check it out when you are searching up new music this weekend.
