Akon made his multi-platinum debut in 2004 with ‘Trouble’, which was his attempt at redeeming himself after having served time in prison. He was born in Missouri as Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, to jazz percussionist Mor Thiam but grew up in Senegal. He was introduced to the world of crime in Senegal but sought to find salvation through his music.
‘Trouble’, released by SRC/Universal, included several hit singles such as “Locked Up”, “Lonely”, “Bananza (Belly Dancer)”, “Pot of Gold” and “Ghetto”. Akon wrote “Locked Up” after his release from jail, and it reached the top 10 in the US, and No. 5 in the U.K. Following his manager being gunned to death, “Ghetto” became a radio hit all over. He then sampled Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely” and released his own “Lonely”, which topped the charts in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Germany. The song stayed on the top of the charts for a long while. He became even more popular after being featured on “Soul Survivor” with rapper Young Jeezy.
Following this, Akon now also owns his own record label, called Konvict Muzik. Akon is scheduled to release his sophomore album, ‘Konvicted’, in November 2006. This marks a rebirth of sorts for him. The album includes collaborations with famous stars like Snoop Dogg, Styles P, Brick and Lace. Earlier this year, Akon collaborated with Eminem to release “Smack That”, along with a video directed by Raymond Garced. This is featured in the upcoming album. Styles P is featured on another new track called “All My Life”.
“Smack That” has been greatly popular and has made its own record. In October, “Smack That” broke records on the Hot 100 by achieving the largest climb on the charts in the last 48 years. It peaked at No. 7 after an 88-spot jump from No. 95. Akon's latest hit, I Wanna Love You, features Snoop Dogg.