Drake Breaks Indie Electro/R&B Artist the Weeknd Via Twitter

Posted Mar 22nd 2011 7:30PM by Theo Bark
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Jason Merritt, Getty Images

As his Twitter account surpasses 2 million followers, Young Money rapper Drake has used his platform to introduce a new artist to his fans: indie electronic act the Weeknd.

Abel Tesfaye, the man behind the mysterious act the Weeknd, released his nine-track mixtape 'House of Balloons,' on Monday (March 21), a unique blend of lush, electro-tinged R&B with an emo-bend, over samples by bands like Beach House and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Now, thanks to Drake, he already has a legion of fans.

Though rappers have a long history of breaking artists, it's always surprising to see a prominent hip-hop figure co-sign a previously unknown singer with such a vastly different style. Whether it's a matter of hometown pride -- both Drake and the Weeknd hail from Toronto, Canada -- or simple appreciation, in either event, Drake undoubtedly brought the singer into the spotlight by tweeting lyrics from the Weeknd's 'Wicked Game,' on March 6, along with a link to a post on his site about the song.

Drake further encouraged his Twitter fans to follow the Weeknd, who had just signed up for an account, and continues to support him via retweets.

It has since been rumored that the Weeknd, Drake and producer Noah "40" Shebib will be working together in the near future, though the Weeknd was quick to note that 40 did not contribute production to his mixtape. "40 did not produce anything on this tape ... Shout outs to 40 though!!" he tweeted.