Akon

Posted on 03.3.2006

38 comment(s)

Akon
Hip Hop and R&B singer
Real name : Aliaune Thiam
Born in St. Louis, Missouri raised in Dakar, Senegal

Akon biography :

After winning music fans over with his 2003 multi-platinum debut Trouble, Senegalese singer Akon returns with more stories from his personal journey via his sophomore CD Konvicted. If Trouble was Akon’s ode to redemption (before his music career took off he served time for car theft), Konvicted picks up at rebirth. His mission now is to reinvent himself through his salvation - music.

The son of accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was introduced to varied musical styles early on. “I grew-up listening to all kinds of music. Obviously I love soul songs, but I also like mixing in other types of music,” Akon confesses. “For every Stevie Wonder track I’ve listened to, there is another by Steely Dan that helped shape me as an artist.”

Although the hit single “Locked Up” earned him street credibility, the artist’s multifaceted sensibilities are evident on his second album. Akon produced and wrote all but one song on Konvicted. The album features tracks recorded with Eminem (the first single, “Smack That”), Snoop Dogg (“I Want to Love You”) and Styles P. (who laced Akon’s debut hit single, “Locked Up”). Konvicted balances streetwise swagger, studio originality and common sense to create one of the most honest releases of 2006.

“Smack That,” is a deliriously energetic song that has all the ingredients of a masterful club banger and features the aggressive rhymes of eight-mile wordsmith Eminem. Having met Em soon after working with Obie Trice on “Snitch” (the song, which was used on the hit series CSI ; an episode Akon also appeared in), the two became fast friends. “I knew I wanted Eminem to be on the track, but he is very careful about appearing on too many other people’s songs. When he called and said he was ready to go into the studio, I knew it was a blessing. I was on the first flight to Detroit,” says Akon.

Another stand-out song on Konvicted is the anti-gangsta track “Runnin’.” Recalling the sincerity of soul legend Curtis Mayfield’s timeless Super Fly soundtrack, Akon neo-blues recalls the struggle of stepping away from the game, when he sings, “I’m tired of running from the law.” Ironically, the melodic piece was written while Akon was still doing jail time. “This is a song you can feel, because it’s that real,” Akon shares. “And, I meant every word of it.”

Working in the tradition of pioneer R. Kelly, Akon moves deftly from hard-knock stories to the dance-floor to inspirational ballads ; the verses are full of nimble sing-rapping…with Akon multi-tracking his voice to sing his own backing vocals.” “The song “Gangsta Bop” on Konvicted is a track that could definitely be in a movie,” says Akon. With its cinematic appeal and blaxploitation thrills, “Gangsta Bop” is captivating. “My goal is not to glorify street life, but gangstas are people too. They have families and children, and I’m trying to shed some light on that. I can’t tell people what not to do, but I can be a role model.” Akon also teams up with his homeboy T-Pain on the breezy “I Can’t Wait,” the singer has crafted a finger snapping funky love song that blends jazz and big beats.

Still, while Akon’s lyrics are tight, heproves to be innovative on a production level as well. Unafraid of lacing pop music elements like live piano and the zigzag of violins, the haunting ballad “Never Took the Time” is a winner. “When I’m composing songs, I try to be more to the left musically,” Akon reveals. “There is a love and passion I have for trying to create different sounds. In music right now, it’s up to the producers to push for diverse styles.”
Working out of his own Koncast Studios in Atlanta, perhaps the crowning jewel on Konvicted is the powerful “Africa.” A percussion heavy anthem “dedicated to his homeland,” Akon’s lyrics are on point as he discusses various issues from slavery to skin color. One of my goals with the song “Africa” is to make people more aware of the continent.”

Everything fell into place for Akon when Devyne Stephens, connoisseur of artist development and CEO of Upfront Entertainment began shopping Akon’s demo and immediately received several offers from major labels. “We decided to go with Steve Rifkind and SRC/Universal Motown because Steve had the best understanding of what we were trying to achieve. Together we achieved everything we wanted and more,” says Stephens.
The deal was signed in 2003 and Trouble sold more than three million units worldwide. Impressing both music critics and the disc buying public with his well-crafted R&B and unique voice, Akon has proven himself as both a brilliant storyteller and gifted musician. His unique style was a shock to the system. In a 2004 New York Times article praised him as a “groundbreaking artist.”

In addition to his break-out single “Locked Up,” which became the barbeque jam during the summer of 2004, Akon has established himself as an in-demand guest artist and record producer (Young Jeezy, R. Kelly, Obie Trice, Elton John, Daddy Yankee, Gwen Stefani). Nominated for “Hottest Hook” at the 2005 Vibe Awards, the singer’s voice on “Soul Survivor” was a shining moment for both Jeezy and Akon. “I love collaborating with other artists. There are times when I’m in the studio with someone and the chemistry just clicks” says Akon.

Since his debut release, Akon has traveled the world and collaborated with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His Konvict Music imprint, which will be distributed by Interscope Records, boasts a roster that includes T-Pain and former TLC member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. With the brilliance of Konvicted, label owner, singer, songwriter and producer Akon breaks down musical barriers while also validating his importance as a soul man for the new millennium. Like fine wine, Konvicted proves that Akon only gets better with time.

Akon discography :

Akon albums :

Akon : Konvicted (November 14, 2006)
Akon : Trouble (June 29, 2004)

Akon singles :

2007
Don’t Matter

2006
Smack That featuring Eminem
I Wanna Love You with Snoop Dogg

2005
Ghetto
Lonely
Bananza (Belly Dancer)
Pot Of Gold

2004
Locked Up featuring Styles P

Official Akon website : www.akononline.com
Official Akon Myspace : www.myspace.com/akon

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Akon, by jeremiah daniel dawang [2008-05-16 05:19:20]

hello ! akon rule the world, you are one of the best musician.what i like in you is your voice so atractive to me.i wish you should go to gospel music.i am an nigerian man from plateau state qua’anpan l g c my (a.k.a.) ALHERI.i love gospel that why i am saying you should go to gospel music.

Akon, by lon ya [2008-04-27 10:37:59]

i hate u bitch ass nigga. akon u are ugly snegalese monkey

Akon, by [2008-04-25 04:01:17]

Akon, by batool [2008-04-25 03:54:04]

hi akon my name is batool & im from kuwait. i just wanna tell you that u r my number 1 artist :) i love you

Akon, by Fay [2008-03-31 21:32:27]

Akon is 1 of the best artist out now. He is the next Tupac

Akon, by olaitan williams wunmi dino [2008-03-28 06:33:03]

i love u am up coming artist in nigeria if u can help me i will be veery happy ,my akon please help ur brother africa this is olaitan williams form nigeria

Akon, by LAKEISHA NICHOLS [2008-03-06 18:37:09]

I LOVE AKON SOOOOO MUCH AND MUSIC IS SO REAL HE IS SO REAL AND CUTE TO THAT I WANT T KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HE AND DO WHAT YOU DO AKON 1# FAN

Akon, by deffie [2008-03-02 06:17:36]

hiii friend akon its deffie-kon pls mail me on e-mail below.......i need your help on my new album coming out........i need you to feature me in album

hi akon my name is osas im a 13 year old boy i want to tell u to come to nigeria my country so dat we can act a sing song and rap contact me pls......+2348081020434

Akon, by osas [2008-02-01 12:33:38]

hi akon my name is osas im a 13 year old boy i want to tell u to come to nigeria my country so dat we can act a movie contact me pls pls. my no. is +2348052893076

Akon, by seifudin [2008-01-02 20:38:13]

we all noe Akon is da best !! but da sadest part is when Akon came to ethiopia and i didn’t get to see him !! fuck

Akon, by omna addisalem [2007-12-31 07:27:30]

you are the king of african voice.have a nice concert in ethiopa.

Akon, by vicki [2007-12-29 20:44:14]

i would like to know what the meaning is to the song losing it is.

Akon, by bright or dino j [2007-12-06 23:45:02]

hello brithers my name is bright but my friend called me dino j why am an up comeing artist and i live in nigerian and am looking fro a recording label in usa mostle konvict hey take me as ur brother ok plsssss i need to come out of this country plsssss help me am a rap also good in singin ok pssss i need ur help i have some song down bt i dont hane money fro video i shyuold have send u my video ok but i dont have i only have cd that one called damo i have now plssssssss, plssssssss,plssssssss help me i wonna be like u too [plsssss]thanks fro takein ur time readin my message i love u all take care of ur self bye

Akon, by THE GAME [2007-12-05 04:19:13]

COOL NIGGA.1 THANG ,BE CARE BECAUSE DEM WHITE FOLK IS OUT TO GET YO BLACK ASS

Akon, by muluberhan [2007-11-10 04:12:30]

I will like to say hi to akon. than I am from Ethiopia "I wish all the best to akon" If you see this mesage say same thing.

Akon, by wen-c malawi [2007-10-24 05:33:21]

sup convict,well cant take anyone else to do wat u do.rep africa to the fullests.kip the bits coming pot of gold is the most consicous track that keeps me focused on my life.

Akon, by vicki terlizzi [2007-10-20 11:18:22]

OMG AKON IS THE F**KIN BOMB HE IS HONESTLY THE BEST ARTIST HE IS FREAKIN SICK AT WHAT HE DOES AND IS VERY TALENTED NOT BAD LOOKING EITHER LOL HOLY I AM LIKE HIS BIGGEST FAN WOOT ! AKON I LOVE UUU YOUR BIGGEST FAN A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL VICKI !!!!!!! :)

Akon, by MAX [2007-10-19 10:56:41]

hey akon u r my best Artist

Akon, by dare johnson [2007-10-19 10:07:53]

l really appreciate all akon music and his unique voice.luv u akon.

Akon, by Taz all the way from uk [2007-10-19 00:12:27]

Hey Akon just thought i drop you a line saying that i think your music is so great and fantastic lyrics too, just thought you show know but in your lyrics you really turned my head to your way of thinkin and in your songs i just drift away and understand you alot you are great artist and you have got me to trouble to do with being a player i just split up with my Gf and you have help me get over my stupid biatch of an ex and feel stronger now than i ever did before for that Akon i thank you for helping me through the tuff times ive had and still having but no matter what your songs will still continue to help me i have listern to you over and over again can’t get enough of your songs i will still keep listerning to you so plz give us some more good solid songs with meaning because i think your great, . . don’t worry about what people are saying about you, just keep driving them songs out and take a piece of advice from your songs especially the song don’t let up, hey you got it right there never give up coz im behind you all the way.. hit me back just to chat if you like or to drop a line saying your doing well for yourself carry on Akon you nearly close 2 Pac in my book just keep banging out those tunes and get some more too thanks for being a star someone who talks sence in his lyrics your one of the best, piece out .... !!!!!

Akon, by ADEWUYI ADELEYE [2007-10-13 10:23:15]

I love you my brother for making us proud in Africa. keep it up. one love. PEACE !!!

Akon, by [2007-10-03 13:45:10]

hey con

Akon, by Peter Egbedeyi [2007-10-02 03:49:47]

Yo Akon , They call me Gomez from Nigeria but my real names are EGBEDEYI PETER, I WAS BORN AND BRED IN NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA. To say the truth, You’re a very good and Talented artist and your song is almost the number 1 hit song right here in Lagos nigeria with your man T-Pain, whose hit track also rains right here (BUY YOU A DRANK) Shawty snappin’. Although I am a lil boy, but if it is possible to tell you i love you, i would because you are a God gifted artist. If U can get this Commnent, kindly get back to me on Pehappy2001@yahoo.com ... That is my personal email and i hope i can be your friend. Though I am not asking you for a DIME because most people think all what africa is about is to seek for money. But I just wish we could be friends, And if you would like to speak with me on Phone. Here is my cell number +(234) 807-580-3264

Thanks

Akon, by Nough Skrilla [2007-08-29 08:29:08]

Whats good homey ?You know you got all the r&b stuff locked down aint nobody messin around you,namean ?I also wanna know when is the video you shot in GHANA comin out,i know its been a min since you trip to Ghana,holla at your Nima dude

Akon, by andy [2007-08-08 09:27:22]

dude u r so sexy and ur voice so cool i love ur songs

Akon, by HipHoppa [2007-08-01 14:25:49]

dudes voice annoys me.

Akon, by felix.alias lil jay yo [2007-08-01 10:35:09]

I want you to be my friend

Akon, by ramon [2007-07-29 12:13:18]

whats up i like that song smack that ur my number 1 fan

Akon, by nicole [2007-07-10 13:19:53]

can u come to my birthday party ???your my favorite artist and my friends love and im turning 12..give me a call if u can on my cell 973 513 2786/ask to speek to jerry about nicoles birthday party

Akon, by the devil [2007-05-26 03:11:15]

akon u r the best i luv u smake that is one of ma fav songs nd i luv dont mater

Akon, by Tam Tam [2007-04-26 13:41:56]

I’m really feeling that dont matter cuz its brings out sexy in a konvict

Akon, by sponge bob’s [2007-04-20 14:38:21]

hey akon what’s up my nigg how can u read yor comment’s people can not talke right it’s wow but any ways i love yor music speshaly smack that and other music u made but i want u to com to my birthday party it’s june 12th im in riverhead new york k i holla at u later ????

Akon, by RANDI [2007-04-16 14:55:22]

AKON, I REALLY LIKE YOU AND I LOVE UR SONG "DON’T MATTER" & "I WANT TO F*** YOU" !!! SO HOLLA AT UR GIRL LATER !!!

Akon, by audrianna zeigler [2007-04-12 15:03:41]

Hey wat is up just wanted to show u some luv to all of ur songs esp. dont matter

love always and 4ever audrianna xoxo !! $$$$$$$ ******

Akon, by jasmine lewis [2007-04-12 14:55:30]

hey sexy wuz been popin wit you i think its good what you are doing wit yo lyfe b/c some of these black boys don’t kno wat too do wit their lyfe well my words are get short ............... akon just keep your head up high and don’t let any body tell you different

Akon, by donald [2007-04-09 03:40:09]

akon you is a cool nigga up the good work

Akon, by noughskrilla,Nima-Gh. [2007-03-13 08:52:13]

Waddup Akon,this is ya african brother holdin it down in Nima,Ghana.You r definately the most hottest singer right now and you got the street shit locked down.Fuck all this peeps who’s is try na ruin the image of africa.