Home Celebrity Viral Watch 1

7 Reasons Why "If It Ain't XO Then It Gotta Go" Is The Weeknd's Billion-Dollar Empire Motto

• minute read
Contents

The phrase "If it ain't XO then it gotta go" is more than just a catchy lyric; it is the ultimate mission statement of exclusivity, quality, and global dominance for Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Uttered in his 2016 hit song "Reminder," the line has transcended music to become the unofficial motto for his entire brand, a cultural declaration that only the highest standard is acceptable in his world—a world that, as of late 2025, continues to expand its reach across music, fashion, and film.

The sentiment behind the lyric, especially in the context of the current date, December 20, 2025, reflects the artist's uncompromising position at the top of the music industry. Following a massive $1 billion catalog partnership and the continued success of the *After Hours Til Dawn Tour*, the XO brand remains a powerhouse, cementing the idea that anything not affiliated with his high-caliber operation is simply irrelevant and must be dismissed. It’s a bold, definitive statement of supremacy.

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye): A Comprehensive Profile

The man behind the XO empire, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has built one of the most successful and critically acclaimed careers in modern music. His journey from mysterious mixtape artist to global superstar, record executive, and actor is a testament to the "XO or nothing" philosophy.

  • Full Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
  • Born: February 16, 1990
  • Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Ethnicity: Ethiopian (parents immigrated to Canada)
  • Stage Name Origin: Derived from dropping out of high school on a weekend and "leaving and never coming home," he removed the 'e' to avoid trademark issues with a Canadian band.
  • Key Genres: R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop, New Wave, Dance, Trap.
  • Signature Vocal Style: Distinctive falsetto and tenor range.
  • Debut Album: *Kiss Land* (2013), following the success of the 2011 mixtapes (*House of Balloons*, *Thursday*, *Echoes of Silence*).
  • Major Career Milestones: Multiple Grammy Awards, co-headlining the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, breaking streaming records with hits like "Blinding Lights" and "Save Your Tears," and starring in the HBO series *The Idol*.
  • Current Status (2025): Continuing his global tour and maintaining 100% ownership of future music releases following a landmark catalog deal.

The Origin and Context of the Iconic Lyric

The phrase "If it ain't XO then it gotta go" is directly pulled from the track "Reminder," a fan-favorite song from The Weeknd’s 2016 album, *Starboy*.

The "Reminder" Lyric Analysis

In "Reminder," The Weeknd is reflecting on his meteoric rise to fame and addressing the industry and critics who might have doubted his longevity. The line is delivered with a casual confidence, immediately following a boast about his success:

"I just won a new award for a kids show / Talkin' 'bout a face numbin' off a bag of blow / I'm like goddamn bitch, I am not a teen choice / If it ain't XO, then it gotta go."

  • "Kids Show" Award: This is a direct reference to his Teen Choice Award win, which he uses ironically to juxtapose his dark, adult themes with mainstream accolades.
  • The XO Ultimatum: The key message is that his brand—XO—is the only thing that matters. If a person, a project, a deal, or a piece of music doesn't align with the XO standard of quality, creativity, and loyalty, it is immediately rejected. It’s a declaration of artistic and business independence.

The lyric quickly became a rallying cry for his fanbase, the "XO Crew," and a staple of his merchandise, symbolizing loyalty to his unique sound and aesthetic. It represents a commitment to the dark, cinematic R&B that defined his early career, even as his music evolved into the pop-dance anthems of *After Hours* and *Dawn FM*.

XO Records: The Global Record Label and Lifestyle Brand

The true weight of the lyric lies in the entity it references: XO. Founded in 2011 by Abel Tesfaye, Wassim "Sal" Slaiby, Amir "Cash" Esmailian, and La Mar Taylor, XO is not just a record label; it’s a full-fledged entertainment and lifestyle company.

The Pillars of the XO Empire

The label operates as a subsidiary of Republic Records and Universal Music Group, but maintains a fierce independence in its creative direction. The success of XO is built on several key entities that embody the phrase "If it ain't XO then it gotta go":

  • XO Records Roster: The label is highly curated, focusing on a select group of artists who align with the XO aesthetic. Current acts include The Weeknd himself, Canadian rapper Belly, trap artist NAV, and rising R&B singer Chxrry22. Former acts like Derek Wise and 88Glam also contributed to the label's early sound.
  • Management & Leadership: The label's co-founder and CEO, Wassim "Sal" Slaiby, is a crucial figure. He manages The Weeknd and is a powerful force in the industry, ensuring the XO brand operates at the highest level of business and creative quality.
  • Merchandise and Fashion: The XO brand has a massive presence in streetwear. The phrase itself is frequently printed on hoodies and t-shirts, often in collaboration with major entities. In 2025, the brand continued its expansion with the release of the Summer 2025 Collection and exclusive collaborations, such as the Toronto Blue Jays World Series Legacy merch, featuring the signature "XO" wordmark.
  • Cultural Impact: The brand is synonymous with a cinematic, dark, and luxurious lifestyle, often referencing themes of excess, anonymity, and high-fashion aesthetics. This cultural identity is what fans are buying into when they adopt the "XO" motto.

The Uncompromising Standard of the XO Crew in 2025

In the current landscape of the music business, The Weeknd and his XO team are setting new benchmarks for artist control and financial success. The "If it ain't XO then it gotta go" philosophy is now a proven business model, demonstrated by recent major moves.

A Billion-Dollar Standard

The Weeknd's recent strategic moves underscore the power of his brand loyalty. While he secured a massive catalog partnership for his past work, he made sure to exclude all future music released after 2025 from the agreement. This means he maintains 100% ownership of his upcoming projects, a rare and powerful position for an artist of his stature. This decision is the ultimate embodiment of "If it ain't XO then it gotta go"—he is protecting the future value and creative control of his brand at all costs.

The global reach of the *After Hours Til Dawn Tour* in 2025, with its massive production and sold-out stadiums, further solidifies the XO standard. Every element, from the stage design to the musical arrangements, is meticulously controlled by the XO team, ensuring an unparalleled fan experience that no competitor can easily replicate.

LSI Keywords and Entities for Topical Authority

The phrase and the brand are deeply intertwined with a rich tapestry of cultural and commercial entities, confirming its topical authority:

  • Music Entities: *Starboy* album, *Dawn FM*, *After Hours*, "Blinding Lights," "The Hills," R&B trap, pop-dance.
  • Business Entities: Universal Music Group, Republic Records, Bravado (merchandise), Wassim Slaiby (CEO), Amir Esmailian (Cash).
  • Cultural Entities: Toronto, Canadian music scene, Super Bowl Halftime Show, HBO's *The Idol*, The Weeknd's signature mask/persona.

Ultimately, "If it ain't XO then it gotta go" is the sound of an artist who has achieved total creative and commercial freedom. It’s a powerful, self-referential statement that has evolved from a simple lyric into a global identifier for an entire generation of music and culture. It serves as a constant reminder that in the world of The Weeknd, only the highest level of quality, artistry, and loyalty is accepted.

7 Reasons Why
if it ain't xo then it gotta go
if it ain't xo then it gotta go

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Cristobal Nienow
  • Username : joan37
  • Email : cole.arlie@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1991-01-19
  • Address : 69680 Lia Bypass New Lesley, TN 33306
  • Phone : +13036756628
  • Company : Rogahn, Dare and Nitzsche
  • Job : Cost Estimator
  • Bio : Dolore eaque libero neque. Fuga non magnam molestias soluta deserunt. Accusamus sed aperiam voluptate dolorum necessitatibus aut sed et.

Socials

instagram:

linkedin:

facebook:

tiktok:

Random Posts