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| bgcolor = #000000
| bgcolor = #000000
| name = {{color|white|XO}}
| name = {{color|white|XO}}
| image = XO Records logo.png
| image = XO - 2.gif
| parent = [[Universal Music Group]]
| parent = [[Universal Music Group]]
| founded = {{start date and age|2011}}
| founded = {{start date and age|2011}}
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==History==
==History==
In 2011, [[the Weeknd]], [[Wassim Slaiby]], [[Amir Esmailian]] and [[La Mar Taylor]] founded XO as an unofficial imprint to release The Weeknd's three mixtapes; ''[[House of Balloons]]'', ''[[Thursday (album)|Thursday]]'', and ''[[Echoes of Silence]]''. The mixtapes earned the Weeknd a following and recognition from mainstream publications, and helped grow the record label's reputation through various performances, song references and business ventures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keating|first1=Lauren|title=The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm|website=Tech Times|date=November 4, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref>
In 2011, [[the Weeknd]], [[Wassim Slaiby]], [[Amir Esmailian]] and [[La Mar Taylor]] founded XO as an unofficial imprint to release the Weeknd's three mixtapes; ''[[House of Balloons]]'', ''[[Thursday (album)|Thursday]]'', and ''[[Echoes of Silence]]''. The mixtapes earned the Weeknd a following and recognition from mainstream publications, and helped grow the record label's reputation through various performances, song references and business ventures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keating|first1=Lauren|title=The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm|website=Tech Times|date=November 4, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref>


The meaning of "XO" has been debated by fans over time. Many fans argued that it means "hugs and kisses", whereas other fans argued that it stands for [[Ecstasy (drug)|ecstasy]] and [[oxycontin]]. During the Weeknd’s early uprising of his career, he would occasionally record music under the influence of drugs, stating, “There were songs on my first record that were seven minutes long."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Robert Yaniz |date=February 13, 2021 |title=Why Do The Weeknd Fans Call Themselves the 'XO Crew'? |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/why-do-the-weeknd-fans-call-themselves-the-xo-crew.html/ |access-date=December 13, 2022 |website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |language=en-US}}</ref>
The meaning of "XO" stands for [[Ecstasy (drug)|ecstasy]] and [[oxycontin]]. During the Weeknd’s early uprising of his career, he would occasionally record music under the influence of drugs, stating, "There were songs on my first record that were seven minutes long."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Robert Yaniz |date=February 13, 2021 |title=Why Do The Weeknd Fans Call Themselves the 'XO Crew'? |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/why-do-the-weeknd-fans-call-themselves-the-xo-crew.html/ |access-date=December 13, 2022 |website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |language=en-US}}</ref>


When the Weeknd signed with [[Republic Records]] in 2012, XO was assumed as a subsidiary label. In 2015, rappers [[Belly (rapper)|Belly]] and [[Derek Wise]] were signed to XO. In 2016, rapper [[Nav (rapper)|Nav]] joined the label's roster. XO signed hip hop duo [[88Glam]] in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |title=88GLAM ANNOUNCE FIRST HEADLINING CANADIAN TOUR |url=http://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/88glam-announce-first-headlining-canadian-tour/ |website=Umusic |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311091530/https://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/88glam-announce-first-headlining-canadian-tour/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> following the independent release of their [[88Glam (mixtape)|self-titled mixtape]].<ref name="88GLAMreloaded">{{cite web|last1=Berry|first1=Peter|title=88GLAM SIGN TO XO RECORDS, DROP '88GLAM: RELOADED' PROJECT|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2018/04/88glam-sign-xo-records-88glam-reloaded/|website=XXL|access-date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> The duo left the label in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gheciu |first1=Alex Nino |title=88GLAM Talk 'New Mania,' Leaving XO, and That 'Independent Flex' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/88glam-talk-new-ep-leaving-xo-going-independent |website=Complex |access-date=June 27, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629084452/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/88glam-talk-new-ep-leaving-xo-going-independent |url-status=dead }}</ref> Singer [[Black Atlass]] joined in 2018, he left the label in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=Did The Weeknd Sign R&B Singer Black Atlass To XO Records?|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/did-the-weeknd-sign-randb-singer-black-atlass-to-xo-records-news.43528.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Marsh|first1=Ryan|title=The Weeknd signs Black Atlass to XO Records|url=http://www.rapwave.net/2018/02/08/the-weeknd-signs-black-atlass-to-xo-records/|website=Rap Wave|access-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref> Singer Chxrry22 joined in 2022, becoming the first female artist signed to XO.<ref name="Pavlakos 2022">{{cite web | last=Pavlakos | first=Louis | title=Newest XO Signee Chxrry22 Releases the Other Side EP | website=Complex | date=October 3, 2022 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/chxrry22-new-ep-the-other-side | access-date=November 22, 2022}}</ref>
When the Weeknd signed with [[Republic Records]] in 2012, XO was assumed as a subsidiary label. In 2015, rappers [[Belly (rapper)|Belly]] and [[Derek Wise]] were signed to XO. In 2016, rapper [[Nav (rapper)|Nav]] joined the label's roster. XO signed hip hop duo [[88Glam]] in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |title=88GLAM ANNOUNCE FIRST HEADLINING CANADIAN TOUR |url=http://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/88glam-announce-first-headlining-canadian-tour/ |website=Umusic |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311091530/https://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/88glam-announce-first-headlining-canadian-tour/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> following the independent release of their [[88Glam (mixtape)|self-titled mixtape]].<ref name="88GLAMreloaded">{{cite web|last1=Berry|first1=Peter|title=88GLAM SIGN TO XO RECORDS, DROP '88GLAM: RELOADED' PROJECT|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2018/04/88glam-sign-xo-records-88glam-reloaded/|website=XXL|access-date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> The duo left the label in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gheciu |first1=Alex Nino |title=88GLAM Talk 'New Mania,' Leaving XO, and That 'Independent Flex' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/88glam-talk-new-ep-leaving-xo-going-independent |website=Complex |access-date=June 27, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629084452/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/88glam-talk-new-ep-leaving-xo-going-independent |url-status=dead }}</ref> Singer [[Black Atlass]] joined in 2018, he left the label in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=Did The Weeknd Sign R&B Singer Black Atlass To XO Records?|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/did-the-weeknd-sign-randb-singer-black-atlass-to-xo-records-news.43528.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Marsh|first1=Ryan|title=The Weeknd signs Black Atlass to XO Records|url=http://www.rapwave.net/2018/02/08/the-weeknd-signs-black-atlass-to-xo-records/|website=Rap Wave|access-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref> Singer Chxrry22 joined in 2022, becoming the first female artist signed to XO.<ref name="Pavlakos 2022">{{cite web | last=Pavlakos | first=Louis | title=Newest XO Signee Chxrry22 Releases the Other Side EP | website=Complex | date=October 3, 2022 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/chxrry22-new-ep-the-other-side | access-date=November 22, 2022}}</ref>
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|-
|-
|2022
|2022
|The Weeknd - ''[[Dawn FM]]''
|The Weeknd – ''[[Dawn FM]]''
* Released: January 7, 2022
* Released: January 7, 2022
* Label: XO, Republic
* Label: XO, Republic
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* RIAA certification: uncertified
* RIAA certification: uncertified
|-
|-
| 2024
| 2025
|The Weeknd - ''[[Hurry Up Tomorrow]]
|The Weeknd – ''[[Hurry Up Tomorrow]]''
* Released: 2024
* Released: January 24, 2025
* Label: XO, Republic
* Label: XO, Republic
* Formats: CD, Vinyl, Cassette, Download
* Formats: CD, vinyl, cassette, download
|
|
* Chart position: TBA
* Chart position: TBA
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[[Category:Vanity record labels]]
[[Category:Vanity record labels]]
[[Category:Republic Records]]
[[Category:Republic Records]]
[[Category:Canadian record labels]]
[[Category:Canadian hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B record labels]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B record labels]]

Latest revision as of 12:05, 13 December 2024

XO
Parent companyUniversal Music Group
Founded2011; 13 years ago (2011)
Founder
StatusActive
Distributor(s)Republic Records
Genre
Country of originCanada

XO (also known as XO Records)[1][2] is a Canadian record label founded by singer the Weeknd, his managers Wassim Slaiby and Amir "Cash" Esmailian, and his creative director La Mar Taylor.[3] Slaiby also serves as the CEO.[4] As of 2012, it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed through Republic Records.[5]

The label's current acts include the Weeknd, Belly, Nav and Chxrry22. The label has had six projects debut at number one on the Billboard 200: Beauty Behind The Madness, Starboy, My Dear Melancholy, Bad Habits, After Hours and Good Intentions, with the latter two both achieving this in the first half of 2020.[6]

History

[edit]

In 2011, the Weeknd, Wassim Slaiby, Amir Esmailian and La Mar Taylor founded XO as an unofficial imprint to release the Weeknd's three mixtapes; House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. The mixtapes earned the Weeknd a following and recognition from mainstream publications, and helped grow the record label's reputation through various performances, song references and business ventures.[7]

The meaning of "XO" stands for ecstasy and oxycontin. During the Weeknd’s early uprising of his career, he would occasionally record music under the influence of drugs, stating, "There were songs on my first record that were seven minutes long."[8]

When the Weeknd signed with Republic Records in 2012, XO was assumed as a subsidiary label. In 2015, rappers Belly and Derek Wise were signed to XO. In 2016, rapper Nav joined the label's roster. XO signed hip hop duo 88Glam in 2017,[9] following the independent release of their self-titled mixtape.[10] The duo left the label in 2020.[11] Singer Black Atlass joined in 2018, he left the label in 2022.[12][13] Singer Chxrry22 joined in 2022, becoming the first female artist signed to XO.[14]

On June 6, 2018, the Weeknd announced his new radio show Memento Mori run by the label on Apple Music 1. The first show aired on June 8, 2018, where the Weeknd would play a mixture of songs that have influenced him in the music scene. Often, he would invite his fellow XO members as well for other musicians as guests to host their own episodes in the scene to share their own taste in music. Each episode is run in the span of 2–3 hours.[15]

Roster

[edit]

Current acts

[edit]
Act Year
signed 		Releases
under the label
The Weeknd Founder 12
Belly 2015 7
Nav 2016 7
Chxrry22 2022 2

Former acts

[edit]
Act Year
signed 		Releases
under the label
88Glam 2017–2020 2
Black Atlass 2018–2022 2

In-house producers

[edit]
Act Year
Illangelo[16] 2011
DaHeala[17] 2013
DannyBoyStyles[18] 2013
Belly[18] 2013
Nav[19] 2016

Discography

[edit]

XO has officially released thirteen studio albums, four EPs, and four compilation albums (including two greatest hits albums). Unofficially, the label has released thirteen mixtapes.

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album details Details
2013 The Weeknd – Kiss Land
  • Released: September 10, 2013[20]
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, download
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
2015 The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness
  • Released: August 28, 2015[21]
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 4× Platinum
2016 The Weeknd – Starboy
  • Released: November 25, 2016[22]
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 3× Platinum
2018 Nav – Reckless
  • Released: May 18, 2018
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, download
  • Chart position: #8 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
Black Atlass – Pain and Pleasure
  • Released: July 12, 2018[23]
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
Belly – Immigrant
  • Released: October 12, 2018
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation, Republic
  • Formats: CD, download
  • Chart position: #169 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
88Glam – 88Glam2
  • Released: November 16, 2018 (initial) April 5, 2019 (2.5)
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2019 Nav – Bad Habits
  • Released: March 22, 2019
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
2020 The Weeknd – After Hours
  • Released: March 20, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, cassette, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 2× platinum
88Glam – Close to Heaven Far from God
  • Released: April 17, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
  • Cancelled, was released independently after leaving the label
Black Atlass – Dream Awake[24]
  • Released: April 3, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
Nav – Good Intentions[25]
  • Released: May 8, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, cassette, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2021 Belly – See You Next Wednesday[26]
  • Released: August 27, 2021
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download
  • Chart position: #191 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2022 The Weeknd – Dawn FM
  • Released: January 7, 2022
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, cassette, download
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2022 Nav – Demons Protected by Angels
  • Released: September 9, 2022
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Format: CD, download
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2025 The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
  • Released: January 24, 2025
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, cassette, download
  • Chart position: TBA
  • RIAA certification: TBA

EPs

[edit]
Year EP details Details
2018 The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy,
  • Released: March 29, 2018
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, download
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2019 Nav – Brown Boy[27]
  • Released: March 14, 2019
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Format: Digital download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2022 Chxrry22 – The Other Side
  • Released: September 28, 2022
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Format: Digital download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2023 Chxrry22 – Siren
  • Released: October 27, 2023
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Format: Digital download
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified

Compilation albums

[edit]
Year Album details Details
2012 The Weeknd – Trilogy
  • Released: November 13, 2012
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, download
  • Chart position: #4 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 3× Platinum
2018 The Weeknd – The Weeknd in Japan
  • Chart position: uncharted
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2021
 The Weeknd – The Highlights
  • Released: February 5, 2021
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: CD, download
  • Chart position: #2 US
  • RIAA certification: uncertified
2023 The Weeknd – Live at SoFi Stadium
  • Released: March 3, 2023
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
  • Chart position: uncertified
  • RIAA certification: uncertified

Mixtapes

[edit]
Year Album details
2011 The Weeknd – House of Balloons
  • Released: March 21, 2011
  • Label: XO
  • Formats: download
The Weeknd – Thursday
  • Released: August 18, 2011
  • Label: XO
  • Formats: download
The Weeknd – Echoes of Silence
  • Released: December 21, 2011
  • Label: XO
  • Formats: download
2015 Belly – Up For Days
  • Released: May 7, 2015
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download
2016 Belly – Another Day in Paradise
  • Released: May 27, 2016
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download
Belly – Inzombia
  • Released: November 11, 2016
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download
2017 Nav – Nav
  • Released: February 24, 2017
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
Nav and Metro Boomin – Perfect Timing
  • Released: July 21, 2017
  • Label: Boominati, XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
Belly – Mumble Rap
  • Released: October 6, 2017
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download
88Glam – 88Glam
  • Released: November 16, 2017 (initial) April 20, 2018 (re-released)
  • Label: Self-released (initial) XO, Republic (re-released)[10]
  • Formats: download
2020 Nav – Brown Boy 2
  • Released: May 11, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
Nav – Emergency Tsunami
  • Released: November 6, 2020
  • Label: XO, Republic
  • Formats: download
2023 Belly – Mumble Rap 2
  • Released: May 19, 2023
  • Label: XO, Roc Nation
  • Formats: download

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Who Is Signed To XO? Dissecting The Weeknd's Canadian Collective". Umusic. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  2. ^ "The Weeknd (@theweeknd)". Instagram. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  3. ^ "The Weeknd on the Crew That Boosted Him From 'Basically Homeless' to the Super Bowl". Billboard. 2021.
  4. ^ "XO Records CEO Wassim 'SAL' Slaiby Cancels Annual Birthday Party Due to California Wildfires". Billboard. November 15, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  5. ^ "Republic Records". universalmusic.com. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  6. ^ Caulfield, Keith (May 17, 2020). "NAV's 'Good Intentions' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  7. ^ Keating, Lauren (November 4, 2015). "The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke". Tech Times. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  8. ^ Jr, Robert Yaniz (February 13, 2021). "Why Do The Weeknd Fans Call Themselves the 'XO Crew'?". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  9. ^ "88GLAM ANNOUNCE FIRST HEADLINING CANADIAN TOUR". Umusic. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Berry, Peter. "88GLAM SIGN TO XO RECORDS, DROP '88GLAM: RELOADED' PROJECT". XXL. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  11. ^ Gheciu, Alex Nino. "88GLAM Talk 'New Mania,' Leaving XO, and That 'Independent Flex'". Complex. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  12. ^ Goddard, Kevin. "Did The Weeknd Sign R&B Singer Black Atlass To XO Records?". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  13. ^ Marsh, Ryan. "The Weeknd signs Black Atlass to XO Records". Rap Wave. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  14. ^ Pavlakos, Louis (October 3, 2022). "Newest XO Signee Chxrry22 Releases the Other Side EP". Complex. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  15. ^ Penrose, Nerisha (June 6, 2018). "The Weeknd Announces New Beats 1 Radio Show Memento Mori". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  16. ^ "The Weeknd on the Crew That Boosted Him From 'Basically Homeless' to the Super Bowl". Billboard. 2011.
  17. ^ "The Weeknd Co-Manager SAL Joins Guy Oseary's Maverick: Exclusive". Billboard. 2016.
  18. ^ a b "DannyBoyStyles, Producer for Beyonce, The Weeknd & Belly, On His Rise to Grammy Success". Billboard. 2017.
  19. ^ "Who Is Signed To XO? Dissecting The Weeknd's Canadian Collective". October 24, 2017. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  20. ^ "Kiss Land by The Weeknd on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  21. ^ "Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd on iTunes". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  22. ^ Lynch, John (September 22, 2016). "The Weeknd released a new single with Daft Punk and revealed a release date for his album". Business Insider. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  23. ^ "Pain & Pleasure by Black Atlass on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  24. ^ "Black Atlass Announces 'Dream Awake' Album". exclaim.ca. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  25. ^ "NAV ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM 'GOOD INTENTIONS'". Rap-Up. April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  26. ^ Grant, Shawn (August 21, 2021). "Belly Set to Drop 'See You Next Wednesday' Album on August 27". The Source. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  27. ^ Giulione, Bianca (March 14, 2019). "NAV's 'Brown Boy' EP Surprise Released by Cash XO". Highsnobiety. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
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