Akon

“When I sing, the sound comes from the mood that I am in. My records are coming straight from the heart.”

Akon, born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam on October 14, 1981, is a Senegalese-American hip hop and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single "Smack That". He is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. He is well known for singing hooks and has around 50 songs in which he is featured to his credit.

Akon once was jailed for armed robbery and drug distribution charges, and used his time in prison to work on his music. A total of five years jail, Akon says that his time incarcerated that made him what he is today.

In late 2005, his long time friend and manager Robert Montanez, who Akon referred to as a brother, was killed in a drive by shooting; the album Konvicted is dedicated to him.Akon was also in the car and was shot in the shoulder, however he made a full recovery.

Major Label Success for Akon:

When Universal signed Akon, they immediately let him lyrically embrace the rough background of his teenage years. Using this knowledge, Akon put together an album full of edgy songs about life in the hood, prison, and drug running.

This LP, titled Trouble, was released in June 2004. The album gained immediate popularity with its preceding single, “Locked Up,” a top 10 R&B hit. The second single, “Ghetto,” became another urban radio staple.