Akon
(born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon
Thiam on April 30, 1973) is a Senegalese-American hip hop and
R&B singer, songwriter, occasional rapper and record producer.
Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single
"Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. His second
album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the
single "Smack That". He is the founder of Konvict Muzik
and Kon Live Distribution. He is well known for singing hooks and
has over 130 guest appearances and 21 Billboard Hot 100 songs to
his credit. 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. In November 2007, Akon recorded a
remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Michael
Jackson. In February 2007, the remix was released on the 25th
Anniversary Edition of Michael Jackson's Thriller. 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. 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 ... more
