Genres: Rap/Hip Hop,Latin,Soundtracks,Soul/R&B,Reggae/Ska

Akon was raised in a musical atmosphere be it that he was the son of a famed Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam. He was encouraged and taught how to play a variety of instruments, in addition to the diembe. Although he was born in St. Louis Missouri, he did live in Dakar, Senegal up to the age of seven. While growing up, he was able to balance his time, living between America and Senegal until the age of fifteen before moving to Jersey City permanently. While he allegedly spent threes years in jail, he discovered and started to understand his abilities in music; therefore gaining an appreciation for his background in the field.

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Akon - The Road to Stardom

"When I'm on the mic, I'm just giving the listener a part of me."

Akon- A Star in the Making

Akon was raised in a musical atmosphere be it that he was the son of a famed Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam. He was encouraged and taught how to play a variety of instruments, in addition to the diembe. Although he was born in St. Louis Missouri, he did live in Dakar, Senegal up to the age of seven. While growing up, he was able to balance his time, living between America and Senegal until the age of fifteen before moving to Jersey City permanently. While he allegedly spent threes years in jail, he discovered and started to understand his abilities in music; therefore gaining an appreciation for his background in the field.

Life of a Convict

Eventually his unique mix of West African- style, skill and moves caught the attention and ears of Universal executives. He started to write and record tracks in his studio within his home. The tapes which he worked hard to make eventually made it to the desk of SRC/Universal and they released his debut LP Trouble in June of 2004. The album is a blend of Akon's silky, West-African vocals included with East Coast and Southern beats. The majority of his songs start with the clinking sound of jail- cells door and with him saying the word "Konvict".

It has been reported however, that the much of his history of criminal and incarceration has been exaggerated. He claims, in particular, to be involved in an auto theft case. His claim that he spent three years in prison for his involvement were challenged by the courts and lead to interviews with detectives concerned with his case.

He was not convicted for any crime; therefore he did not serve prison time during the years 1999 to 2002 as he had said. Although he never spent three years consecutively in prison, the equivalent of his prison sentences did add up to three years. Despite the misunderstanding of his criminal background, the talented singer/rapper has turned his life around the best way possible. There were also rumors stating that he had dealings with drugs, but he denies these rumors of being into this type of vice. Many though, hear it through his the lyrics which are considered to be suggestive of drug use.

Getting Personal

He rose to stardom in the year 2004 with the release of his debut album Trouble which featured his first single "Lock Up". Akon earned a Grammy award with the help of his second album, Konvicted with the nomination of the single "Smack That."

It has been rumored that he had six wives, but he has cleared up this rumor revealing that he has one, named Tomeka. He claims that with three different women, he had six children and continues to have a wonderful relationship with them all. The star also mentions that he wants to keep his children safe from the media and the public eye as much as possible.

Due to Akon's Muslim faith, he explains that he has never drunk alcohol. He also admits that his religion has caused him to become a better person, gives him guidance on how he should behave, and treat others that are involved with in his life. The man behind Konvict music's chart topping hits he has indeed made a name for himself, being known as the most successful and versatile R&B singer in the 21^st century. He grosses about 30 million dollars annually.

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