Musicians - Akon

	Musicians - Akon

Akon (born Aliaune Thiam in Senegal in 1981) is an R&B singer who grew up in Senegal, and from the age of seven, New Jersey. He is the son of jazz percussionist Mor Thiam.

Akon released his debut album Trouble in 2004, which included the singles "Locked Up (Remix)" (featuring Styles P), "Lonely", "Bananza (Belly Dancer)", "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 was jailed for three years for armed robbery. Later, in November of 2005, he was shot during an altercation, sending his street credit through the roof. His road manager Robert “Screw” Montanez was gunned following a dispute in New Jersey in December 2005. "Ghetto" became a radio hit when it was remixed to include verses from legendary rappers Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac. In 2005, he has released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The song reached the top 10 on the U.S. charts, and was #1 in both Australia and the UK. His album also climbed to #1 in the UK in April, 2005. Recently, he has gained more popularity after being featured in the song "Soul Survivor" with rapper Young Jeezy. Akon is a muslim.

Biography

The mere act of surviving on a day to day basis is the foundation from which a true artist builds his craft. Multi-talented newcomer Akon is no exception to this rule. His dynamic debut album, Trouble, a collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences. A crafty blend of soulful hip-hop, Trouble is Akon's vibrant first time tour-de-force.

"Trouble evolved from the struggles I went through and what I did and am still doing to correct those things," offers Akon, who has had his fair share of adolescent problems with both the legal and school system, as is reflected in his redemption song "Trouble Nobody." "I've got a habit of writing about everything I go through," he explains, "and this album gives a glimpse of where I am now."

To understand where Akon is right now is just half the equation. The other half lies in where he came from: this young artist possesses a unique history. A Senegalese African, Akon moved to the United States when he was seven. His family is headed by legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam, whose expertise for playing the Djembe, a traditional African drum, has been touted as "unrivaled." Being brought up in an environment that treasures the true artistic value of musicianship and revels in the mastering of instrumental skill has had a momentous affect on Akon.

It was Akon's deep rooted love and passion for music, evolving from filial admiration, which allowed him to turn his life around, despite his trouble as a youth residing in New Jersey. Akon began playing several different percussion instruments and eventually embraced hip-hop music and culture, despite his initial disdain for the genre. "When I first heard hip-hop I thought it was rubbish because I didn't understand the concept of people talking over music," Akon recalls, "But as I started growing up, living a little and listening to the lyrics, I realized that I was going through a lot of stuff these rappers were talking about and I could relate."

Once hip-hop took over his life, Akon's musical development exploded and he began channeling his energy into writing and producing his own music. Songs such as "Show Out" display how much hip-hop has influenced him. Over the sparsely yet hard hitting groove, "Don't tempt me/'Cuz I'm close to the edge/I'm trying not to lose my head," ring the lyrics that cleverly integrates original school lyrics. At the same time, the song pays homage to hip-hop pioneers all while maintaining its own identity.

Meanwhile, his first single "Bananza (Belly Dancer)" exhibits another side of the artist. On this song Akon puts forth a feel-good vibe. Singing over a seductive and sensual beat, "Bananza (Belly Dancer)," is one of Akon's most irresistible tracks. The song integrates a unique up tempo dance beat with a distinct wind instrumentation floating in the background guaranteed to improve every listener's mood. The reason for this, Akon says, "There are a lot of negative things going on today." "We need to party and just have fun," he continues, "'Bananza...' is a party record. You just go in the club, party and enjoy those beautiful women."

However, life does not solely revolve around beautiful women and leisure time and Akon is well aware of this. On the somber, soulful "Ghetto" and the meditative, impressive "Journey," Akon gives listeners an in-depth look into a harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling. But rather than sensationalize his own drama, Akon transmits, to his audience, the feeling of being a part of his inner circle.

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Musicians - Akon

Biography

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