Akon Biography

Akon, by his full name Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, is a singer, rapper, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor. He released his debut album in 2004, which spawned his breakthrough single Lonely. Furthermore, he founded two labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. His next album gained 3 Grammy nominations, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Smack That and I Wanna Love You. He is the first solo artist to occupy both first and second places simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100, twice. He collaborated with countless musical legends. Additionally, he made it into the Forbes Celebrity 100 in 2014.

Early Career and Trouble

Akon was born in Missouri but he spent most of his childhood in Senegal. His family was oriented to arts, therefore Akon learned to play five instruments during that period. Ulteriorly, he moved to New Jersey and went to school there, but did not fit in. Rumours say he spent three years in jail. Shortly after that, he was discovered by Lil’ Zane, who introduced him to a producer named Stephens. There he recorded the iconic song Lonely, which furthermore attracted SRC Records.

In 2004, Akon released his debut album, Trouble, which spawned several successful singles, among which Locked Up, Lonely and Belly Dancer (Bananza). He reached top 10 spots in the US and the UK charts with the first single. The second, Lonely, became the longest running single on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 of 2005.  The majority of the songs from the album begin with the sound of a cell door and him saying “Konvict”.

Konvicted, Freedom, Stadium

In 2006, the artist released his second album, “Konvicted”. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and received 3x platinum. The album featured major artists such as Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Actually, the first single, Smack That, with Eminem, reached second place on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination. Moreover, the next single, I Wanna Love You, with Snoop Dogg, marked his first number 1 single. In 2007, the third single, Don’t Matter, also topped the Billboard Hot 100. While the fourth single was only released in Europe, the fifth, Sorry, Blame It on Me dominated the charts worldwide.

Additionally, Akon launched his own clothing line, Konvict Clothing, featuring urban streetwear. He also produced and featured on Gwen Stefani‘s successful hit The Sweet Escape. In late 2008, Akon released Freedom, his third album. It generated 4 singles. Most noteworthy, Right Now (Na Na Na) and Beautiful (featuring Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall) received critical acclaim. Also, he produced Kardinal Offishall’s album Not 4 Sale and featured on the high-charted single Dangerous.

He also released a collaboration with Michael Jackson, Hold My Hand, which didn’t get proper promotion due to Jackson’s tragic demise. Furthermore, Akon released a tribute song Cry Out Of Joy. Akon proceeded with producing songs for other artists, such as Leona Lewis or Natalia Kills. In 2009 he released Sexy Bitch, a collaboration with David Guetta. His first house song topped the charts from several countries. In 2010, Akon performed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. In 2015, the singer announced his upcoming album, Stadium, and released 5 singles. Moreso, he revealed the album will be split up into 5 genres.

Photo source: Discogs