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Biography
Aliaune Thiam -- aka Akon --
grew up in Senegal before he and his family (including his father, jazz
percussionist Mor Thiam) eventually settled in New Jersey. There he
discovered hip-hop for the first time, as well as crime. He was
eventually jailed, but he used the time to work on his musical ideas.
Upon release, Akon began writing and recording tracks in a home studio.
The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal, which eventually released
Trouble, Akon's debut LP, in June 2004. The album was an interesting
hybrid of Akon's raps and silky, West African-styled vocals with East
Coast- and Southern-styled beats.
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 Dance)" 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
Dance)," 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.
AKON's personal appeal and ability to reach a listener is a part of his
whole package: a package that includes, most importantly, his
distinctive vocals and a relaxed singing style. It is as though he is
speaking to you as he sings in a very intimate manner. "When I sing
the sound comes from the mood that I am in. These records are coming
straight from the heart," AKON divulges.
Genuine and honest, AKON's music is a step in a new direction: a
trajectory that will lead us on a delightfully fulfilling path. Says
AKON, "When I'm on the mic, I'm just giving the listener a part of
me." Be prepared to receive it.
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