As fans immerse themselves in The Weeknd‘s newly released album Hurry Up Tomorrow, many have questions about particular songs.
One song that has been generating a lot of buzz is track nine, “Reflections Laughing.” Some are asking about the mysterious woman who is talking in the voicemail.
“Reflections Laughing” is a nearly five-minute track featuring a verse from rapper Travis Scott and background vocals from Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine.
The track sees The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, confronting some dark thoughts that roam his mind. “I’m trapped inside a gilded cage / A golden blade I’m sharpening,” he sings.
Midway through the song, an unfamiliar voice appears as a voicemail with a message of concern.
“I know you’re up / You think I don’t know you’re staying up all night / Cooped up in that hotel room? / I know you / You still got that adrenaline from the concert / Ain’t no way you’re asleep / My girl told me she saw you in Dallas, said you didn’t look good,” she says, as her voice gets pitched down from that point.
So, who is the woman who leaves the voicemail on “Reflections Laughing”?
It’s emerging R&B singer Chxrry22 (pronounced “Cherry 22”), who is signed to The Weeknd’s XO Records.
The Toronto native, who, like The Weeknd, was born to Ethiopian parents, released her debut EP, The Other Side, in 2022.
The EP included standouts like “Wasteland” and “The Falls.”
Later in the year, Chxrry22 released her cover of The Weeknd’s “Sacrifice,” from his album Dawn FM.
In October 2023, Chxrry22 returned with her second EP, Siren. The project included the singles “More,” “Favorite Girl” featuring Offset and “Never Had This” featuring Vory.
“This project wasn’t to be sad,” Chxrry22 told Rated R&B in an interview. “I didn’t want it to be super emotional. I wanted it to be a declaration of confidence, dominance and fun. I want people to have a good time with it.”
In August 2024, she released her carefree anthem “Poppin Out (Mistakes).” The song arrived two months ahead of her joining The Weeknd as an opening act on the Australian leg of his After Hours Til Dawn Global Stadium Tour.
Chxrry22 is expected to release her new single “Just Like Me” soon. The song, possibly from her debut album, is currently available for presave.
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Circling back to “Reflections Laughing,” it’s Chxrry22’s first appearance on a song by The Weeknd, though it’s technically not a feature.
When asked about a future collaboration with The Weeknd, Chxrry22 told Rated R&B in 2022: “I think so. I think that’s in the works for sure.”
Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd’s sixth album, is the final installment of his album trilogy that began with 2020’s After Hours followed by 2022’s Dawn FM.
Later this summer, The Weeknd will head on his 2025 After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour with special guests Playboi Carti and Mike Dean.
Stream The Weeknd’s “Reflections Laughing,” with a cameo from Chrry22, on Spotify and Apple Music.
