October 10, 2006 @ 10:59 am
Akon: A Whole New Trouble
Aliaune Thiam wants his emancipation. When the singer brought Trouble to the streets in 2004, contained were the memoirs of a thug-life exited via lock-down’s metal womb. In went the seed, a “young” Senegal-borne, New Jersey transplant convicted of grand larceny for his involvement in a car theft ring. Out popped Akon, three years later, with a palette full of songs from the birth canal and a hook for misinformation.
He’s no MC. Son of famed percussionist Mor Thiam, Akon signed a deal with SRC/Universal Records from a batch of home-made R&B demos. His first singles, “Locked Up” and “Ghetto,” preceded buzz that he rapped. Then came “Mr. Lonely”—the cross over hit that thrust Akon into international scrutiny. Now with his sophomore LP, Konvicted, in stores Nov. 21st and a newly revealed love of, um, matrimony, Akon’s throwing antiseptic in the rumor mill and coming clean. With that said, he’s not a politician. So what if he once ran over a mayor’s mailbox in a high-speed car chase…
Vibe.com: What’s the impetus for an album title like Konvicted?
Akon: Pretty much I always felt like I was being convicted in some way. It was the hip hop world that accepted me so I kept getting labeled as a rap artist. Then I got labeled a reggae artist. I have a lot of political ties with Africa, so some people thought I was a politician. People naturally assumed me to be a certain thing. It was never really let out who Akon really is.
I assumed it had to do with the jail time you served.
Akon: Yeah, that’s exactly what people think. But it’s not really about jail. That’s why I spell it with a K. It’s my personal convictions.
What was the biggest thing you learned in lock-up?
right Akon: Man, those three years opened me. Outside, anything could have happened. A lot of the cats I use to roll with before I got locked up, some of them are dead. Others are in jail doing life. Only one person survived out of my whole crew, so it’s like I don’t know where I could have been in between. There were a lot of old g’s that were never coming out who use to school me on their regrets. I didn’t want to one day be speaking to a young kid saying, “Look, I ain’t never getting out of here. You can change your life.”
How old were you when you went in?
Akon: I was young.
In your teens?
Akon: I was pretty young.
High school young?
Akon: It was definitely after high school. Right before I went to college.
So you’re not going to give me an age, basically?
Akon: [Laughing] In the game, once people know exactly how old you are the count down begins on how long you going to be here. I promise you if people didn’t know how old Janet was, she’d be selling records ‘til the day. She looks like she’s 25, but people think, “Man, that girl’s 40 years old still trying to sing and dance.”
Was Jersey City a rough spot to grow up in?
Akon: I was there when it was really pretty. I moved to Atlanta after I got kicked out of my high school. I was wilding out. I got kicked out for carrying guns in the locker and all this crazy stuff.
What was the craziest thing you think you ever did?
Akon: Ooo…if I discuss that they probably try to lock me up again.
How about the craziest least incriminating thing?
Akon: I was in a high-speed pursuit with the cops and I literally ran over the mayor’s mailbox into his living room.
What?
Akon: Yup. It made the news and everything. That was in Atlanta.
You couldn’t pick a different mailbox, though?
Akon: [Laughs] Right? This is the mayor! Out of all the mailboxes on that road, how did I even--and what was I doing in that area? I hit the mayor’s mailbox into his living room. That’s when you know it was time to stop.
What’s this I hear about you having multiple wives in your home in Atlanta. You said your dad had four wives then implied you’re a polygamist on the Angie Martinez Show.
Akon: Mmm hmm, implied. I really don’t bite my tongue for anybody and I always felt like if you’re going to be real, you got to be truthful all the way around the board. Lies only make things worse. But it got to a point where my coming out like that ended up being a mistake. I started getting calls from higher powers; people who were actually above me, practicing it. They were like, “We can’t control what you say out in the road, but it’s bringing a lot of negativity towards our homes.” So out of respect for them, I said ok, I won’t have those kinds of conversations.
What higher powers? Label execs?
Akon: I can’t suggest that but it got to the point where they were literally trying to send authorities out. People were about to get locked up over stuff like this. In the [music] business, it’s not just Muslims doing it. You got Jews that practice it and all that kind of stuff. I think the average guy is doing right now. He’s just not married. Everybody that I hang with got multiple girlfriends. So we felt like we could use that opportunity to discuss issues with boyfriends, girlfriends, why guys do what they do and have open conversations on relationships. Most girls, when they have an issue with their man, it’s because there’s another girl in the picture.
Are you living with multiple wives?
Akon: Come on, you can’t live with the women if you’re going to do it. It would ruin a situation like that. [On Angie’s show], I didn’t think the conversation all the way through because I didn’t think it was that serious. I just thought it was a way to open up the channels of communication so people could honestly talk. Then it just went to a whole ‘nother level. People started putting a spin to it. “Oh, he got all of these wives that actually live with him.” By the time it got to Atlanta, it was crazy! So they shut us down for a minute on it. But we’re working on a show that we could probably attack those situations on in the future.
How’d the topic of polygamy even come up?
Akon: It started off with me and Angie thinking, lets grab a subject that everybody’s going to call in for and make this the biggest show ever. It became worldwide in less than three days. Like, I had people from Africa calling me. That’s crazy! I was just speaking from my personal views but it got to a point where people were like, “Akon’s speaking on the behalf of all Africans.” All Africans don’t do that. Not even all Africans are Muslim.
But you did say all African men did it.
Akon: Yeah, I know but when I did say it, it was just me talking. Actually someone with common sense would know that’s not so.
Hearing about this closeted side of you makes me wonder what in the world is this album going to be like. Should we prepare for another surprise?
Akon: It’s definitely a more upscale version of Trouble and it’s definitely versatile so you might want to get that album and find out.
Read more vibe.com online exclusives.
Article tags: Akon, Angie Martinez, Eminem, Snoop Dogg
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Comments
1.
MisterHate says:
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This guy is FOS. Lies and more lies.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0416081akon1.html
April 17, 2008 at 2:30 pm
2.
Kouvicted says:
I don't care if he's a polygamist or not.
I'll luv him 4evah!
October 15, 2007 at 12:38 pm
3.
wael says:
الرسول كان عنده 11 زوجه يلاغبياء
September 26, 2007 at 7:56 am
4.
wael says:
لو كان اكون مسلم بيكون فاسق
September 26, 2007 at 7:43 am
5.
wael says:
انتو عرب
September 26, 2007 at 7:41 am
6.
tasia says:
so how many wives does akon really have?
September 10, 2007 at 4:16 pm
7.
giselle says:
hey my name gisselle i hpoe you come to tampa i really want to see you and i am from naragua i am 10 year i live in tampa fl
bye akon......
September 9, 2007 at 12:28 pm
8.
gigi says:
hey i will love to ment you i am from nicaragug and i am 12 year old
and i live at tampa fl ok plz come
bye akon |
love.... gigi mendez
September 9, 2007 at 12:24 pm
9.
fatimah shima hussain says:
I wanted to know is akon muslim or not. Thank you.
August 20, 2007 at 6:40 am
10.
hannah says:
do you like blue eyes.
June 10, 2007 at 7:03 pm
11.
caterian says:
hey your so hot your a hottie omg love ya
June 7, 2007 at 1:56 pm
12.
leanne says:
Are you married
May 25, 2007 at 7:44 am
13.
BX ShAH says:
THIS IS TO ALL THE HATERS OUT THERE>> SALIMA GO GOOGLE ISLAM AND MAKE URSELF SO PERFECT. LET AKON BE HIm. THERE IS NOT ONE PERSON OUT THERE THAT IS 100percent perfect. You got some nerves Critisiing akon. i thnk you should educate yourself before anything. it scares me that you are giving out false information to all the people out there. ALSO SALIMA ONE BIG THING ABOUT ISLAM IS NOT to talk shit about other people .. but u should talk the good things. so that makes u a bigger sinner.. AKON I WISH YOU THE BEST IN LIFE AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. THE PAST IS THE pAST>> JUST LIVE IN THE PRESENT AND KEEP PLANIN FOR DA FUTURE BRO!
May 16, 2007 at 5:50 pm
14.
kingsley nna says:
this guy look like tupac he qwwant u to future him in your music seed your email address to my box and i will send u my picture for u to copnfarm ok.looking forward for u reply.
thanks
May 15, 2007 at 10:38 am
15.
KC says:
alryt, Akon's a polygamist, so what? Let the dude be. At least he's honest, most dude's just go sleep aruond and dont even tell their gf or wife. And stop attacking the effing religion about this! It might have SOME connection to Islam, ut not ALL muslims are polygamists!
April 29, 2007 at 1:03 pm
16.
Chelsey tayor says:
hi i realy like your locked up song and mr lonly songs
April 17, 2007 at 9:18 am
17.
Cheikh says:
Salima stop being an idiot you said you were a muslim but you dont know a damn thang about Islam, yes we can have up to 4 wives so what its our religion n culture. The Prophet Mohamed(PBUH) had four wives n i know for a fact you didnt know that cuz if you knew you wokudn't say muslim dont practice polygamy, but you have the choice to stick with one and it aint like its the male fault cuz before you marry da rest of the women you'll have to ask the main one her permission if she says yes how can they blame you. Adultury is against any religion Allah knew that a man the man he created cant have enough to avoid a husband to go n cheat do it legally thats y polygamy came, at least those people with 4 or more wives aint committing sins/
April 6, 2007 at 12:24 pm
18.
Halu says:
archy it i, and i like you!
akon konvicted akon eminem ft
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April 1, 2007 at 1:58 pm
19.
laura says:
can I be wife #4?
March 30, 2007 at 9:25 am
20.
Eric Tah says:
Hey Mr Lonely, you are just being honest to yourself unfortunately your honesty is in the wrong place. When you become a public figure, please mind what you say to the public because you are an idol to many persons. They respect and look up to you. I think every man is a polygamist although not a practising one but has those polygamous weaknesses in them. Anyway have this as a lesson: you are a public figure and you should watch what you say.
March 29, 2007 at 11:22 am
21.
F Akon says:
Akon is:
a polygamist (has 3 wives)
a criminal (stole buncha cars, boast that he dealt meth, 5 yrs in jail)
a hypocrite (owns a diamond mine in senegal but won't give details on how workers are treated or if they are exploited)
vulgar (no other artist is more vulgar on the radio today - he has zero class no matter how much he talks about fancy things like Gallardo's)
Lastly he's a terrible singer whose tracks are all re-worked with synthesizers. Kermit the frog sings better.
This is who you are telling african americans to look up to and emulate. Where do you think this type of thing will lead our community?? WAKE UP!
March 21, 2007 at 5:04 pm
22.
Awais hamid says:
...n i wud luv 2 c u live....l8a...U RULE
March 18, 2007 at 7:47 am
23.
Awais Hmaid says:
yo akon watz up g.....i lov ur trkz and all you vidioz im ur numb 1 fan n i hope u will ryt 2 me soon....
March 18, 2007 at 7:41 am
24.
carol-lynn says:
hey i love ur music i would love to meet u in person and shake ur hand and give u a big hug.i would love to here u sing. gangsta bopin,ghetto,mrlonely,locked up,smack that and i would love if u can add me to ue e-mail address well gotta go foo now c yeah bubei peace.
March 5, 2007 at 9:21 am
25.
Yusuf and Maariyah says:
salima wat u sed izzzzzzzzzzzz very tru. ur rite.....................goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo salima
February 13, 2007 at 2:25 pm
26.
salima says:
Most Muslims dont have more den 1 wife. If u look in 2 da teachings and rules of islam u will actuli relise y most muslimz do not have more den 1 wife.I am a muslim and i dont no 1 person wit more den 1 wife.
February 12, 2007 at 5:48 pm
27.
LadyChi says:
most muslims do practice polygamy because I date a African, and his father has like 8 wives, and he be trying to get me into that polygamy stuff but I let him know that I ain't sharing, but I do respect his culture and everything.
February 5, 2007 at 9:20 pm
28.
souna says:
I M YOUR FAN NUMBER ONE AND I LIKE YOU SO MUCHE I M A SENAGALES GIRL BUT A LIV IN SPAIN THIA KAW THIA KANEME
December 29, 2006 at 1:54 pm
29.
Azanleko salamatou says:
I hope we can smack that!!!! but I really like y'RE song and yuuuuuu're
Dadadamannnnnnnnnnn.oh wana tell u I'm from africa too w-africa Togo.I spek French. J'aime tes chansons et tu peux m'ecrire apres et je peux danser dans tes chanson bcause I'm a big danser
hope yu write me!!!!!!!
LOVE YU
December 24, 2006 at 12:50 pm
30.
TAMEKA says:
WUZ POPPIN PIMPIN THIS YOUR TAMEKA JUST CHILLIN AND SHIT JUST STOP BY 2 SAY THAT I REALLY FEEL WAT U R SAYING AND THAT I HOPE THAT U BE GOOD AND KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
LATER
HOLLA @YOUR GURL ~MEKA~
December 18, 2006 at 7:20 pm
31.
carly says:
*hello*
luvin ur tunes at da mo smack that and i wana fuk u!!!! i wud luv 2 c u live wiv my dad hope 2 hear of you luv ya mexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
December 18, 2006 at 1:21 pm
32.
hannah says:
akon i would love to c live as he is the best solo artist since 1992. he has made some brill songs doing duos but he iz brillant. hope you write to me soon
December 15, 2006 at 6:58 am
33.
maliyha says:
HIIIIIIII I RELLY LUV UUUUURRRRRR SONGS.
I REALLY WANNA SEE U.
BYE TAK CARE
December 12, 2006 at 1:03 pm
34.
JACKIE LUNA says:
YEA ME AGAIN I JUST WANT TO SAY HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII AND COOL SONGS YOU MADE HOPE YOU WRITE ME AND IM DYING TO C U I REALLY WANT TO C UUUUUUUUUUUU BYE
December 3, 2006 at 10:39 pm
35.
Jackie luna says:
HOW DID YOU STARTIN MAKING THE SONG SMACK THAT? WHAT MADE YOU SING IT?
December 3, 2006 at 10:36 pm