The Weeknd Admits To Taking Drugs In The Early Stages Of His Music Career


The Weeknd was recently interviewed by The Guardian and he revealed details about his encounter with drugs while trying to get his music career on track.

The Weeknd, whose real name is né Abel Tesfaye, explained how he had a rough start in life. He was raised by a single mother in Toronto, Canada and he stated that he used to feel so lonely because he did not have a father figure or brothers. The popular RNB singer provided an insight into his life through the interview which took place on December 3.

“I didn’t have a father figure in the house, no boys around. Just me and my mom,” The Weeknd explained.

Tesfaye, who is now 26-years-old, revealed that he decided to drop out of high school at the age of 17 and ventured out, leaving his mother behind. He moved into a one-bedroom Toronto suburb apartment with his friend La Mar Taylor and the two would spend most of their money on drugs including MDMA, mushrooms, cocaine, cough syrup, and ketamine. During the interview, The Weeknd told The Guardian that he believed that he could only be himself through the influence of drugs.

[Image by Peter Dejong/AP Images]

“When I had nothing to do but make music, it was very heavy. Drugs were a crutch for me. There were songs on my first record that were seven minutes long, rambling – whatever thoughts I was having when I was under the influence at the time. I can’t see myself doing that now,” revealed the superstar.

The RNB singer revealed that he depended on drugs so that he could get some ideas for his music. Though he said that his use of drugs was chronic at the time, he claims that he has left all that in the past. He admitted that he still uses recreational drugs once in a while especially when he is trying to come up with new content. He told The Guardian that he sometimes experiences writer’s block and has to get high at some point so that he can overcome it. Tesfaye claims that he did it with his latest album, “Starboy.”

[Image by Richard Shotwell/AP Images]

While The Weeknd’s story about his difficult childhood might be a shock to many, his revelation about drug abuse might not be surprising to those who have listened to his music. This is because the artist has mentioned drugs in some of his songs. When asked whether he has ever pursued any treatment for his drug abuse, the singer told The Guardian that he had not. He also explained that he thinks rehab is often a privilege of the rich, referring to the hard time he experienced while growing up.

The Weeknd further added that seeing a therapist was not something that he could afford while growing up in the streets of Toronto. He, however, appeared uneasy over the question about seeking treatment for drug abuse.

Despite his struggle with drug abuse and a rough childhood, The Weeknd is now one of the most successful musicians and continues to work hard on his career. He recently performed at Victoria’s Secret fashion show in Paris where he shared the stage with model Bella Hadid, with whom he has romantic ties. Unfortunately, the two broke up recently. He also admitted that his relationship life is quite complicated but then again he pointed out that it is never easy.

One of the most notable and recent changes about The Weeknd is that he decided to get rid of his iconic hairstyle which was quite unique and had as much popularity as the artist himself. Though The Weeknd encountered drugs at an early start, he believes that it was one of the reasons that he has gotten this far in his music career and that it allowed him to cope.

[Featured Image by Matt Sayles/AP Images]

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