Sidewalks (The Weeknd song)

"Sidewalks" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, featuring vocals from American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on November 25, 2016, as the fourth track from The Weeknd's third studio album, Starboy (2016).

The song's production was handled by Doc McKinney, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and The Weeknd himself. "Sidewalks" is characterized by its introspective lyrics, which explore themes of ambition, success, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of fame. The song details The Weeknd's journey from his humble beginnings to his current status, while also addressing the struggles and sacrifices that come with pursuing a career in the music industry. Kendrick Lamar's verse adds another layer to the narrative, reflecting on his own experiences with success and the importance of remaining grounded.

The song deviates somewhat from the predominantly R&B and pop sounds of the Starboy album, incorporating elements of alternative R&B and hip-hop. Its mellow and atmospheric production provides a backdrop for the introspective lyrics and creates a melancholic mood.

"Sidewalks" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production, lyrical content, and the contrasting vocal performances of The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar. While not released as a single, it charted in several countries based on streams and downloads, demonstrating its popularity among listeners. The song remains a popular track from the Starboy album and is often included in The Weeknd's live performances.