The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s ‘Timeless’ Started as a Backstage Jam — Now It’s a Global Smash

The world premiere of "Timeless," the atmospheric collaboration between The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, happened not in a controlled studio environment but spontaneously during a live concert. Backstage at The Weeknd's "One Night Only" show in São Paulo, the artist—born Abel Tesfaye—suggested performing the unfinished track they had been working on that day for the stadium crowd. According to Amir "Cash" Esmailian, co-founder of The Weeknd's XO Records, this bold, on-the-spot decision instantly created massive online demand from both the live audience and livestream viewers. Republic Records executive Marleny Reyes noted the strategy of harnessing this organic buzz, stating, "For us, it’s always about following Abel’s lead. Nobody is better at organically building buzz than he is." This approach reflects a modern industry trend where a strategic live reveal can be more powerful than a traditional single rollout.

Despite its impromptu debut, "Timeless" was actually the result of a development process spanning several months. Veteran producer Mike Dean, known for his long-term work with artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott, recalls receiving an early instrumental version before any vocals were laid down. The backstage energy in São Paulo provided the final catalyst; Dean, feeling the moment was right, retrieved the file and finalized the production by adding piano chords, lead lines, and layered textures. An amusing studio clip later revealed the track's prestigious origins, when Dean asked Playboi Carti about the beat's creator and learned it was from the legendary Pharrell Williams. This detail underscores the elite nature of the collaboration, as Williams—a visionary producer and artist who co-founded the groundbreaking production duo The Neptunes—provided the song's foundational sound.

The track's hypnotic and unconventional quality was further refined by the production duo Ojivolta, comprising Mark "Oji" Williams and Raul "Volta" Cubina, alongside producer Twisco (Jarrod Morgan). Oji described working with The Weeknd, whose 2020 album 'After Hours' became a record-breaking cultural phenomenon, as a career highlight. Their collective aim, as Volta explained, was to craft "a song that resonated with the world but had an atypical structure," consciously sidestepping standard pop formulas. Twisco contributed to the immersive soundscape by blending rare analog synthesizers, such as the SOMA Lyra-08, with advanced digital processing. For Mike Dean, the seamless workflow highlighted his deep creative connection with Tesfaye. "We don’t really have to talk much anymore. It’s pure flow," Dean remarked. Industry analysts often point to such unspoken artistic synergy as a critical factor in creating music that endures beyond initial trends.

Following the recording, the task of maintaining the song's momentum fell to Republic Records and the XO label. Reyes emphasized a long-term promotional strategy, explaining, "The song has continued to thrive for well over a year. We’re always looking beyond the first day, week and month." This focus on sustained impact over a fleeting viral moment is increasingly vital in the current streaming era, where algorithmic attention spans are notoriously short. The enduring performance of "Timeless" demonstrates how a carefully orchestrated live reveal, combined with meticulous production and astute label strategy, can forge a hit with lasting cultural relevance.

The official credits for "Timeless" list a roster of top-tier talent. Songwriters include Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Jordan Terrell Carter (Playboi Carti), Pharrell Williams, Mark Williams, Raul Cubina, Tariq “BL$$D” Sharrieff, Kobe “BbyKobe” Hood, Devon Chisolm (Lawson), and Jarrod “Twisco” Morgan. Production was handled by Mike Dean, Ojivolta, Twisco, and Pharrell Williams.