Akon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Akon.

Akon, born Aliaune Thiam, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. He gained significant recognition in 2004 with his hit single "Locked Up," a hip-hop-infused track. This success led to his debut album, Trouble (2004), marking his commercial breakthrough. The following year, he released the R&B-inspired "Lonely," further solidifying his presence in the music industry and his influential status in world music.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2004: Rise to Prominence and Debut Album Trouble

In 2004, Akon rose to prominence following the release of his single "Locked Up" featuring Styles P, which was styled in hip-hop. This preceded the release of his debut studio album Trouble in 2004, a commercial breakthrough, and the release of the R&B-styled follow-up single "Lonely" in 2005.

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April 2005: "Lonely" Reaches Number One in the UK

In April 2005, Akon's album climbed to number one in the UK.

October 5, 2006: Record-Breaking Climb on Hot 100

On October 5, 2006, Akon's "Smack That" achieved the largest climb in the Hot 100 chart's 48-year history, jumping from number 95 to 7, fueled by its number six debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 downloads.

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November 2006: Release of Konvicted Album

In November 2006, Akon's second album, Konvicted, was released and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 286,000 copies in its first week.

2006: Konvicted Album Success

In 2006, Akon's second album, Konvicted, achieved continued success, earning a nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. The lead singles "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg and "Smack That" featuring Eminem, received nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, simultaneously peaking at numbers one and two on the Billboard Hot 100.

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January 2007: Release of Don't Matter

In January 2007, Akon released "Don't Matter", which became his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart-topper.

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November 20, 2007: Konvicted Certified Triple Platinum

On November 20, 2007, the RIAA certified Akon's album 'Konvicted' triple platinum with 3 million units sold in the US.

December 2007: Guinness World Records Achievement

By December 2007, Akon was listed by Guinness World Records as the number-one selling artist for master ringtones in the world, with 11 million sold.

December 2, 2008: Release of Freedom Album

On December 2, 2008, Akon released his third album Freedom, which included the singles "Right Now (Na Na Na)", "I'm So Paid" (featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy), "Beautiful" (featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall) and "We Don't Care". Freedom was certified platinum in the US.

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2010: Premios Lo Nuestro Nominations

In 2010, Akon's collaboration with Aventura and Wisin & Yandel on "All Up 2 You" received two nominations at the Premios Lo Nuestro for "Urban Song of the Year" and "Video Collaboration of the Year".

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