The Weeknd Covers R. Kelly’s Classic Ballad ‘Down Low’ [LISTEN]
The Weeknd reworks R. Kelly’s classic 1995 ballad, “Down Low.” The song premiered on OVOSOUND radio on Saturday night (Sept. 9).
The Grammy-winning singer stays true to the original lyrics with the production getting a slight upgrade with a knocking beat and downing piano groove. “Keep it on the down low / Nobody has to know,” Abel sings in his signature falsetto.
Some people might give the Weeknd the side-eye for covering an R. Kelly track considering that the Chicago singer is currently embroiled in a public scandal where he’s being accused of holding several different women hostage in an alleged sex cult.
This isn’t the first time the Weeknd has covered a song by an R&B icon. The 27-year-old crooner notably covered Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” on his 2011 effort, Echoes of Silence. He also reworked Beyonce's love anthem, "Drunk In Love" in 2014.
In the meantime, the Weekend is ready to embark on the second leg of his “Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour” with special guests Gucci Mane and NAV. The 33-city North American trek will kick off in Boston on Tuesday (Sept. 12). You can peep the Weeknd's full tour itinerary here.
Check out the Weeknd's song above.