Akon

 

Akon is known as an R&B singer as well as a rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Senegal until he was about 7 years old. His family went back and forth from Senegal to the U.S. over several years, and by the time they moved to New Jersey, Akon was already 15 and spoke 3 different languages including, English, French, and Wolof. Akon first stumbled upon rap music as a teenager in high school when he attended Snyder High School in New Jersey. When he was only 15, he recorded his first song, “Operations of Nature.” Shortly afterward, Akon was arrested for armed robbery and drug distribution charges. Being in prison did not prevent Akon from working on his music career, however, if anything it gave him more time to perfect it. When Akon was released he continued to write and record songs at his home, and was eventually discovered by SRC/Universal, who liked his distinct vocals and Southern beats. His debut album Trouble was released in June 2004.

Akon was off to a great start after the singles “Locked up,” “Lonely,” and “Ghetto” became huge hits in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Germany. Although Trouble was a popular album, it was Akon's collaboration with other artists that really brought him into the limelight. In 2005 Akon was featured in Young Jeezy's song, “Soul Survivor” which appeared on the top five list of the Billboard Hot 100.

When Akon produced his second album, Konvicted, he worked with artists such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Styles P. Akon released the album in November 2006 and it included 3 huge hit singles. “Smack That,” featuring Eminem, earned the number 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 5 consecutive weeks. His second single “I Wanna Love You” featuring Snoop Dogg gave Akon his first number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. Akon's third single, “Don't Matter” was his first solo number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Akon has received great success for Konvicted; the album sold 286,000 copies in the first week it was released, and currently, the album has sold 3.6 million copies worldwide.

In 2006 Akon created his own record label called Kon Live Distribution under Interscope Records. Artists such as Chilli from TLC and Earl Ray have already signed to the label. In addition to running his own record label, Akon produced and was featured on Gwen Stefani's hit single “The Sweet Escape,” as well as Chamillionaire's hit “Ridin' Overseas.” Akon is additionally appearing on, as well as producing songs on albums from, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, DJ Khaled, Fabolous, 50 Cent, T.I., Mario, and Papoose.

Akon is exploding onto the R&B, and Hip-Hop scene. He is a successful solo artist, as well as a featured artist, an accomplished songwriter and producer. There is much more to expect from this up-and-coming artist. Akon is on top of the music world as his popularity continues to flourish.

 

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