Career Timeline of Akon: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Akon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Akon, born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. He gained significant recognition in 2004 with his hit single "Locked Up", which led to his debut album "Trouble" (2004). The album became a commercial success and included the popular R&B follow-up, "Lonely". Akon is known as an influential figure in the world of music for his diverse talents.
1996: Record Deal with Elektra Records
In 1996, Akon recorded "Operations of Nature," earning him a deal with Elektra Records, which eventually fell through after the song failed to gain traction in the United States.
June 29, 2004: Release of Trouble
On June 29, 2004, Akon's debut album, Trouble, was released, featuring the singles "Locked Up", "Lonely", and others. The album mixed West African-styled vocals with East Coast and Southern beats.
2004: Konvict Muzik Founded
In 2004, Akon founded the record label Konvict Muzik.
2004: Rise to Prominence
In 2004, Akon rose to prominence with his single "Locked Up" featuring Styles P and released his debut album 'Trouble' which led to his commercial breakthrough and the release of "Lonely" the following year.
April 2005: "Lonely" Climbs to Number One in the UK
In April 2005, Akon's album climbed to number one in the UK. His single "Lonely" reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Australia, the UK, and Germany.
August 2006: Release of "Smack That"
In August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem.
October 5, 2006: Record Climb on Hot 100
On October 5, 2006, Akon's "Smack That" jumped from number 95 to 7 on the Hot 100, achieving the largest climb in the chart's history at the time.
November 2006: Konvicted Album Release
In November 2006, Akon released his second album, Konvicted, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
2006: Plans for Collaborative Album with Young Jeezy
In 2006, Akon and Young Jeezy suggested plans for a collaborative album.
2006: Release and Nomination of Konvicted
In 2006, Akon's second album, Konvicted, was released and nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Singles "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg and "Smack That" featuring Eminem were also nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
January 2007: Release of "Don't Matter"
In January 2007, Akon released "Don't Matter", earning him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart-topper.
February 2007: Launch of Konvict Clothing Line
In February 2007, Akon launched his clothing line Konvict Clothing, featuring urban streetwear and an upscale version called Aliaune.
July 2007: Release of "Mama Africa"
In July 2007, "Mama Africa" was released as a European single, making it the fourth overall single from the album Konvicted.
August 2007: Release of "Sorry, Blame It on Me"
In August 2007, "Sorry, Blame It on Me" debuted on the Hot 100 at number seven.
2007: KonLive Distribution Founded
In 2007, Akon founded KonLive Distribution, through which he signed artists like Lady Gaga, T-Pain and others.
December 2, 2008: Release of Freedom Album
On December 2, 2008, Akon released his third album Freedom.
2008: Release of Freedom
In 2008, Akon released his third album, Freedom, supported by the single "Right Now (Na Na Na)" and other singles.
2009: Akon and Konvict Muzik Produced Flipsyde's State of Survival
In 2009, Akon and Konvict Muzik produced hip-hop/rock group Flipsyde's release, State of Survival, released via KonLive Distribution and Cherrytree Records.
2014: Launch of Akon Lighting Africa
In 2014, Akon launched the non-profit Akon Lighting Africa.
2019: Releases of El Negreeto and Akonda
In 2019, Akon released two albums: El Negreeto, which explored reggaeton and Latin music, and Akonda, which explored Afrobeats, but neither album charted.
2028: Expected Completion of Akon City
Akon's city in Senegal is scheduled for completion in 2028.
September: Release of 'I Wanna Love You'
In September, the single "I Wanna Love You", featuring Snoop Dogg, was released and earned Akon his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
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