Trivia Fact About Akon:
Akon made a cameo appearance in a 2006 episode of the TV series
CSI alongside fellow musician
Obie Trice.
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" Leads to 'Trouble':
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Until early 2005, Akon had not broken into the pop mainstream. “Lonely” was released as the third single from the album
Trouble. The song became an overnight smash, landing in the top 5 of the pop singles chart. The song sampled Bobby Vinton’s 1964 #1 hit “Mr. Lonely,” and made Akon one of the breakout artists of 2005.
