The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Most of Akon's songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell's door with him uttering the word "Konvict". The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats. "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. "Locked Up" reached the top 10 in the U.S. It spawned the singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely", "Belly Dancer (Bananza)", "Pot Of Gold", and "Ghetto." The inspiration for his debut single allegedly came from his three-year stint in prison for ‘grand theft auto’. 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.Īkon's solo debut album, Trouble was released on June 29, 2004. 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." Foster and SRC CEO Steve Rifkind immediately boarded a private plane to Atlanta to meet the young artist. The songs Akon recorded with Stephens were brought to the attention of ' Universal's imprint SRC Records. 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. 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. Music career 2003–05: Discovery and Trouble Īkon's alleged three years in jail saw him begin to recognize his music abilities and develop an appreciation for his musical background. However, legal documents released by The Smoking Gun list Akon's name as Aliaune Damala Thiam and his date of birth as April 16, 1973. In regards to his birth date, Akon is very protective of it, which is the reason many media outlets have reported incorrect dates.
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In addition to the longer form, Akon's full name has been reported both as Aliaune Badara Thiam and Alioune Badara Thiam and claims that this middle name has never been independently verified. Akon is usually credited as Aliaune Thiam. However, Akon lived in Dakar, Senegal, splitting time between America and Senegal until he was in high school, when he settled permanently in Newark, NJ.Īkon has claimed in interviews that his full name is Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam and he is Muslim, he has never drunk alcohol or smoked due to his faith, although there is some ambiguity and debate about Akon's legal name and birth date. Louis, Missouri, U.S., so that he would not have to go through the immigration process. Lady Gaga and T-Pain are two artists who were given their chance at fame by Akon.Īs the son of Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments including the djembe. He has had six Grammy Awards nominations and has produced many hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis and Leona Lewis. He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. Kelly, Quincy Jones, Eminem and Whitney Houston. He has worked with numerous performers such as Michael Jackson, R. He has since founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.Īkon often sings hooks for other artists and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination of the single "Smack That". He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble. Konvict Muzik, Universal Motown Republic Group, SRC Records, UpFront Records, Kon Live DistributionĪliaune Badara Akon Thiam, better known as simply Akon (/ˈeɪkɒn/ born April 16, 1973), is a Senegalese-American hip hop & R&B recording artist and songwriter.Īccording to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008.