Hip hop artist, beat creator and producer Akon was born as Aliaune Thiam, son of accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam.



Aliaune was introduced to varied musical styles early on: “I grew-up listening to all kinds of music. Obviously I love soul songs, but I also like mixing in other types of music. For every Stevie Wonder track I’ve listened to, there is another by Steely Dan that helped shape me as an artist.”



Akon has now established himself as an in-demand guest artist and record producer (Young Jeezy, R. Kelly, Obie Trice, Elton John, Daddy Yankee, Gwen Stefani).



"Trouble", Akon's debut album, was released 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.



Since his debut release, Akon has traveled the world and collaborated with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His Konvict Music imprint, which will be distributed by Interscope Records, boasts a roster that includes T-Pain and former TLC member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.