DECODING THE SUCCESS OF THE WEEKND, PLAYBOI CARTI, AND MADONNAS HIT, POPULAR

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When The Weeknd teams up with legends like Madonna and a trendsetter like Playboi Carti,

you know the track is going to slap harder than an internet meme on a Monday. Popular,

their joint banger, is a deep dive into the glittery, and sometimes dingy, world of fame.

Weaving criticism of celebrity culture and the thirst for attention into a tapestry of

infectious beats, it’s no wonder this popular song is doing rounds in everyone’s playlist,

turning heads and twisting hips.
The article delves into the success of Popular, highlighting its ascent on music charts

and its embodiment of celebrity culture. It offers an engaging analysis of the lyrics,

the song’s impressive performance on the charts, and the captivating visuals of its music

video that have viewers constantly pressing play. It reveals how The Weeknd, Madonna,

and Playboi Carti transformed an experimental sound into a cultural phenomenon, all while

keeping an eye on its reverberations within pop culture.

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THE GENESIS OF POPULAR
The genesis of Popular marked a remarkable moment in music, with The Weeknd, Playboi Carti,

and Madonna joining forces to create this R&B hit, officially released on June 2, 2023.
The Weeknd and Playboi Carti originally came up with the song, but Madonna added an

electrifying enhancement that gave it a layer of legendary depth. Together, they wove a

compelling narrative centred around the allure and perils of fame, encapsulated in

the story of a woman’s unwavering quest for stardom, even at great personal cost.
The synergy among the trio was undeniable, sparking excitement for potential future

projects that promise to further innovate and captivate the music industry.

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THE RISE AND IMPACT OF POPULAR
Upon its release, Popular quickly climbed to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured a spot

in the UK’s top ten, showcasing its widespread appeal. The collaboration between The Weeknd,

Playboi Carti, and Madonna resonated across the globe, with the song climbing charts in

Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Beyond its chart success, Popular featured prominently on the soundtrack of the HBO drama

series The Idol. This association deepened its cultural impact, aligning the song with

the series’ exploration of fame and identity. The Weeknd’s live performances during his

After Hours til Dawn Tour and the innovative Fortnite music video premiere on, February 15,

2024, further solidified Popular as more than just a hit song. It became a moment, a movement,

a shiny jewel in the crown of the 2024 deluxe edition of the Weeknd’s greatest hits album

The Highlights (2021).
Popular is soaring up the charts with The Weeknd snagging his 16th Top 10 single, Playboi Carti breaking into the Top 10 for the first time, and Madonna making a grand re-entry with her 64th Top 10 single, her first in 15 years.

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CROSS-GENERATIONAL COLLAB
This song feels like a bridge between generations. With Popular, we’ve got the timeless Madonna, the ever-evolving Weeknd, and the fresh vibes of Playboi Carti all in one mix. This track is uniting fanbases like a pop culture peace treaty.
With every play, Popular isn’t just rising up the charts; it’s cementing The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti as icons. And the fans are here for it, with Popular grabbing a whopping 52% of the votes in a Billboard poll for favourite new music release.