Akon
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Akon |
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Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam [1][2], often going by the shorter Aliaune Thiam [3] (born October 14, 1981 in St. Louis, Missouri, raised in Dakar, Senegal[4]), and better known by stage name Akon, is a Grammy Award-nominated Senegalese hip-hop and R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and record executive. He is the founder of both Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.
Career
Background
Akon is the son of jazz percussionist Mor Thiam. He grew up in Senegal until he was seven, split time in Senegal and USA until he was fifteen, and then his family moved permanantly to Jersey City, New Jersey and as such he speaks English, French, and Wolof. In Jersey City he attended Snyder High School [citation needed], where he discovered hip hop music. His first song was entitled "Operations Of Nature," which he recorded at age 15. However, he was jailed three years for armed robbery and drug charges, and used his time in prison to work on his music. Upon release, Akon began writing and recording tracks in his home studio. The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal, which released Akon's debut LP "Trouble" in June 2004. The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats.
2004-2005: Trouble
Akon's solo debut album, "Trouble" was released on June 29, 2004. It spawned the hit singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely," as well as "Belly Dancer (Bananza)," "Pot Of Gold," and "Ghetto." "Locked Up" reached the top 10 in the U.S. and the top 5 in the UK, and was written after Akon served time in jail for grand theft auto. His manager Robert Montanez was shot to death following a dispute in New Jersey in December 2005. "Ghetto" became a radio hit when it was remixed to include verses from legendary rappers Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The song reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. His album also climbed to #1 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 15 weeks. It was finally beaten by James Blunt's "You're Beautiful". In 2005, Akon gained more popularity after being featured on Young Jeezy's debut album, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101", on the song "Soul Survivor" which became a top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Akon served a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, an experience that inspired his Locked Up.[5]
2006-2007: Konvicted
Akon's sophomore album, entitled "Konvicted", was released on November 14, 2006. Konvicted included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. Late August 2006, Akon released the single Smack That featuring Eminem from the album. This single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for five weeks. The video for Smack That was directed by Raymond Garced. I Wanna Love You the second single off Konvicted was released in September 2006. It is a collaboration between Akon and Snoop Dogg. This single earned Akon his first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and Snoop's second. I Wanna Love You topped the charts for two consecutive weeks. In January 2007, Akon released his third single Don't Matter which so far has reached 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Konvicted" debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 285,000 copies. After only six weeks, Konvicted sold more than one million records in the U.S. and more than 1.3 million worldwide. Konvicted has continued to stay in the top twenty of the Billboard 200 after 11 weeks, and it peaked on three consecutive weeks, not including it's debut. Currently it has sold more than 1.3 million records in the U.S. and 1.7 million worldwide.
On the week of October 5, Akon broke a record on the Hot 100, as he achieved the largest climb in the chart's 48-year-history with Smack That featuring Eminem, which rocketed from 95-7. The song's monstrous leap is fueled by its No. 6 debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 copies sold. The 88-spot jump bests the 86-4 move by Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron, and Andrew Seeley's Breaking Free in February 2006.
In 2006, Akon started his new label Kon Live Distribution under Interscope Records. The first artist to sign was Chilli from TLC. Her debut solo album "Point of View" will be released under Kon Live. Earl Ray, the next R&B sensation, has also been signed to the label.
In December 2006, Akon's Smack That was nominated for "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
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. The song was produced by him. The album was released on December 5, 2006. They performed it on Saturday Night Live on December 10, 2006.
Akon collaborated with Chamillionaire on his latest mixtape entitled, "Mixtape Messiah 2." He is featured on Ridin' Overseas, which Akon also produced. The mixtape became available for download on Chamillionaire's website as of December 24, 2006.
Akon has been spending a lot of time in interviews promoting Chilli from TLC who recently signed with Akon's Kon Live Distribution record label to release her solo debut album. The album titled "Point of View," due sometime in early 2007 includes production from Missy Elliott, Scott Storch, T-Pain, Timbaland, will.i.am and Akon himself. Former groupmate T-Boz is expected to make an appearance.
There is a strong rumour going around that a collaborative album between Akon and Young Jeezy is in the works. It may be released later this year or possibly next year. After their 2005 Akon-produced smash single, "Soul Survivor", the duo says that there is a lot more to expect from them in the future. Jeezy has stated that the album will be somewhat similar to Jay-Z and R. Kelly's The Best of Both Worlds or Unfinished Business collaborative albums. [6] [7]
Akon is set to embark on a world tour in 2007. Starting in Africa, he'll swing through Europe and then segue to the United States. There is no word yet on supporting acts, but Akon told Billboard.com, "We'll probably get the hottest act in whatever region we're in." When asked about strong rumors that he'll be collaborating with Michael Jackson, Akon just laughed, saying only, "Right now that's in the air. I can't talk about it." He offers up the same laugh and vague response when queried about working on Elton John's next album. Akon was also effusive about another upcoming collaboration: Whitney Houston. "I'm working on more uptempo records for her," he says. "She's been through a lot and has a dark history. So we've got to make the album brighter because she's come out of the cave now. She wants a celebration. She needs to come back to the old Whitney we remember." [8] [9]
Young Buck's sophomore album, "Buck the World", scheduled for release on March 20, 2007, will boast production from high profile producers such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, Lil Jon, Just Blaze, Timbaland, as well Akon. Akon is also expected to make a guest appearance on the album. XXL Magazine ranked "T.I. vs. T.I.P." the third most anticipated album of 2007.[10]
Akon is rumored to make an appearance on Papoose's major label debut album, "The Nacirema Dream". Currently the track, Go To War which Akon is featured on, is tentative. The Nacirema Dream is slated to be released March 2007.
Akon is scheduled to appear on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's upcomming album "Strength and Loyalty". He may be featured on the album's lead single entitled I Tried, which will be released on February 8, 2007. He is also rumoured to be featured on the second single as well, which is Never Forget Me. Akon has also done production work for their album. The album will be released on April 17, 2007.
"Not for Sale", Kardinal Offishall's fourth solo album, and his first as a member of Akon's Konvict Muzik is scheduled for release in early 2007. The Toronto-based rapper's album will feature established artists such as Lil' Wayne, De La Soul, Clipse, Rihanna and Stat Quo. It is confirmed that Akon will be the executive producer of the album.
Three 6 Mafia's eight studio album, "Da Last 2 Walk" is expected to feature guest appearances by Akon in addition to appearances from T.I., Paul Wall, Lil' Scrappy, Young Buck and more. It will be released Spring 2007.
"T.I. vs. T.I.P." is the upcoming album by rapper T.I.. It is currently intended to be released in Summer 2007. Guests will include Young Dro, Big Kuntry, Young Jeezy, B.G., Justin Timberlake, Governor, Eminem, Young Buck, Ludacris, Akon and many others. This will be a double album. One CD is rapped by T.I. the other by T.I.P.. XXL Magazine ranked "T.I. vs. T.I.P." the second most anticipated album of 2007.[11]
Akon is rumoured to be featured on Juvenile's upcoming album, entitled "Diary of a Soulja". The Verdict and I'm So Fly are two tracks that Akon is featured on and may make the album. Expect "Diary of a Soulja" to be released during the third quarter of 2007.
"R&M: Rhythem & Music", the sophomore album by T-Pain will be executively produced by Akon. It album is expected to be released sometime in 2007.
Upcoming Aftermath rapper, G.A.G.E. will release his debut solo album, "The Soundtrack To My Life" sometime in 2007 and is expected to feature production from Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Cool & Dre as well as others. The album can expect to have appearances from Akon, Busta Rhymes, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, T.I., and many more.
Film
Akon is also planning to work on a full-length movie about his life. The title has been confirmed as Illegal Alien [4], and the release date is unknown at the time.
Fashion
In February 2007, Akon's clothing line, Konvict Clothing will launch. It has streetwear, like denim jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and hats.
Aliaune is the upscale version, or high-end line, of Konvict Clothing and it will be servicing males and females with blazers, expensive denim jeans and as well as other items of clothing.[12]
Def Jam: Icon
Akon may be featured as a playable character in the upcoming Def Jam: Icon.
Personal life
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri instead of Senegal because his family didn't want to have to go through immigration problems and so he and his siblings could get a better education. He has been in jail for a total of five years. He is a Muslim, and cites his religion for his polygamist lifestyle; he has three wives.[13] He drives an orange Lamborghini Gallardo.[14] He also has his own charity for underpriviliged children in Africa called United For Africa. [citation needed] His road manager Robert Martinez was killed in a drive by shooting, he died in Akon's hands. His album Konvicted is dedicated in his honor. Even though Akon had a previous occupation as a drug dealer, it is well stated that he never used drugs. Although he has a vast criminal record, Akon says that he has completely turned his life around, as sung in the song Tired Of Runnin.
Discography
Albums
Below are the Worldwide sales for all of Akon's albums.
-
Trouble (June 29, 2004) SRC, Universal Motown #18 U.S., #1 AUS., #11 UK. 3 million sold -
Konvicted (November 14, 2006) Konvict, UpFront, SRC, Universal Motown #2 U.S., #44 AUS., #16 UK. 1.7 million sold
Singles
|
2004 2005
|
2006
2007
|
Number 1 singles
- The following singles reached #1 in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Norway and/or Netherlands.
| Year | Title | Chart positions | Album | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | U.K. | AUS | NZ | AUT | CH | GER | BEL | IRL | FRA | SWE | NO | FIN | NL | UWC | |||
| 2005 | "Lonely" |
Trouble | |||||||||||||||
| 2005 | "Moonshine" |
Moonshine | |||||||||||||||
| 2006 | "Smack That" |
Konvicted | |||||||||||||||
| 2006 | "I Wanna Love You" |
Konvicted | |||||||||||||||
Sale Statistics
Trouble
- U.S. sales: 1.4 million
- Worldwide sales: 3 million
Konvicted
- U.S. sales: 1.3 million
- Worldwide sales: 1.7 million
Total
- U.S. sales: 2.7 million
- Worldwide sales: 4.7 million
Awards/Nominations
| Award | Category | Genre | Song/Album | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe Awards | Hottest Hook | R&B | "Locked Up" | 2004 | Nominated |
| MTV Europe Music Award | Best Hip Hop Act | 2005 | Nominated | ||
| MTV2 Awards | MTV2 Award | R&B | "Locked Up" | 2005 | Nominated |
| World Music Awards | World's Best Selling New Male Artist | 2005 | Nominated | ||
| Vibe Awards | Hottest Hook | Rap/ Hip-Hop | "Soul Survivor" | 2005 | Nominated |
| MtvU Woodie Awards | International Woodie (Favorite International Artist Award) | 2005 | Nominated | ||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Best New Act | 2005 | Nominated | ||
| MOBO Awards | Best African Act | 2005 | Won | ||
| MTV Australia Video Music Award | Best Hip Hop Video | Rap/ Hip-Hop | "Moonshine" | 2006 | Nominated |
| ECHO Awards | International Hip-Hop/R&B Artist | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| ECHO Awards | National/International Hit of the Year | R&B | "Lonely" | 2006 | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | Rap/ Hip-Hop | "Smack That" | 2007 | Nominated |
See also
- List of number-one hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
- List of number-one singles (UK)
References
Note: All citations to magazine articles lead to a website where scans of these magazines can be viewed free of charge
- ^ Thiam, Aliaune. "AKON – Artist Interview" (Interview). Interviewed by Marielle V. Turner. Retrieved January 3.
{{cite interview}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Channel 4.com Interview[1]
- ^ "The Hook Man". Retrieved December 30.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Thiam, Aliaune (2005-05-02). "Akon: Trouble No More" (Interview). Interviewed by C. Bottomley.
{{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - ^ Thiam, Aliaune (2004-08-20). "The Hook Man" (Interview). Interviewed by Peter Relic.
- ^ "Saga Of Young Jeezy, Akon Continues With Possible Duet LP". Retrieved January 6.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Jeezy Confirms Collab Album With Akon + The Inspiration". Retrieved January 6.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Akon's Agenda: Tour, Whitney And Michael Jackson?". Retrieved January 2.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "will.i.am Working On Jackson Comeback Album". Retrieved January 2.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ "Akon - Got It Locked". Retrieved December 30.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Akon Clears Up The Polygamy Drama". Retrieved January 11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "The Hook Man". Retrieved December 30.
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