 Akon: The mere act of surviving on a day to day basis is the
foundation from which a true artist builds his craft. Multi-talented newcomer
AKON is no exception to this rule. His dynamic debut album, TROUBLE, a
collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the
singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences. A crafty blend of soulful
hip-hop, TROUBLE is AKON's vibrant first time tour-de-force.
"TROUBLE evolved from the struggles I went through and what I did and am still
doing to correct those things," offers AKON, who has had his fair share of
adolescent problems with both the legal and school system, as is reflected in
his redemption song "Trouble Nobody." "I've got a habit of writing about
everything I go through," he explains, "and this album gives a glimpse of where
I am now."
To understand where AKON is right now is just half the equation. The other half
lies in where he came from: this young artist possesses a unique history. A
Senegalese African, AKON moved to the United States when he was seven. His
family is headed by legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam, whose
expertise for playing the Djembe, a traditional African drum, has been touted as
"unrivaled." Being brought up in an environment that treasures the true artistic
value of musicianship and revels in the mastering of instrumental skill has had
a momentous affect on AKON.
It was AKON's deep rooted love and passion for music, evolving from filial
admiration, which allowed him to turn his life around, despite his trouble as a
youth residing in New Jersey. AKON began playing several different percussion
instruments and eventually embraced hip-hop music and culture, despite his
initial disdain for the genre. "When I first heard hip-hop I thought it was
rubbish because I didn't understand the concept of people talking over music,"
AKON recalls, "But as I started growing up, living a little and listening to the
lyrics, I realized that I was going through a lot of stuff these rappers were
talking about and I could relate."
Once hip-hop took over his life, AKON's musical development exploded and he
began channeling his energy into writing and producing his own music. Songs such
as "Show Out" display how much hip-hop has influenced him. Over the sparsely yet
hard hitting groove, "Don't tempt me/'Cuz I'm close to the edge/I'm trying not
to lose my head," ring the lyrics that cleverly integrates original school
lyrics. At the same time, the song pays homage to hip-hop pioneers all while
maintaining its own identity.
Meanwhile, his first single "Bananza (Belly Dance)" exhibits another side of the
artist. On this song AKON puts forth a feel-good vibe. Singing over a seductive
and sensual beat, "Bananza (Belly Dance)," is one of AKON's most irresistible
tracks. The song integrates a unique up tempo dance beat with a distinct wind
instrumentation floating in the background guaranteed to improve every
listener's mood. The reason for this, AKON says, "There are a lot of negative
things going on today." "We need to party and just have fun," he continues, "'Bananza…'
is a party record. You just go in the club, party and enjoy those beautiful
women."
However, life does not solely revolve around beautiful women and leisure time
and AKON is well aware of this. On the somber, soulful "Ghetto" and the
meditative, impressive "Journey," AKON gives listeners an in-depth look into a
harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling. But rather than
sensationalize his own drama, AKON transmits, to his audience, the feeling of
being a part of his inner circle.
AKON's personal appeal and ability to reach a listener is a part of his whole
package: a package that includes, most importantly, his distinctive vocals and a
relaxed singing style. It is as though he is speaking to you as he sings in a
very intimate manner. "When I sing the sound comes from the mood that I am in.
These records are coming straight from the heart," AKON divulges.
Genuine and honest, AKON's music is a step in a new direction: a trajectory that
will lead us on a delightfully fulfilling path. Says AKON, "When I'm on the mic,
I'm just giving the listener a part of me." Be prepared to receive it.
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