They Laughed When The Weeknd Dropped ‘Starboy’… Now It’s the Most Streamed Album in Black Music History

When The Weeknd released ‘Starboy’ in 2016, many critics, fans, and industry insiders were skeptical. Could an artist known for his dark, brooding R&B sound successfully pivot to something more mainstream without losing his unique identity? Fast forward to today, and ‘Starboy’ has not only proven the doubters wrong but has made history. It is now officially the most streamed album in Black music history, a monumental achievement that cements The Weeknd‘s legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Let’s take a deep dive into the journey of ‘Starboy’, from the initial doubts to its record-shattering success.

The Doubts Surrounding ‘Starboy’

When The Weeknd announced ‘Starboy’, fans were intrigued but cautious. Coming off the massive success of ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’, which included hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”, many wondered if he could replicate that success without alienating his core fanbase.

The lead single, “Starboy” featuring Daft Punk, had a very different vibe. The production was sleek, electronic, and pop-driven, a departure from the moody, atmospheric sound that had defined The Weeknd’s earlier work. Some fans embraced the evolution, while others feared he was chasing radio play at the expense of authenticity.

Critics were similarly divided. While some praised the boldness of the new direction, others questioned whether The Weeknd was losing the dark edge that had made him special. Headlines speculated whether ‘Starboy’ would mark the beginning of the end for the Canadian superstar’s reign over the charts.

The Weeknd’s Vision for ‘Starboy’

What many failed to understand at the time was that ‘Starboy’ represented more than just a shift in sound—it was part of a larger artistic vision. The Weeknd was not content to stay in one lane. He wanted to challenge himself, to blend genres, and to create a body of work that could live on in the annals of music history.

In interviews, The Weeknd described ‘Starboy’ as his way of reconciling his two musical worlds—the underground R&B scene that birthed him and the mainstream pop universe he had come to dominate. Collaborations with artists like Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, and Future allowed him to explore different sonic landscapes while remaining true to his core identity.

Record-Breaking Streaming Success

When streaming numbers for ‘Starboy’ began rolling in, it became clear that The Weeknd had struck gold. The album shattered records on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, amassing billions of streams across its tracks. Songs like “Starboy”, “I Feel It Coming”, “Party Monster”, and “Reminder” became global anthems, dominating playlists and radio stations alike.

In 2025, almost nine years after its release, ‘Starboy’ officially became the most streamed album in Black music history, surpassing previous record holders like Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, Drake’s ‘Scorpion’, and Kanye West’s ‘The Life of Pablo’. This achievement speaks not only to the album’s initial success but to its enduring popularity. New generations of listeners continue to discover and fall in love with ‘Starboy’, proving that great music truly stands the test of time.

Cultural Impact of ‘Starboy’

Beyond the numbers, ‘Starboy’ left a profound mark on popular culture. The album’s aesthetic—futuristic, sleek, and darkly glamorous—reshaped how artists approached visuals and branding. The ‘Starboy’ persona, with its cross imagery, sleek cars, and neon-drenched cityscapes, became iconic.

The collaborations on the album also reflected a new era of cross-genre pollination in Black music. The Weeknd’s work with Daft Punk blurred the lines between R&B, pop, and electronic music, setting the stage for other Black artists to experiment with genres that had previously been seen as outside the traditional scope of Black music.

Moreover, ‘Starboy’ became a symbol of transformation. The Weeknd cut his trademark dreadlocks for the album, signifying a break from his past and a bold step into the future. That image—the reborn artist, free from old constraints—resonated deeply with fans navigating their own journeys of self-reinvention.

Critical Reassessment Over Time

Interestingly, while ‘Starboy’ received mixed reviews at release, critical opinion has shifted significantly over the years. Many now see the album as ahead of its time, a visionary project that anticipated the genre-blending and globalized sounds that dominate the charts today.

Publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Billboard have revisited the album, praising its production, its cohesion, and its influence. The initial criticism that ‘Starboy’ was too polished or too pop now seems shortsighted in retrospect. Instead, critics recognize that The Weeknd was laying the groundwork for a new era of pop music—one where Black artists could be at the forefront of innovation in any genre they chose.

The Weeknd’s Legacy Cemented

With ‘Starboy’ now recognized as the most streamed album in Black music history, The Weeknd has secured his place among the greats. This achievement is about more than just numbers. It’s about the ability of music to transcend boundaries, to speak to people across cultures, and to remain relevant through changing times.

The Weeknd’s success with ‘Starboy’ has also opened doors for other Black artists to explore alternative sounds without fear of losing their audience. His willingness to take risks has broadened the definition of what Black music can be in the modern era.

What’s Next for The Weeknd?

As fans and critics alike celebrate the milestone of ‘Starboy’, all eyes are on what The Weeknd will do next. He has hinted at a new era in his career—one that might see him moving beyond music into film, television, and other creative ventures. If the success of ‘Starboy’ has taught us anything, it’s that The Weeknd thrives on evolution. He is not content to rest on his laurels.

In interviews, The Weeknd has spoken about wanting to create work that will outlive him. With ‘Starboy’, he has already achieved a level of immortality in the music world. Whatever comes next, it’s sure to be just as groundbreaking.

The Timeless Power of Starboy

In the end, ‘Starboy’ is more than an album. It’s a statement. A declaration that Black artists can and should redefine the boundaries of popular music. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the boldest artistic moves are the ones that are initially misunderstood. And it’s proof that with vision, talent, and perseverance, an artist can turn skepticism into history-making success.

So yes—they laughed when The Weeknd dropped ‘Starboy’. But now, with the album standing as the most streamed in Black music history, no one is laughing anymore. Instead, the world is listening, and will continue to listen for generations to come.