[ Music ] Akon

About Akon

Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, often going by the shorter Aliaune Thiam(born October 14, 1981), and better known by his stage name Akon, is an American R&B singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and record executive. Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single "Lonely" 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 both Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.

Growing Up:

Akon was born in the nation of Senegal. As the son of famed jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments. At the age of 7, he moved from Africa to New Jersey. In New Jersey he took part in little music, and, instead, running with admittedly the wrong crowd, he was kicked out of school for selling weapons. At the age of 18, Akon was arrested and put in jail for a year and a half for being part of a car theft ring.

Prison Time:

During Akon’s time in jail, he began to understand his music abilities and developed an appreciation for his musical background. Akon began writing songs mostly about prison life and living in a ghetto setting. Akon saw his musical talents as a way to leave these surroundings. When he was released he immediately began recording his music and sending out demo tapes. Akon's unique blend of West African-style vocals and hip-hop lyricism eventually caught the ears of executives at Universal Records.

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.

"Lonely":

Until early 2005, Akon had not broken into the pop mainstream. “Lonely” was released as the third single from Trouble. The song became an overnight smash, landing in the top 5 of the pop singles chart and giving Akon’s debut album a large and much needed sales boost. The song sampled Bobby Vinton’s 1964 #1 hit “Mr. Lonely,” and made Akon one of the breakout artists of 2005. “Lonely” also topped the UK and Australian pop charts.

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