The Weeknd and Pop Smoke Take Home 15 Combined Billboard Music Awards

The Weeknd and Pop Smoke won big at the Billboard Music Awards, held on 5/23/2021.  After a disrespectful snubbing from the Grammy’s, The Weeknd came out the biggest winner of the night.  While the former gave the decade-defining artist zero nominations for his seminal ‘After Hours’ album, the latter came correct.  Still riding high on his Super Bowl Halftime Show hype, the excitement continues as he took home 10 awards last night!

The Weeknd Dominates Major Categories

The Weeknd won awards for Top 100 Hot Artist, Top Hot 100 song Presented by a Rockstar, Top R&B Album, Top Male Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top R&B Male Artist, Top R&B Artist, Top Radio Song, Top R&B Song, and most notably, the coveted Top Artist award.  Out of 16 nominations, this is an incredible feat.  Fans already agree that these more than make up for his Grammy snubs.

“Thank you to the fans for honoring the life and spirit of my son.”

The late but legendary Pop Smoke, real name Bashar Barakah Jackson, brought further splendor to his name with 5 wins out of 10 nominations, the second most of the night.  Smoke won Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Rap Album, Top Rap Male Artist,  Top Rap Artist, and Top New Artist.  While the king of “The Woo” couldn’t see the awards himself, his mother, Audrey Jackson, gave a beautiful and heartwarming speech.  Jackson mentions the irony that her son made music to prove that 14 year-old’s don’t need to kill to be somebody, an essential reminder of the tragedy behind the glory.

The Billboard Music Awards came through mightily for these two icons to elevate the culture and pay proper respect.  The Weeknd continues his legendary ascent while Pop Smoke’s all-too-short path continues to receive appropriate glory.  While Pop isn’t with us today, there’s no doubt that he’s buried with the crown of the King of New York.

Written by Jason Heilbronner