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Akon

 
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Akon

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Singer, songwriter, producer

Urban R&B singer and producer Akon was born in Senegal, and raised in New Jersey, and has proven to be one of the most interesting and unique new voices in contemporary popular music. After his debut album, Trouble, was released in 2004, Akon worked with some of the best names in hip-hop, rap and pop music, including Eminem, R. Kelly, Gwen Stefani, Young Jeezy, and Obie Trice. With two multi-platinum solo records and a bevy of featured production and vocal spots on tracks for other artists, Akon reached worldwide success with his unique music that mixed styles of everything from hip-hop and R&B to reggae and pop. "He's got a voice that cuts through the noise: a smooth, slightly nasal instrument that's one part reggae rootsman, one part Muslim call to prayer, one part R. Kelly," wrote Rolling Stone's Peter Relic.

Akon was born Aliaune Thiam in 1981 in Dakar, Senegal. After just five years Akon and his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. Raised by his parents (his father, Mor Thiam, was an accomplished jazz musician), Akon grew up immersed in a musical household. In his teens Akon discovered hip-hop and rap and also encountered the uglier side of life in Jersey City, with its violence and crime. Music was the one constant in his life. "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 stated on his website. "For every Stevie Wonder track I've listened to, there is another by Steely Dan that helped shape me as an artist."

After getting kicked out of high school, Akon relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Just as he had done in New Jersey, Akon continued to steal cars and sell them for profit. The aspiring singer ran out of luck one day after stealing a BMW and ended up in an Atlanta jail, where he served three years for grand theft auto. Upon his release, Akon began to focus on writing and recording songs. "Being a convicted felon," he told Entertainment Weekly, "I couldn't really get a job, so making music was the best [option]." Shopping around to record labels with a set of home-recorded R&B demos, in 2003 Akon secured a record deal with SRC/Universal Motown.

With a collection of songs that mixed urban R&B vocals, hip-hop beats, touches of reggae, and pop standards, Akon's debut album shaped up as an eclectic and hard-to-categorize record. On top of everything was Akon's attention-grabbing voice. In 2004 Akon released his debut album, Trouble, which All Music Guide's Johnny Loftus called "an interesting hybrid of Akon's raps and silky, West African-styled vocals with East Coast- and Southern-styled beats." Universal released two very different singles, the Top Ten hip-hop-styled track "Locked Up" and the crossover pop hit "Lonely." The hip-hop/rap market got hooked with "Locked Up," a tune that recounted Akon's time in jail. The noteworthy single "Lonely" was a hit in the pop market as well as in hip-hop/R&B. Much like Akon himself, "Lonely" was a unique mélange of styles. Akon melodically sung over a sample of 1960s crooner Bobby Vinton's memorable song "Mr. Lonely." But while Trouble's album sales were moderately successful, Akon wasn't yet a star. Since neither Akon nor his music could be pigeonholed, his career and subsequent success accelerated gradually. Few even knew that Akon was a talented producer until his profile exploded when he appeared on rapper Young Jeezy's immense 2005 hit "Soul Survivor."

With support from the hip-hop, R&B, and pop markets, Akon became an in-demand producer and guest vocalist. Artists of all genres sought to secure his production skills and vocals for their latest singles. "I think it's the distinct sound that I bring to the table. People want something different in music," Akon told Urban Connectionz. In addition to the Young Jeezy single, Akon worked on the Obie Trice single "Snitch," a remix of India.Arie's "I Am Not My Hair" and Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape" from her second solo album of the same name.

When it came time for Akon to get back to his own music, he settled in to record his sophomore album at his own Koncast Studios in Atlanta. Cautious not to feature too many special guests on his second record, Akon worked with Eminem for his new single "Smack That," and with Snoop Dogg for "I Wanna Love You." With these two smash success singles to support it, in November of 2006 Akon's new record Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard charts; the record sold more than 263,000 copies in its first week. "The new album finds the artist on the rebirth trail, but this time, more of his knack for fusing R&B/soul, hip-hop, pop, jazz, and reggae is exposed," wrote Billboard's Gail Mitchell. While it's easy to assume the album's title, Konvicted, had something to do with Akon's past legal troubles, the singer told Vibe that it had more to do with personal convictions. "I always felt like I was being convicted in some way. It was the hip-hop world that accepted me so I kept getting labeled as a rap artist. Then I got labeled a reggae artist. I have a lot of political ties with Africa, so some people thought I was a politician. People naturally assumed me to be a certain thing. It was never really let out who Akon really is."

Akon's collaboration with Eminem on Konvicted's "Smack That" earned the pair a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and by the start of 2007 Akon's solo material was appearing all over hip-hop radio stations, and his work with Stefani's "The Sweet Escape" was on the pop stations. Akon's career appears to have no boundaries. Like many contemporary pop artists, Akon has tried to spread his talent to other aspects of the industry, starting with the launch of his record label and clothing line. His Konvict Music, distributed by Interscope, planned to release a debut album by former TLC member Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.

Selected discography
Trouble, Universal, 2004.
Konvicted, Universal, 2006.

Sources
Periodicals
Billboard, November 18, 2006.
Entertainment Weekly, August 13, 2004, p. 86.

Online
"Akon," All Music Guide, http://www.allmusic.com (February 1, 2007).
Akon Official Website, http://www.akononline.com (February 1, 2007).
"Akon: A Whole New Trouble," Vibe, http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2006/10/akon_a_whole_new_trouble/ (February 1, 2007).
"The Hook Man," Rolling Stone, http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12310051/interview_akon_hiphips_preeminent_rb_singer_loves_fast_cars_phil_collins_polygamy (February 1, 2007).
Urban Connectionz, http://www.urbanconnectionz.com/Muzik/AkonKonvicted/Exclusive.html (February 1, 2006).
AMG AllMusic Guide: Pop Artists:

Akon

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  • Genres: Rhythm & Blues

Biography

Although he was born in St. Louis, MO, Aliaune Thiam -- aka Akon -- grew up in Senegal before he and his family (including his father, jazz percussionist Mor Thiam) returned to the United States and settled in New Jersey when he was seven. There he discovered hip-hop for the first time, as well as crime. He was eventually jailed but he used the time -- three years, he claimed -- to work on his musical ideas. Upon release, Akon began writing and recording tracks in a home studio. The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal, which eventually released Trouble, Akon's debut LP, in June 2004. The album was an interesting hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals with East Coast- and Southern-styled beats. The success of the song "Locked Up," a Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 hit, made Akon a star and desired collaborator. After appearing on Young Jeezy's "Soul Survivor," his number of guest appearances seemed to multiply each month. Konvicted, his second album, was released in November 2006. Soon enough, two of the album's singles, "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That," made their way to the upper regions of the Billboard charts. The surprisingly Europop-flavored Freedom, his third album, followed two years later, and it repeated Konvicted's chart success by peaking within the Top Ten of the Billboard 200. Akon subsequently maintained a relatively low profile but resurfaced in November 2010 with Akonic. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi
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Akon

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Akon

Akon arrives in Mumbai for Ra.One recording
Background information
Birth name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam
Born (1973-04-16) April 16, 1973 (age 39)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Origin Dakar, Senegal
Genres R&B, hip hop, reggae, pop
Occupations Singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, businessman
Years active 1996–present
Labels Konvict Muzik, Kon Live Distribution, Universal, SRC, UpFront
Associated acts Eminem, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Gwen Stefani, Dr. Dre, Pitbull, T pain, The Lonely Island
Website akon.com

Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1977), better known as simply Akon, is a Senegalese American R&B and hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer and businessman.[1] He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble.

He has since founded two successful record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. His second album, "Konvicted" received three nominations for the Grammy Awards in two categories, Best Contemporary R&B Album for "Konvicted" album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Smack That" and "I Wanna Love You". He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts 'twice'.[2]

Akon often sings hooks for other artists and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs. He has worked with numerous performers such as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Eminem, Whitney Houston, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and many more artists. He has had five Grammy Awards nominations and has produced many hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis, Kardinal Offishall and Leona Lewis. Lady Gaga and T-Pain are two artists who were given their chance at fame by Akon.

According to Forbes, Akon grossed $13 million in 2011, $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. Forbes ranked Akon 80th(Power Rank) in Forbes Celebrity 100; in 2010[3] and 5th in 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa list; in 2011.[4] Billboard ranked Akon No. 6 on the list of Top Digital Songs Artists of the decade.[5]

Contents

Early life

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent much of his childhood in the West African country Senegal, which he describes as his "hometown." The child of a dancer mother and a renowned percussionist father, Mor Thiam, Akon learned to play five instruments, including drums and guitar and djembe.[6] At age 7, he moved with his family to Union City, New Jersey,[7] splitting his time between the United States and Senegal until settling in Newark, New Jersey.[6] Growing up in New Jersey, Akon had difficulties getting along with other children. When he and his older brother reached high school, his parents left them on their own in Jersey City and moved the rest of the family to Atlanta, Georgia.[8]

Music career

2003–05: Discovery and Trouble

Akon's alleged three years in jail saw him begin to recognize his music abilities and develop an appreciation for his musical background. Music mogul Devyne Stephens, president of Upfront Megatainment first heard about Akon when the rapper Lil' Zane brought him along to Stephens' rehearsal hall, a place that at the time saw talents such as Usher and TLC being developed.[9] The relationship between Stephens and Akon began as a friendship and mentorship, with the young artist regularly stopping by to ask for advice, but when Akon lost his deal with Elektra Stephens signed him to his production company and began grooming him professionally.[9][10] The songs Akon recorded with Stephens were brought to the attention of Universal's imprint SRC Records.[10] In an interview with HitQuarters SRC A&R Jerome Foster said, "What caught my attention right away was "Lonely", and I said, 'this kid is official – this is a huge record."[10] Foster and SRC CEO Steve Rifkind immediately boarded a private plane to Atlanta to meet the young artist.[10] Akon knew of Foster's work as producer Knobody and so there was a mutual respect for one another and the pair hit it off.[10]

Akon's solo debut album, Trouble was released on June 29, 2004. It spawned the singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely", "Belly Dancer (Bananza)", "Pot Of Gold", and "Ghetto." "Locked Up" reached 8th position in the U.S. and 5th in the UK. "Ghetto" became a radio hit when it was remixed by DJ Green Lantern to include verses from rappers 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats. Most of Akon's songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell's door with him uttering the word "Konvict".[11]

In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. His album also climbed to number one in the UK in April 2005. When music channel The Box had a top ten weekly chart, which was calculated by the amount of video requests, Akon's "Lonely" became the longest running single on the top of the chart, spanning over fifteen weeks. Akon then released another single featuring with a New Zealand rapper, Savage with the single Moonshine, which had become a success in both New Zealand and Australia, becoming number one in the New Zealand charts. In 2005, He made his first critically acclaimed guest appearance on Young Jeezy's debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, with the song "Soul Survivor." In December the same year his manager, Robert Montanez was killed in a shooting after a dispute in New Jersey.

2006–07: Konvicted

Akon performing with Gwen Stefani on The Sweet Escape Tour.

Akon's second album, Konvicted was released on November 14, 2006. It included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. The first single "Smack That" featuring Eminem was released in August 2006 and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. "I Wanna Love You," (featuring Snoop Dogg) was the second single released in September, it would go on to earn Akon his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and Snoop's second. "I Wanna Love You" topped the U.S. charts for two consecutive weeks. In January 2007, a third single "Don't Matter" which earned him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart topper was released. "Mama Africa" was released as a European single in July 2007, making it the fourth overall single from the album reaching just 47 in the UK.
To coincide with the release of the Platinum (deluxe) edition of the album "Sorry, Blame It on Me" was the album's fifth single, debuted in August 2007 on the Hot 100 at number seven. The deluxe version was fully released on August 28, 2007. The final single was confirmed by Akon to be "Never Took the Time."[12] Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 286,000 copies in its first week. After only six weeks, Konvicted sold more than one million records in the U.S. and more than 1.3 million worldwide. The album was certified platinum after seven weeks, and after sixteen weeks it was certified double platinum. It stayed in the top twenty of the Billboard 200 for 28 consecutive weeks and peaked at number two on four different occasions. On November 20, 2007, the RIAA certified the album ‘triple platinum’ with 3 million units sold in the US. It has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.[citation needed] He has achieved gold and platinum certifications in twenty-three countries with the album .

On October 5, 2006, Akon broke a record on the Hot 100, as he achieved the largest climb in the chart's 48-year-history with "Smack That" jumping from number 95 to 7. The leap was fueled by its number six debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 downloads. The record has since been broken several times. In December 2006, Akon's "Smack That" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Justin Timberlake and T.I.'s "My Love".[citation needed]

When asked by an interviewer on MSN.com in October 2007 what his fans could expect in the future, Akon responded, "Just expect the unexpected.The fans can definitely know that I'm gonna always come a whole new way of how they saw me last And that's always been my goal—to kind of surprise them and come from a blindside angle because that's how you keep the excitement going about you. You always want to do something they would never expect you to do, and then when you do it, you do it well.[13] "

2008–09: Freedom

Akon released his new album Freedom on December 2, which spawned four singles: "Right Now (Na Na Na)", "I'm So Paid" (featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy), "Beautiful" (featuring Kardinal Offishall and Colby O'Donis) and "We Don't Care". "We Don't Care" has failed to chart significantly in many countries, only reaching 61 in the UK and 91 in Australia. After the unexpected death of The King Of Pop Michael Jackson, who Akon was working with in Jackson's last years, Akon released a tribute song called "Cry Out Of Joy". Akon & Michael Jackson were close friends near the end of Jackson's life.

Speaking of his relationship with Michael Jackson to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning 'Blues & Soul' in October 2008, Akon stated: "Mike is the King Of Pop, and I think that it's a dream come true for ANY major artist/songwriter/producer to be able to work with the best in the business! You know, to work with someone like Mike – who's created opportunities, opened doors for so many people, and achieved so much in the music world, period – is just an experience which would be enough to take home for ANYONE! I mean, when I first flew up to Vegas and met him it was almost like we'd known each other for YEARS! LITERALLY! 'Cause musically we were on the same exact page! The chemistry was just INCREDIBLE! And, as a person, he was the most cool, humble dude I've ever met! I mean, we even actually got to go to the movies together – in broad daylight! Which was an experience in itself!"[14] Freedom was certified platinum in US and achieved gold and platinum certifications in many countries .

David Guetta collaborated with Akon in "Sexy Bitch", a first house track by Akon, and has been a "summer anthem" across the globe. Reaching No. 1 in more than 6 countries, and charting at 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is featured on Guetta's One Love album. It is Akon's 19th Top 20 hit worldwide.

2010–12: Stadium

The album's lead single, "Angel", was released to US radio stations on September 14, 2010,[15] and was released as a single on September 27, 2010. It was produced by French producer David Guetta. Akon performed the song during the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.[16] Akon travelled to Jamaica to work with Damian, Julian & Stephen Marley.[17] Stadium will be released on September 11, 2012.[18]

Featured projects

  • In 2006, Akon started his new record label Kon Live Distribution under Interscope Records. His first signed artist was Ray Lavender.
  • He was featured on Gwen Stefani's latest album, The Sweet Escape. He made an appearance on the title track and second single, "The Sweet Escape." Akon produced the song. On December 10, 2006, Akon and Stefani appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, however they did not perform the song as Stefani had not yet learned the lyrics. He performed the song live, however, on American Idol on March 28, 2007 due to Gwen Stefani's appearance as a coach the night before. "The Sweet Escape" has reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Akon collaborated with Chamillionaire on his mixtape, Mixtape Messiah 2, featuring on the track “Ridin' Overseas” which he also produced. The mixtape was available for download on Chamillionaire's website from December 24, 2006.
  • In 2006, after their 2005 Akon-produced single, "Soul Survivor," the duo of Akon and Young Jeezy said that there is a lot more to expect from them in the future. The pair announced there are currently plans for a collaborative album.[19][20]
  • Akon also appeared on Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's album Strength and Loyalty and Three 6 Mafia's eighth studio album, Last 2 Walk, We The Best by DJ Khaled, Fabolous's album, From Nothin' to Somethin', with 50 Cent on some tracks for Curtis,[21] T.I.'s 5th album, T.I. vs. T.I.P.,[22] Mario's third solo album Go!,[23] and produced with Daddy Yankee" in the song called "Bring It On" on the album called El Cartel: The Big Boss which was released on June 5, 2007.[24]
  • On July 7, 2007 Akon performed at the American leg of Live Earth.
  • In November 2007, Akon recorded a remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Michael Jackson. In February 2008, the remix was released on the 25th anniversary rerelease of Michael Jackson's Thriller. Akon produced the track entitled "Echo" on Latin Boy band Menudo's latest album, released in the spring of 2008.
  • ‘Konvict Music’ would be responsible for the re-release of Kat Deluna’s debut album 9 Lives (album) which would feature Akon on the single "Am I Dreaming."
  • In July 2008 a song called "Hold My Hand" circulated the internet. The song is an R&B duet/collaboration between Michael Jackson and Akon, composed by Claude Kelly. There also exists another version featuring only Akon. It was not included in the track list for Freedom as Akon previously stated. During an interview with Tavis Smiley, Akon said that Jackson had planned on a high-profile release including a music video until the track had leaked. This is Jackson's last known song before he died on June 25, 2009. Recently[when?], Akon has finished work on the song and it will included on the upcoming posthumous album, Michael. The song itself was released as a single on November 15, 2010.
  • Akon was also the executive producer of Kardinal Offishall's fourth solo album Not 4 Sale, released September 9, 2008. The promo single "Graveyard Shift" features Akon as does the first single "Dangerous", which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won the award for Single of the Year at the 2009 Juno Awards.
  • Akon co-wrote and recorded "Put It on My Tab" with New Kids on the Block for their 2008 reunion album The Block.[25]
  • Akon co-wrote and produced Leona Lewis' hit record Forgive Me, off her debut album Spirit.
  • He is currently working with X Factor 2008 winner Alexandra Burke on her upcoming debut album.
  • Akon co-wrote Kon Live artist Lady Gaga's worldwide hit "Just Dance", which also featured Colby O'Donis, and which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 51st Grammy Awards.
  • Flo Rida’s new album R.O.O.T.S. features Akon on the track “Available”.
  • Akon has recorded a song with E-40 titled "Wake It Up" for E-40's album, The Ball Street Journal. Akon experiments with the auto-tune effect in the song.
  • Rap singer Nelly confirmed that Akon, Pharrell, and T-Pain have talked about forming a rap supergroup in 2009.[26]
  • Akon and Konvict Muzik are also producing hip hop/rock group Flipsyde's 2009 release, State of Survival, which will be released via Kon Live Distribution and Cherrytree Records.[27]
  • Akon worked with Whitney Houston for her 2009 comeback album I Look to You. He appears on the track "Like I Never Left".[28]
  • IsThereSomethingICanDo.com, launched On March 25, 2009, The social action collaboration project between the artists Peter Buffett and Akon has partnered with DoSomething.org, to coincide with the release of "Blood Into Gold". The song focused on human trafficking and featured both artists.[29]
  • In May 2009, Akon collaborated with Taiwanese artist 潘瑋柏 (Wilber Pan) and released another version of the song, Be With You.
  • Akon worked with bachata group Aventura and Reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel on All Up 2 You the second single from Aventura's album The Last that dropped in June. The song received two nominations at the Premios Lo Nuestro 2010 for "Urban Song of the Year" and "Video Collaboration of the Year".
  • Akon recently[when?] signed Jayko, a Hispanic R&B and Reggaeton artist, to his label and is working with him on his debut album titled "Marcando Territorio"
  • Sexy Bitch was released in July 2009, a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta.
  • In August 2009, Akon released another version of Beautiful featuring BoA, a popular and legendary Korean singer. However, this version was for the Japanese market.
  • Akon also sang in a song with Colby O'Donis called "What You Got".
  • In 2009 Akon collaborated with Pitbull on the single "Shut It Down" from the album "Rebelution".
  • Akon worked to help Matisyahu remix his single "One Day" on his album Light.[30]
  • In 2010 Akon collaborated with up and coming pop singer JRandall on a song entitled oo la la" which premiered on JustJared.com on October 6.
  • In 2010 he is one of over 70 artists singing on "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti", a charity single in aid of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
  • He also entered into the Indian market, working with composers Vishal-Shekhar on the soundtrack to the Bollywood action film Ra.One. The first song "Chammak Challo" has been released on YouTube[31] where he sings in the Indian language Hindi.[32][33] He also sang another song called "Criminal" for the film.
  • Akon co-produced Natalia Kills' first single, "Mirrors", from her forthcoming debut album, Perfectionist.
  • Akon, the internationally known R&B artist, recorded a song for No Labels which is now used as the organization's anthem.
  • In 2010, Akon collaborated with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on "Kush", the intended first single from Dr. Dre's forthcoming album Detox however the album's release remains up for discussion and "Kush" and "I Need a Doctor" were removed from the album.
  • in 2011 Akon signed singer/songwriter Jeffree Star & produced his first single, Prom Night!, from his forthcoming album Virginity.
  • Akon collaborated with music director duo Vishal-Shekhar and sung a song "Chammak Challo" as a part of the soundtrack for the 2011 Bollywood film Ra.One. Akon received a nomination for Best Playback Singer (male) at the 2012 Filmfare Awards for song "Chammak Challo".

Other ventures

Television and film

Akon has confirmed that a reality television show is in the works. It will be called "My Brother's Keeper" and the point is that Akon's two nearly identical brothers will go around in Atlanta posing as him fooling people into thinking that it is in fact Akon. They will try to get VIP treatment, girls and free things. Akon has claimed that people have mistaken his brothers for him many times in Atlanta which is what the show is based on.[34]

Akon is planning to work on a full-length movie titled Illegal Alien. The film is based on some of the events of his life and actor Mekhi Phifer is set to play him. Besides Akon confirmed in August 2007, in the interview with Polish website INTERIA.PL, that he works on a movie "Cocaine Cowboys," which tells the story of Jon Roberts, the main pilot of Medellin Cartel (Colombian drug traffickers).[35] He was also featured on a Verizon Wireless commercial and singing Snitch along with Obie Trice on a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode named "Poppin' Tags."

On November 30, 2007, Akon entered the Big Brother house in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 as a guest so the housemates can meet him for only 100 seconds. He also appeared on November 17, 2008 edition of WWE Raw, with Santino Marella citing him in his speech. Because of Santino's Italian Stereotyping, he mispronounced Akon's name to "Akorn".

On April 27, 2008, Akon appeared with Colby O'Donis in Dance on Sunset. On January 27, 2010, Akon performed on the Brazilian reality show Big Brother Brasil.[36]

Fashion

In February 2007, Akon launched his clothing line, Konvict Clothing. It features urban streetwear including denim jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and hats. Aliaune is the upscale version, or high-end line, for males and females, which includes blazers, denim jeans and other items. Timothy Hodge appeared on MTV's Direct Effect alongside Akon while promotioning the Konvict clothing line.[37]

Personal life

Akon claims he has six children with three different women in an interview with Blender.[38] Akon claims to have great relationships with all his children, and that he wishes to keep his family protected from the public eye. He also states that his religion made him a better person, and provides guidance to how he acts among others in life.[39]

He also has his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation.[40] Akon owns a diamond mine in South Africa and denies the existence of blood diamonds (also known as "conflict diamonds") saying, "I don't believe in conflict diamonds. That's just a movie. Think about it. Nobody thought or cared about conflict diamonds until 'Blood Diamond' was released."[41] However, he has since stated that he does accept that blood diamonds exist, and that he is partial-owner of an African mine that is dedicated to avoiding use of blood diamonds while also donating profits to local communities.[42]

"The Smoking Gun" reported in April 2008 that much of Akon's purported criminal and incarceration history has been dramatically embellished.[43][44][45] In particular, Akon's claims to be part of an auto-theft ring and his claim to have spent three years in prison were challenged with court records and interviews with detectives involved in Akon's case. According to "The Smoking Gun's" article, Akon was not convicted of any crime and did not serve any time in prison from 1999 to 2002 as previously claimed. He stated that "The Smoking Gun's" attempt to “discredit” him “makes no sense as it is something he is trying to forget.” Akon retorted that he never spent 3 years in prison consecutively, but many shorter sentences that add up to three years, and cites that as the mis-understanding by The Smoking Gun's article.[46]

Akon appeared on the ITV2 show The Hot Desk. He stated on the show that he is a fan of English Premier League club Chelsea F.C.

Legal difficulties

In April 2007, Akon drew criticism for an onstage act which included simulated sex with a 15-year-old girl, at a club in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a fake contest, despite the club's claim to have a 21 years and over age limit.[47][48] The incident was filmed by Akon's crew and later uploaded to the Internet. On April 20, 2007 local media, channel TV6, aired the video clip publicly. Amid criticism on the radio, television, and from the blogosphere, Verizon Wireless removed ringtones featuring Akon's songs. Verizon also decided not to sponsor The Sweet Escape Tour where Akon was to be the opening act for Gwen Stefani.[49] However, Universal Music Group did not take action against Akon, but rather simply ordered the video clip be removed from video-sharing site YouTube due to copyright infringement. Conservative commentator and Parents Television Council founder Brent Bozell called this "corporate irresponsibility."[50]

Political commentators Michelle Malkin, Laura Ingraham, and Bill O'Reilly criticized Akon for "degrading women."[51][52] Malkin uploaded commentary about Akon to YouTube, using footage from music videos and the Trinidad concert, and Universal Music Group then forced its removal by issuing a DMCA takedown notice.[53] The Electronic Frontier Foundation joined Malkin in contesting the removal as a misuse of copyright law, citing fair use.[54] In May 2007, UMG rescinded its claim to the video, and the video returned to YouTube.

On June 3, 2007, at WSPK's KFEST concert at the Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, New York, a concert attendee threw an object towards Akon on stage. Akon asked the crowd to identify who threw the object and that he be brought on stage. Security staff grabbed the young man and took him up to the stage. Akon then pulled him up from the crowd and hoisted him across his shoulders. The singer then tossed the attendee back into the crowd from his shoulders. Video of the incident was reviewed by Fishkill police.[55] Akon has claimed that the incident was staged and that he in fact used the act to set up for the next record.[34] Charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, were filed, according to police Chief Donald F. Williams, and Akon was arraigned on the two charges on December 3, 2007 in the town of Fishkill Court.[56]

Visa issue

March 23, 2010 – Considering the allegations against Akon, the Sri Lankan Government has decided not to issue him a visa to enter into Sri Lanka. The Jathika Bhikku Sansadaya (National Monks' Association) said that they vehemently protested the planned concert claiming his music video for Sexy Chick insulted Buddhism.[57]

Discography

Main articles: Akon discography and Akon production discography

Awards and nominations

Tours

See also

References

  1. ^ Ingolo.com: Pronunciation of Akon.
  2. ^ Bronson, Fred. "Chart Beat", Billboard Magazine, April 5, 2007.
  3. ^ "Akon". Forbes. 2012-04-18. http://www.forbes.com/profile/akon/. Retrieved 2012-04-30. 
  4. ^ Name * (2011-10-17). "Forbes releases “40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa” list | Channel O TV Online". Channelo.dstv.com. http://channelo.dstv.com/2011/10/forbes-releases-40-most-powerful-celebrities-in-africa-list/. Retrieved 2012-04-30. 
  5. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/digital-songs-artists?year=2009
  6. ^ a b Bottomley, C. "Akon: Trouble No More". VH1.com. May 2, 2005.
  7. ^ "Deep Grooves". Billboard magazine. November 4, 2006. Page 36. Retrieved at Google Books, November 3, 2011.
  8. ^ Jones, Steve (October 4, 2004). "Akon, not 'Trouble,' is his middle name". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-10-04-otv-akon_x.htm. Retrieved June 12, 2007. "Akon (real name: Allaune Thiam) is the son of acclaimed Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam, who came to the USA to tour with dancers Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey. Growing up, Akon had a hard time getting along with kids in New Jersey. When he and his older brother reached high school, his parents left them on their own in Jersey City and moved the family to Atlanta" 
  9. ^ a b "Devyne Stephens: The Secret Force Behind Akon, Usher, Diddy Speaks". Planet Ill. September 8, 2009. http://planetill.com/2009/09/devyne-stephens-the-secret-force-behind-akon-usher-diddy-speaks/. Retrieved Jul 1, 2010. 
  10. ^ a b c d e "Interview With Knobody". HitQuarters. September 27, 2005. http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_JeromeFoster.html. Retrieved Jul 1, 2010. 
  11. ^ Loftus, Johnny (2006). "Akon — Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p535592/biography. Retrieved May 8, 2008. 
  12. ^ Tang, Melisa. Akon: The Good With The Bad, BallerStatus.com, August 2, 2007.
  13. ^ interviewer on MSN.com [1].
  14. ^ "Akon interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' December 2008". Bluesandsoul.com. December 1, 2008. http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/364/out_of_akon_do_big_interviews_grow/. Retrieved July 24, 2011. 
  15. ^ http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691 Archived 22 February 2010 at WebCite
  16. ^ "Fashion Show Scoop: Akon". victoriassecret.com. October 22, 2010. http://vsallaccess.victoriassecret.com/2010/10/22/fashion-show-scoop-akon/. Retrieved February 17, 2011. 
  17. ^ "Akon in Jamaica hanging with the Marley brothers - Damien Marley". Zimbio. 2012-01-24. http://www.zimbio.com/Damien+Marley/articles/XlsNm3VHume/Akon+Jamaica+hanging+Marley+brothers. Retrieved 2012-04-30. 
  18. ^ "Stadium: Akon: Music". Amazon.com. 2009-09-09. http://www.amazon.com/Stadium-Akon/dp/B0046GDMWW. Retrieved 2012-04-30. 
  19. ^ Reid, Shaheem. Saga Of Young Jeezy, Akon Continues With Possible Duet LP, MTV News, June 15, 2006.
  20. ^ Petipas, Jolene. Young Jeezy Teams With Akon For Collabo CD, SOHH, December 7, 2006.
  21. ^ "My List: Akon". Rolling Stone, April 3, 2007.
  22. ^ Cohen, Jonathan. "T.I. Stretches Out With Eminem, Timbaland, Wyclef", Billboard, April 14, 2007.
  23. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson. "Mario Gets Back To Making Music With Akon, Timbaland, Neptunes", MTV.com, April 13, 2007.
  24. ^ Cohen, Jonathan. "Daddy Yankee Drafts Fergie, Akon For New Album", Billboard, April 3, 2007.
  25. ^ "New Kids On The Block". Nkotb.com. August 1, 2008. http://nkotb.com/blog/2008/08/donnie-talks-music. Retrieved January 2, 2010. [dead link]
  26. ^ Goldstein, Melissa (October 23, 2008). "Pharrell, T-Pain, Nelly, Akon Unite for Supergroup". Spin. http://www.spin.com/articles/pharrell-t-pain-nelly-akon-unite-supergroup. 
  27. ^ "Flipsyde's Official MySpace". http://www.myspace.com/flipsyde. 
  28. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (July 28, 2008). "Whitney & AKon Collab". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591675/20080728/houston_whitney.jhtml. Retrieved July 24, 2011. 
  29. ^ Is There Something I Can Do?, March 25, 2009, http://www.dosomething.org/istheresomethingicando, retrieved February 3, 2011 
  30. ^ Ashley Iasimone (January 15, 2010). "Matisyahu, 'One Day' (Remix) Feat. Akon – New Song". Spinner. http://www.spinner.com/2010/01/15/matisyahu-one-day-remix-feat-akon-new-song/. Retrieved June 6, 2010. 
  31. ^ "‪Wanna Be My Chamak Challo (full song) – Ra One – Akon with Lyrics‬‏". YouTube. June 2, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRyD9aBlXZs. Retrieved July 24, 2011. 
  32. ^ June 5, 2011 (June 5, 2011). "Akon Sings in Hindi for a Bollywood Movie". Axetue.com. http://axetue.com/2011/06/05/akon-sings-hindi/. Retrieved July 24, 2011. 
  33. ^ "Hip-hop meets Bollywood". Hollywood Reporter. April 16, 2010. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hip-hop-meets-bollywood-22719. Retrieved May 1, 2010. 
  34. ^ a b Sawjani, Archna. Akon: Real Talk, AllHipHop.com, August 6, 2007.
  35. ^ "Akon intensywnie", INTERIA.PL, August 28, 2007.
  36. ^ "Akon fará show na casa do `BBB 10´", A Tarde Online, February 29, 2010.
  37. ^ Winning, Brolin. "Akon – Got It Locked", MP3.com, October 23, 2006. Archived 21 July 2007 at WebCite
  38. ^ Who Does Akon Think He Is?[dead link] Blender, September 19, 2007.
  39. ^ Fraser McAlpine (February 7, 2007) Ask Akon, And Answers Arrive! BBC Radio 1 (BBC). Retrieved on April 23, 2009.
  40. ^ "Founders". Konfidence Foundation. http://konfidence.org/founders.php. 
  41. ^ Egere-Cooper, Matilda. Akon: So what if I own a diamond mine?.Independent, February 16, 2007.
  42. ^ "Akon Interview with Howard Stern part 4 of 4". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpd0N4YGfJQ&feature=quicklist&playnext=4&playnext_from=QL. 
  43. ^ Sisario, Ben (April 17, 2008). "Akon's Rap Sheet Is Revealed". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/17/arts/17arts-AKONSRAPSHEE_BRF.html. 
  44. ^ "Report: Akon Embellished Criminal History – Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment". Fox News. April 17, 2008. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351580,00.html. Retrieved January 2, 2010. 
  45. ^ Akon's Con Job, The Smoking Gun, April 16, 2008.
  46. ^ Harris, Chris (May 16, 2008). "Akon Responds To Smoking Gun Report That He Fabricated His Criminal Past: 'It Only Helps Me' – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587614/20080516/akon.jhtml. Retrieved January 2, 2010. 
  47. ^ Telesford, Nigel. Akon 'cons' Trinidad, Trinidad Express, April 14, 2007.
  48. ^ Ramnarine, Kristy. Zen owner: for club, Trinidad Express, April 20, 2007.
  49. ^ Leeds, Jeff. Verizon Drops Pop Singer From Ads, New York Times, May 10, 2007.
  50. ^ Bozell, L. Brent III. Rapper Not a "Perfect Gentleman", ParentsTV.org, May 24, 2007.
  51. ^ Malkin, Michelle. Look who’s promoting a vulgar misogynist, MichelleMalkin.com, May 3, 2007.
  52. ^ Pulse Report, SOHH.com, May 11, 2007.
  53. ^ Malkin, Michelle. "Akon's record company abuses DMCA to stifle criticism on YouTube", MichelleMalkin.com, May 3, 2007.
  54. ^ "Malkin Fights Back Against Copyright Law Misuse by Universal Music Group", Electronic Frontier Foundation, May 9, 2007.
  55. ^ Police: Akon investigation continues, Poughkeepsie Journal, August 29, 2007.
  56. ^ Akon Faces Charges, Poughkeepsie Journal, November 30, 2007.
  57. ^ No Visa to Akon Ada Derana News
  58. ^ Akon comes to region. All Africa Newswire, May 23, 2006.

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