Akon

Biography & Overview

Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), known professionally as Akon ( AY-kawn), is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, businessman and philanthropist. An influential figure in world music, he rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" (featuring Styles P). Styled in hip-hop, it preceded the release of his debut studio album Trouble (2004), which became his commercial breakthrough and spawned the R&B-styled follow-up, "Lonely", the following year. His second album, Konvicted (2006), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, while its lead singles — "I Wanna Love You" (featuring Snoop Dogg) and "Smack That" (featuring Eminem) — both received nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.