Akon
Birth name	Aliuane Badara Thiam
Born	April 30, 1973 (1973-04-30) (age 35)
Origin	Dakar, Senegal
Genre(s)	Hip hop, pop, dance-pop, contemporary R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, record producer
Years active	1996–present
Label(s)	Universal, SRC, Konvict Muzik, UpFront
Associated acts	Sean Paul, DJ Khaled ,Young Jeezy, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Plies, DJ Felli Fel, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Kardinal Offishall, Red Cafe, Michael Jackson
Website	www.akononline.com

Aliuane Badara Thiam^[1] (born April 30, 1973^[2][3]), better known by his stage name Akon (pronounced /ˈeɪkɒn/)^[4] is a Wolof^[5]Senegalese-American hip hop and R&B singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. For the Dakar Rally see Dakar Rally. For the Israeli submarine see INS Dakar. Senegal (le Sénégal officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Dance-pop is a style of Electronic dance music and a subgenre of Pop music that evolved from Disco, circa 1981 that combines dance beats with a pop Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Singer-songwriter is a term that refers to Performers who write, compose and sing their own material including Lyrics In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Universal Motown Records Group Universal Records Motown Records Chamillitary Entertainment - founded by rapper SRC Records ( Street Records Corporation) is an American Record label created by former Loud CEO Steve Rifkind. Konvict Muzik is a Record label owned and founded by Melvin Brown and R&B singer Akon. UpFront Records is a Record label owned and founded by Devyne Stephens. Sean Paul Henriques (born January 8 1973) in Upper Saint Andrew Parish, a few miles north of his birthplace Khaled Khaled (born in New Orleans Louisiana) better known by his Stage name DJ Khaled is a DJ, Record producer, and Radio Jay Jenkins (born October 12 1977 better known by his Stage name Young Jeezy, is an American Rapper. Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17 1972 known as Slim Shady and his primary Stage name Eminem, is an Academy Award -winning Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr (born October 20 1971 His mother nicknamed him " Snoopy " as a child because of the way he dressed and because of his love of Faheem Rasheed Najm (born September 30, 1985 in Tallahassee, Florida) better known by his Stage name T-Pain, is an Algernod Lanier Washington, better known by his Stage name Plies, is an American rapper. DJ Felli Fel (born James Andrew Reigart He is currently the mixshow coordinator of Power106 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is an American Hip hop group from the Glenville section of Cleveland Ohio. Jason Harrow (born c 1976 Biography Jason Harrow was born in Scarborough Ontario, in Toronto 's east end and raised by Jamaican immigrant Red Cafe (born Jermaine Denny on December 18 1976 was born to a Black Guyanese father and an Black Guyanese mother is a Rapper signed to Rapper Akon Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29 1958 is an American musician entertainer and businessman Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. A stage name, also called a screen name, is a Pseudonym used by Performers and Entertainers such as Senegal (le Sénégal officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Singer-songwriter is a term that refers to Performers who write, compose and sing their own material including Lyrics Rapping (also known as emceeing, MCing, spitting, or just rhyming) is the Rhythmic spoken delivery of Rhymes wordplay and In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. " Locked Up " is the debut single by the Senegalese rapper/singer Akon, which appears on his debut album Trouble. Trouble is the debut Album by the Senegalese hip hop and R&B singer Akon, released in 2004. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single "Smack That". Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences " Smack That " is the first single from Akon 's second album Konvicted and features Eminem. He is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. Konvict Muzik is a Record label owned and founded by Melvin Brown and R&B singer Akon. Kon Live Distribution is a Record label owned and founded by R&B singer Akon. He is well known for singing hooks and has over 145 guest appearances and 21 Billboard Hot 100 songs to his credit. A hook is a Musical idea, often a short Riff, passage or phrase, that is used in popular music to make a Song appealing and to "catch the He is the only artist to ever accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. ^[6]

Contents 1 Career 1.1 Growing Up 1.2 Name and age 1.3 Background 1.4 2004–2005 1.5 2006–2008 2 Religion 3 Other ventures 3.1 Television and film 3.2 Fashion 4 Personal life 5 Controversy 5.1 Trinidad incident 5.2 Fishkill incident 5.3 Biographical fabrications 6 Awards and nominations 7 Discography 7.1 Studio albums 7.2 Bootlegs 8 References 9 External links 10 Media Reference

Career

Growing Up

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri. As the son of famed jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments. Mor Thiam (born Mor Dogo Thiam in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese drummer cultural historian and entertainment consultant At the age of 7, he moved from St. Louis, Missouri to New Jersey. During Akon’s alleged time in jail, he began to understand his music abilities and developed an appreciation for his musical background. 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. ^[7]

Name and age

Akon often goes by the shorter, Aliaune Thiam,^[8] though other sources have said his name is Alioune Badara Thiam,^[9] and About. com says the long form of his name, "Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam," has not been independently verified. ^[10] His age has also been under scrutiny recently. Some media institutions reported that he was born in 1981. However the AP has since reported he was born in 1973 and is 35 years old. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio

Background

He is the son of the Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam. Mor Thiam (born Mor Dogo Thiam in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese drummer cultural historian and entertainment consultant He then spent split time between Senegal and America until he was 15, and then permanently moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. Jersey City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. ^[11] He recorded his first song, "Operations of Nature," at the age of fifteen. 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. SRC Records ( Street Records Corporation) is an American Record label created by former Loud CEO Steve Rifkind. Universal Motown Records Group Universal Records Motown Records Chamillitary Entertainment - founded by rapper Trouble is the debut Album by the Senegalese hip hop and R&B singer Akon, released in 2004. The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats. Most of Akon's songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell with him uttering the word "Convict. "

2004–2005

Akon's solo debut album, Trouble was released on June 29, 2004. Trouble is the debut Album by the Senegalese hip hop and R&B singer Akon, released in 2004. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " It spawned the hit singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely," as well as "Belly Dancer (Bananza)," "Pot Of Gold," and "Ghetto". " Locked Up " is the debut single by the Senegalese rapper/singer Akon, which appears on his debut album Trouble. " Lonely " (also known as " Mr Lonely " is a single by Senegalese singer Akon, it appears on his debut album Trouble " Belly Dancer (Bananza " is the title of a single by R&B singer Akon. " Ghetto " is a single by Akon. Released in late 2004 and officialy in early 2005, it reached No Akon allegedly served a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, an experience that supposedly inspired his "Locked Up". ^[8] "Locked Up" reached the top 10 in the U.S. and the top five in the UK. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located 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 by Green Lantern to include verses from legendary rappers 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. A remix is an alternative version of a song different from the original version James D'Agostino, better known as DJ Green Lantern, is an American DJ and Hip hop musician He was born in Rochester, New York Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16 1971 &mdash September 13 1996 also known by his Stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21 1972 – March 9 1997 popularly known as Biggie Smalls (after a Gangster in the 1975 film Let's Do It Again In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Bobby Vinton (born April 16, 1935) is an American Pop music singer Lonely"). The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. His album also climbed to number one 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 fifteen weeks. The Box is a Television channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Akon then released another single featuring with a New Zealand rapper, Savage with the single Moonshine, which had become a success in both New Zealand and Australia, becoming number one in the New Zealand charts. " Moonshine " is a single by Savage featuring Akon, released in 2005 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. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Jay Jenkins (born October 12 1977 better known by his Stage name Young Jeezy, is an American Rapper. Let's Get It Thug Motivation 101 is the first major studio album by Young Jeezy. " Soul Survivor " is the second single of American rapper Young Jeezy for 2005 and appears on the album Let's Get It Thug Motivation "

2006–2008

In 2006-2007 Akon has had one of the most successful spans any singer has ever enjoyed with eleven songs in the Billboard Hot 100. Akon's second album, entitled Konvicted, was released on November 14, 2006. Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Konvicted included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17 1972 known as Slim Shady and his primary Stage name Eminem, is an Academy Award -winning Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr (born October 20 1971 His mother nicknamed him " Snoopy " as a child because of the way he dressed and because of his love of David Styles, better known as Styles P, is an American Rapper and member of Hip-hop group D-Block. Late August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem, from the album. " Smack That " is the first single from Akon 's second album Konvicted and features Eminem. This single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. The music video for "Smack That" was directed by Raymond Garced. A music video is a Short film or video that accompanies a complete piece of music most commonly a Song with lyrics "I Wanna Love You", the second single off Konvicted, was released in September 2006. For the Nine Inch Nails song see Closer (Nine Inch Nails song "I Wanna Love You" is the second single by Akon 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 U. S. charts for two consecutive weeks. In January 2007, Akon released his third single "Don't Matter" which earned him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart topper. " Don't Matter " is a pop – R&B song recorded by Akon for his second studio album Konvicted ( 2006 "Mama Africa" was released as a European single in July 2007, making it the fourth single. " Mama Africa " is the fourth single from Akon 's second album Konvicted. It debuted in the UK at number 47. "Sorry, Blame It on Me" is the album's fifth single which debuted in August 2007, on the Hot 100 at number seven, which also happened to be a career best. " Sorry Blame It on Me " is an R&B song written by Akon for the re-release of his second studio album Konvicted. The song is not available on the original album, but instead part of the Deluxe Edition of Konvicted, which came out August 28, 2007. Events 475 - The Roman General Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his Capital Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The sixth and final single was confirmed in an interview by Akon to be "Never Took the Time". " Never Took the Time " is a R&B single recorded by Akon from his second album Konvicted. ^[12] Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 286,000 copies in its first week. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard After only six weeks, Konvicted sold more than one million records in the U. S. and more than 1. 3 million worldwide. The album was certified platinum after seven weeks, and after sixteen weeks it was certified double platinum. Konvicted was able to stay in the top twenty of the Billboard 200 for 28 consecutive weeks, where it peaked at number two on four different occasions. On November 19, 2007, the RIAA has certified the Konvicted album triple platinum status with 3 million units sold in th United States. Currently it has sold more than 4 million worldwide. Akon know claims that he has released a country western album with a alias name in hopes of being the first African American singer to make it big in this genre. He also claims to already have a big hit from the album.

On October 5, 2006, Akon broke a record on the Hot 100, as he achieved the largest climb in the chart's 48-year-history with "Smack That" jumping from number 95 to 7. Events 869 - The Fourth Council of Constantinople is convened to decide about what to do about Patriarch Photius of Constantinople Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The leap is fueled by its number six debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 downloads. The Hot Digital Songs chart ranks the best-selling digital singles in the United States, according to Billboard. The record was broken on April 7, 2007 by Beyoncé and Shakira's Beautiful Liar when it jumped from 94 to 3 on the Hot 100, because of their 150,000 digital downloads on the Hot Digital Songs. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4 1981 commonly known as Beyoncé (biːˈɑn Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2 1977 known simply as Shakira " Beautiful Liar " is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles and Colombian Latin pop singer Shakira.

In December 2006, Akon's "Smack That" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Justin Timberlake and T.I.'s My Love. The Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration has been awarded since 2002 The 49th Annual Grammy Awards is a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning September 15, 2005 and ending September 14, Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31 1981 He has English ancestry although he has also claimed some American Indian ancestry probably through unconfirmed Clifford Joseph Harris Jr (born September 25 1980 better known by his Stage name T " My Love " also known as " Let Me Talk To You (Prelude/My Love " is a hit single co-written by Justin Timberlake, T

On July 7, 2007 Akon performed at the American leg of Live Earth. Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Running order In order of appearance Live Earth is an annual event developed to to combat climate change.

From April to July Akon performed in The Sweet Escape Tour with Gwen Stefani. The Sweet Escape Tour was American pop and rock singer Gwen Stefani 's second Concert tour. Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3 1969 (ˈgwɛn stɛˈfɑːni is an American recording artist and Fashion designer Stefani fronts the rock band No Doubt From July to September he will embark on his worldwide Konvicted Tour. In September, Akon will start on the Canadian leg of the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour with Rihanna. Good Girl Gone Bad is the third studio album by pop singer Rihanna, released on June 4, 2007 Rihanna (pronounced /riːˈɑːnə/ born Robyn Rihanna Fenty; February 20 1988 is a Barbadian singer, model and Fashion designer

Akon has been featured in Kat Deluna's Am I Dreaming. Kathleen Emperatriz "Kat" DeLuna (born November 17, After the competition Cuban salsa singer Rey Ruiz advised Kat to start writing her own music " Am I Dreaming " is a song from American pop / R&B singer Kat DeLuna 's debut studio album 9 Lives. It will be released as 9 Lives re-release.

Religion

Akon has been a Muslim all his life. Since polygamy is allowed in Islam, Akon has been rumored to have three wives, but recently has said to only have one. The term polygamy (a Greek word meaning "the practice of multiple marriage" is used in related ways in Social anthropology, Sociobiology, and For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. ^[13][14] Akon belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam. Sunni Islam is also referred to as Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘h (Arabic Both his parents are Muslim.

On August 2, 2007, Akon was scheduled to perform at the "Roc the Block Tour" in Australia but had trouble obtaining a visa due to his criminal past. Events 338 BC - A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The tour was postponed until late August and his visa was eventually processed but Akon was quoted as saying "Australia is the home of the convicts so it's the last place I would have ever thought it would be a problem". ^[15]

Akon will release a Platinum Edition of his album Konvicted in UK on October 1. Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon.

Billboard gave Akon Top Pop Artist Honors. This was because of Konvicted's steady sales and several billboard top 100 rankings. ^[16]

Other ventures

In 2006, Akon started his new record label Kon Live Distribution under Interscope Records. Kon Live Distribution is a Record label owned and founded by R&B singer Akon. Interscope Records is an American Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label His first signed artist was Earl Ray. Ray Lavender is an American R&B Singer who goes by the Stage name Ray-L.

He was featured on Gwen Stefani's latest album, The Sweet Escape. Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3 1969 (ˈgwɛn stɛˈfɑːni is an American recording artist and Fashion designer Stefani fronts the rock band No Doubt The Sweet Escape is the second solo Album by American pop and rock singer Gwen Stefani, released by Interscope Records He made an appearance on the title track and second single, "The Sweet Escape". " The Sweet Escape " is a pop song written by Gwen Stefani, Akon, and Giorgio Tuinfort for Stefani's second solo album The Sweet Akon produced the song. On December 10, 2006, Akon and Stefani appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, however they did not perform the song as Stefani had not yet learned the lyrics. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. He performed the song live, however, on American Idol on March 28, 2007 due to Gwen Stefani's appearance as a coach the night before. American Idol, with the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar for the first season only is an American reality-competition Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3 1969 (ˈgwɛn stɛˈfɑːni is an American recording artist and Fashion designer Stefani fronts the rock band No Doubt "The Sweet Escape" has reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached #1 on United World Chart and is on the top for eight weeks. The song is also Akon's first #1 on World Chart.

Akon collaborated with Chamillionaire on his mixtape, Mixtape Messiah 2. Hakeem Seriki (born November 29 1979 better known by his Stage name Chamillionaire (pronounced Ka-MIL-yin-air kəˌmɪljəˈnεər a Portmanteau of Mixtape Messiah 2 is a Mixtape by southern Rapper Chamillionaire. He is featured on "Ridin' Overseas", which he also produced. The mixtape became available for download on Chamillionaire's website on December 24, 2006. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

Akon and Young Jeezy are doing a collaborative album together. Jay Jenkins (born October 12 1977 better known by his Stage name Young Jeezy, is an American Rapper. In 2006, after their 2005 Akon-produced single, "Soul Survivor", the duo said that there is a lot more to expect from them in the future. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. " Soul Survivor " is the second single of American rapper Young Jeezy for 2005 and appears on the album Let's Get It Thug Motivation ^[17][18]

Akon also appeared on Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's album Strength and Loyalty and Three 6 Mafia's eighth studio album, Last 2 Walk, We The Best by DJ Khaled, Fabolous's album, From Nothin' to Somethin', with 50 Cent on some tracks for Curtis,^[19] T.I.'s 5th album, T.I. vs. T.I.P.,^[20] Mario's third solo album Go!,^[21] and produced for Daddy Yankee's El Cartel: The Big Boss which was released on June 5, 2007. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is an American Hip hop group from the Glenville section of Cleveland Ohio. Strength & Loyalty, originally titled The Bone Thugs Story, is an album by Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Three 6 Mafia (formerly Triple 6 Mafia) is an Academy-Award winning American Rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee Last 2 Walk is the 9th album by Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia. We the Best is the second album by Miami mixtape DJ and Terror Squad member DJ Khaled, which was released on June 12 2007 Khaled Khaled (born in New Orleans Louisiana) better known by his Stage name DJ Khaled is a DJ, Record producer, and Radio John Jackson (born November 18 1977 better known by his Stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper. From Nothin' to Somethin is Fabolous ' fourth Studio album released on June 12 2007 Curtis is a common Given name or Surname of English origin In English the meaning of the name Curtis is 'polite courteous or well-bred' Clifford Joseph Harris Jr (born September 25 1980 better known by his Stage name T TI vs TIP is the fifth studio album released by Atlanta rapper T Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27 1986 is an American R&B and pop Singer. Go! is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. Ramón (Raymond Ayala (born February 3 1977 known artistically as Daddy Yankee, is a Latin Grammy Award -winning Puerto Rican Reggaeton recording El Cartel The Big Boss (also known as El Cartel III) is the follow up album to Daddy Yankee 's hit album Barrio Fino, released Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[22]

Akon will be the executive producer of Not 4 Sale, Kardinal Offishall's fourth solo album, which will be released in fall or winter 2007. Motion Pictures An executive producer of a Motion picture is typically a producer who is sometimes involved in creative or technical aspects of production Not 4 Sale is Kardinal Offishall 's fourth studio album and his first as a member of Konvict Muzik. Jason Harrow (born c 1976 Biography Jason Harrow was born in Scarborough Ontario, in Toronto 's east end and raised by Jamaican immigrant The first single "Graveyard Shift" features Akon, and Akon also makes his rapping debut in the song. " Graveyard Shift " is a hip-hop song by Kardinal Offishall. ^[23]

In November 2007, Akon recorded a remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Michael Jackson. " Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " is a 1983 single released from Michael Jackson 's multi-platinum selling 1982 album Thriller Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29 1958 is an American musician entertainer and businessman In February 2008, the remix was released on the 25th Anniversary Edition of Michael Jackson's Thriller. Thriller is the sixth Studio album by American pop musician Michael Jackson. Thriller is the sixth Studio album by American pop musician Michael Jackson. The remix was released as a single and charted in the top 10 in most countries. Akon has mentioned in various interviews that he is also working with Jackson on his upcoming studio album.

Akon holds the record for most guest performances on popular television show American Idol with two. American Idol, with the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar for the first season only is an American reality-competition He once sang "The Sweet Escape" with Gwen Stefani and three weeks later he sang "Don't Matter" on the show while it was number one on the Billboard charts. The Sweet Escape is the second solo Album by American pop and rock singer Gwen Stefani, released by Interscope Records Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3 1969 (ˈgwɛn stɛˈfɑːni is an American recording artist and Fashion designer Stefani fronts the rock band No Doubt " Don't Matter " is a pop – R&B song recorded by Akon for his second studio album Konvicted ( 2006

Akon is also credited with producing the track entitled "Echo" on Latin Boy band Menudo's upcoming Album, set to release in Spring 2008.

Television and film

Akon has confirmed that a reality television show is in the works. It will be called "My Brother's Keeper" and the point is that Akon's two nearly identical brothers will go around in Atlanta posing as him fooling people into thinking that it is in fact Akon. They will try to get VIP treatment, girls and free things. Akon has claimed that people have mistaken his brothers for him many times in Atlanta which is what the show is based on. ^[24]

Akon is planning to work on a full-length movie titled Illegal Alien. Illegal Alien is an upcoming film based on the life of the Hip-hop artist Akon. The film is based on some of the events of his life and actor Mekhi Phifer is set to play him. Mekhi Thira Phifer (born December 29, 1974 a non-profit organization established in 2000 to provide educational resources to universities in Africa. Besides Akon confirmed in August 2007, in the interview with Polish website INTERIA. PL, that he works on a movie "Cocaine Cowboys", which tells the story of Jon Roberts, the main pilot of Medellin Cartel (Colombian drug traffickers). ^[25] He was also featured on a Verizon Wireless commercial and singing Snitch along with Obie Trice on a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode named "Poppin' Tags. Cellco Partnership, Doing business as Verizon Wireless, owns and operates the second largest Wireless Telecommunications network in the Obie Trice III (born November 14 1977 as stated in the song "Follow My Life" is an American rapper from Detroit Michigan CSI Crime Scene Investigation is an American crime drama Television series that trails the investigations of a team of Las Vegas "

On November 30, 2007, Akon entered the Big Brother house in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 as a guest so the housemates can meet him for only 100 seconds.

Fashion

In February 2007, Akon launched his clothing line, Konvict Clothing. It features urban streetwear including denim jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and hats. Aliaune is the upscale version, or high-end line, for males and females, which includes blazers, denim jeans and other items. ^[26]

Personal life

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri instead of Senegal because his family didn't want him to go through the immigration process. Part of the reason for Akon moving to America was for Akon to pursue a career in basketball, but he allegedly injured his knee and was forced to quit. He still enjoys basketball and soccer. He currently splits time residing between Atlanta, Georgia and Dakar, Senegal. For the Dakar Rally see Dakar Rally. For the Israeli submarine see INS Dakar.

In late 2005, his long time friend and manager Robert Montanez, who Akon referred to as a brother, was killed in a drive-by shooting; the album Konvicted is dedicated to him. Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. Akon was also in the car and was shot in the shoulder, however he made a full recovery.

Akon is of the Muslim faith, it has been reported that he is both a believer and practitioner of polygamy, though such reports are unconfirmed, as Akon has not given a straight answer to questions about the matter. The term polygamy (a Greek word meaning "the practice of multiple marriage" is used in related ways in Social anthropology, Sociobiology, and ^[27][8] Polygamy is illegal in the United States of America. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the He claims to have five children with three different women in an interview with Blender. Blender is an American music Magazine that bills itself as "the ultimate guide to music and more" ^[28]

He also has his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation. ^[29] Akon owns a diamond mine in South Africa and denies the existence of conflict diamonds, saying, "I don't even believe in conflict diamonds. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa In relation to diamond trading blood diamond (also called a converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond or a war diamond) refers to a diamond That's just a movie. Think about it. Ain't nobody thought about nothing about no conflict diamonds until the movie came out. "^[30] He also allegedly had a previous occupation as a drug dealer but has stated in interviews that he's never used drugs, though some of his lyrics would suggest otherwise. Despite his alleged criminal history, he proclaims that he has turned his life around.

In 2006, he ventured to Africa to play a concert in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Dar es Salaam (دار السلام "Abode of Peace" Dār as-Salām) formerly Mzizima, is the largest city in Tanzania. Tanzania ˌtænzəˈniːə officially the United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya ^[31]

Controversy

Trinidad incident

In April 2007, Akon drew criticism for having on-stage simulated sex with Danah (Deena) Alleyne, a fifteen-year-old preacher's daughter, at a club in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a fake contest, despite the club's claim to have an 18 years and over age limit. The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ˈtrɪnɪdæd ən təˈbeɪgoʊ is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American ^[32][33] The incident was filmed by Akon's crew and later uploaded to the Internet. On April 20, 2007 local media, channel TV6, aired the video clip publicly. Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. CCN TV6 is the largest private television broadcaster in Trinidad and Tobago. Amid criticism on the radio, television, and from the blogosphere, Verizon Wireless removed ringtones featuring Akon's songs. Blogosphere is a collective term encompassing all Blogs and their interconnections Cellco Partnership, Doing business as Verizon Wireless, owns and operates the second largest Wireless Telecommunications network in the Verizon also decided not to sponsor The Sweet Escape Tour where Akon was to be the opening act for Gwen Stefani. The Sweet Escape Tour was American pop and rock singer Gwen Stefani 's second Concert tour. Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3 1969 (ˈgwɛn stɛˈfɑːni is an American recording artist and Fashion designer Stefani fronts the rock band No Doubt ^[34] However, Universal Music Group did not take action against Akon, but rather simply ordered the video clip be removed from video-sharing site YouTube due to copyright infringement. Universal Music Group (UMG is the largest Business group and family of Record labels in the Recording industry. YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload view and share Video clips YouTube was created in February 2005 by three former PayPal employees 'Copyright infringement' (or copyright violation) is the unauthorized use of material that is covered by Copyright law in a manner that violates Conservative commentator and Parents Television Council founder Brent Bozell called this "corporate irresponsibility". The Parents Television Council (PTC is a US -based nonprofit organization founded by conservative activist L Leo Brent Bozell III (born July 14, 1955 in Washington DC) is the founder and president of the Media Research Center, the Conservative ^[35]

In a newly released song, "Sorry, Blame It On Me", Akon apologizes to the young girl for the incident at the club, though citing the club for admitting the girl because she was under 18, and her parents for letting her go out dressed like an adult. " Sorry Blame It on Me " is an R&B song written by Akon for the re-release of his second studio album Konvicted. He also tells how Verizon dropped promoting him and Gwen's tour, and stopped sale of his ringtones. He also makes several other apologies to his children, wife, and mother as well. The song is available to listen to on Akon's MySpace page and was released onto iTunes (U. iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application introduced by Apple Inc S. ) on July 17, 2007. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

Political commentators Michelle Malkin, Laura Ingraham, and Bill O'Reilly criticized Akon for "degrading women". Michelle Malkin (née Maglalang) (born October 20 1970 is an American conservative Columnist, Blogger Author, and political commentator Laura Anne Ingraham (born June 19, 1964) is an American radio host, Author, and conservative political commentator William James O'Reilly Jr (born September 10 1949 is an American television / radio host, Author, Syndicated columnist, and ^[36][37] Malkin uploaded commentary about Akon to YouTube, using footage from music videos and the Trinidad concert, and Universal Music Group then forced its removal by issuing a DMCA takedown notice. YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload view and share Video clips YouTube was created in February 2005 by three former PayPal employees Universal Music Group (UMG is the largest Business group and family of Record labels in the Recording industry. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA is a United States Copyright Law which implements two 1996 treaties of the World Intellectual Property ^[38] The Electronic Frontier Foundation joined Malkin in contesting the removal as a misuse of copyright law, citing fair use. The Electronic Frontier Foundation ( EFF) is an international non-profit advocacy and legal organization based in the United States with the stated purpose of being dedicated Fair use is a doctrine in United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders such as use for ^[39] In May 2007, UMG rescinded its claim to the video, and the video returned to YouTube.

Fishkill incident

On June 3, 2007, at WSPK's KFEST concert at the Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, New York, a concert attendee threw an object towards Akon on stage. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. WSPK (K-104 is a Contemporary hit radio Radio station licensed to Poughkeepsie New York and broadcasting from studios in Fishkill Dutchess Stadium (occasionally referred to as "The Dutch" is a Stadium in Wappingers Falls New York. Fishkill is a Village within the Town of Fishkill in Dutchess County, New York, USA. Akon asked the crowd to identify who threw the object and that he be brought on stage. Security staff grabbed the young man and took him up to the stage. Akon then pulled him up from the crowd and hoisted him across his shoulders. The singer then tossed the attendee back into the crowd from his shoulders. Video of the incident was reviewed by Fishkill police. ^[40] Akon has claimed that the incident was staged and that he in fact used the act to set up for the next record. ^[24] As of November 29, 2007, charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, were filed, according to police Chief Donald F. Williams, and Akon was scheduled to appear at 9 a. m. on December 3, 2007 in the town of Fishkill Court for arraignment on the two charges. Arraignment is a Common law term for the formal reading of a criminal Complaint, in the presence of the Defendant, to inform him/her of the charges ^[41]

Biographical fabrications

The Smoking Gun reported in April 2008 that much of Akon's purported criminal and incarceration history has been dramatically embellished. The Smoking Gun is a Website that posts legal documents arrest records and police Mugshots on a daily basis ^[42] In particular, Akon's claims to be part of an auto-theft ring and his claim to have spent three years in prison were challenged with court records and interviews with detectives involved in Akon's case.

Akon has only been convicted of a single felony, that of gun possession in 1998. He received 3 years probation after pleading guilty. He ended up spending several months in jail because of a stolen BMW, but the charges against him were dropped.

Between 1999-2002, he was not convicted of any crime and didn't serve any time in prison as previously claimed.

Awards and nominations

• American Music Awards
  • 2007, Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (Winner)
  • 2007, Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist (Nominated)
  • 2007, Artist of the Year (Nominated)

• BET Awards
  • 2007, Best Male R&B Artist (Nominated)
  • 2007, Best Collaboration: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)
  • 2007, Best Video of the Year: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)

• BET Hip-Hop Awards
  • 2007, Best Collaboration: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)
  • 2007, People's Champ Award: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)

• Grammy Awards
  • 2008, Best R&B Contemporary Album: Konvicted (Nominated)
  • 2008, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)
  • 2008, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Bartender" (Nominated)
  • 2008, Best Pop Collaboration w/ Vocals: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)
  • 2007, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Smack That" (Nominated)

• MOBO Award
  • 2007, Best R&B Act (Nominated)
  • 2007, Best International Act (Nominated)

• MTV Video Music Awards
  • 2007, Best Male Artist (Nominated)
  • 2007, Most Earth Shattering Collaboration: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)
  • 2007, Most Earth Shattering Collaboration: "Smack That" (Nominated)
  • 2005, MTV2 Award: "Locked Up" (Nominated)

• MTV Europe Awards
  • 2007, Best Album: Konvicted (Nominated)
  • 2005, Best Breakthrough Act (Nominated)
  • 2005, Best Hip-Hop Act (Nominated)

• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2007, Choice Male Breakthrough Artist (Winner)
  • 2007, Choice R&B Artist (Nominated)
  • 2007, Choice Love Song: "Don't Matter" (Nominated)
  • 2007, Choice Music Single: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)

• Vibe Music Awards
  • 2007, Coolest Collaboration: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)
  • 2005, Hottest Hook: "Soul Survivor" (Nominated)
  • 2004, Hottest Hook: "Locked Up" (Nominated)

Discography

Main article: Akon discography

Studio albums

• 2004: Trouble
• 2006: Konvicted
• TBA: Acquitted^[43]
• TBA: Double Jeopardy^[43]

Bootlegs

• 2007: In My Ghetto
• 2007: In My Ghetto vol. The American Music Awards show is one of several annual major American music awards shows (among the others are the Billboard Music Awards the Grammy Awards The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate Black Americans and other minorities in music acting sports and The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. The MTV Video Music Awards were established in the end of the summer of 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top Music videos of the year Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. The Teen Choice Awards is an awards show presented annually by FOX. This is the discography of hip hop / R&B musician Akon. Albums Singles Collaborations Singles Trouble is the debut Album by the Senegalese hip hop and R&B singer Akon, released in 2004. Konvicted is the second album by hip hop and R&B singer Akon. 2

References

External links

• Official Akon website
• Akon at MySpace
• Akon at the Internet Movie Database

Media Reference

• Akon's Interview in Singapore 2007

Persondata
NAME	Thiam, Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Akon
SHORT DESCRIPTION	Musician
DATE OF BIRTH	April 30, 1973
PLACE OF BIRTH	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH

MySpace is a popular social networking Website offering an interactive user-submitted network of friends personal profiles blogs groups photos music and Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Missouri ( or) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee The United States of America —commonly referred to as the

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