David Cook - Biography When David Cook traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to be his younger brother's moral support at the American Idol auditions, he never could have imagined where his journey would take him. Only auditioning himself after his mother and brother's prodding and encouragement, David made it through the first round and then into the top 24.
David's knack of choosing and arranging songs that fit his vocal style, along with his consistently strong performances, kept him out of the bottom three and earned him praise from the judges. Despite being something of an underdog next to favorite David Archuleta, David won over the fans and the competition, receiving 56% of the final vote. Born December 20, 1982, David grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, and started singing in school pageants in the second grade. In high school he played sports, acted in school plays and musicals, and started a band, Axium, with his friends.
He received a musical theater scholarship at the University of Central Missouri, but decided it wasn't for him and got his degree in graphic design instead. David was still playing with Axium until the band was peacefully dissolved in 2006, the same year that he released his first solo record, Analog Heart. Before he auditioned for American Idol, David was working as a bartender in Tulsa, Oklahoma, playing bass with the band Midwest Kings (MWK), and finishing up his second solo record.
Now that he has released a new album on the 19 Entertainment / RCA Records label, it is not clear whether that album will be released. Notable Statistics For the Billboard chart week of June 7, 2008, a week following Cook's American Idol victory, Cook broke several Billboard chart records. Most notable was his record shattering feat of having eleven songs debut on the Hot 100 that week, beating the previous record set by Miley Cyrus in 2006 when she had six songs debut on the chart. Cook's first single, "The Time of My Life" led the pack, debuting at #3 on the Hot 100.
Cook's eleven charting songs also gave him the most songs by one artist on the Hot 100 of any week in the Nielsen Music era (which began in 1991), and the most of any era since The Beatles placed 14 songs on the chart the week of April 11, 1964. In addition, that same week Cook also broke the record for the most debuts on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart, where he placed 14 debut entries, the record of which was previously six, set by Bon Jovi in 2007.
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as 'the new frontier of white and nerdy,' and lauded on the cover of TV Guide magazine as 'the future of TV and digital comedy,' The Lonely Island (Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone) can now add the title music super stars to their growing repertoire of entertainment milestones - their Incredibad debuted as the #1 Comedy Album on the Billboard chart, as well as hitting the #1 spot their first week out on iTunes' coveted album chart, giving them the best debut by a new artist in 2009.
Released February 10th, the CD/DVD has garnered across the board acclaim as it also locks down the # 13 spot on Billboard's Top Album chart. 'The lyrics are hilariously simple and the music wildly catchy,' raved the New York Observer, 'without a doubt one of the funniest albums, music or otherwise in years,' wrote Paste magazine.com - 'good music and pitch-perfect style parodies.'
Incredibad is packed with new parodies and signature musical versions of groundbreaking digital shorts that have transformed sketch comedy and online satirical fare. Among the breakout gems included on Incredibad is the Emmy winning YouTube sensation "D**k In A Box," featuring superstar Justin Timberlake, which snagged a record-breaking 30 million-plus views before being permanently housed at NBCs online destinations NBC.com and Hulu, and the more recent follow-up "J**z In My Pants," which had 15 million views in its first month on YouTube. And don't forget their current SNL/YouTube sensation "I'm On a Boat," a send-up of hip hop's status-seeking obsession featuring T-Pain, which Newteevee.com has hailed as 'the gold standard on how to be both clever and profane.'
The CD features uproarious new surprises such as "Sax Man," featuring Jack Black, "Santana DVX," featuring Bay area rapper and The Click founder E-40, and "Like a Boss," among others. Audio renditions of past webisodes and SNL shorts round out the Universal Republic release, including fan-favorites such as "Lazy Sunday," which first aired on SNL in December of 2005, becoming a YouTube phenomenon and helping to brand the fledgling site as the internet's premiere must-watch online destination.
The trio's inspired new musical creations feature a diverse arsenal of guest-artists including hip hop impresario T-Pain, Grammy winning superstar Norah Jones, comedian Chris Parnell, The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, and others.
The Lonely Island will be celebrating their first release by doing two in store appearances in support of Incredibad - in New York City at Virgin Records Union Square and Newbury Comics in Boston. The "hometown" stop at Virgin will take place Wednesday, February 25th at 7pm with a Q&A and CD signing. The Newbury visit is on Friday, February 27th at 7pm following the same format.
R&B sensation Craig David was barely out of his teens when he took a hold of the U.K. pop circuit, twisted it around, and threw it back on its bum during fall 2000. This fresh-faced native of Southampton, England, was merely playing into his love of funkadelic hip-hop and crooning urban stylings when he started writing songs as a teenager. His love for Terence Trent D'Arby, Sisqo, and Donnell Jones allowed him to put his creative love for art, culture, and history into a musical beat all his own. And the new millennium belonged to him and garage had been redefined.
Born Craig Ashley David on May 5, 1981, David was slicing and dicing ragga and R&B on the local station PCRS 106.5FM and found himself playing club gigs prior to rubbing elbows with some of music's finest. It was during this time he hooked with Artful Dodger's Mark Hill. After winning a national writing competition, Craig was more than ready to start producing with Hill. His big break came when he put his own additives on Damage's "I'm Ready," a B-side to "Wonderful Tonight." Soon thereafter he remixed his own version of Human League's "Human" and started himself a regular spot in area clubs during the weekends. "Rewind" was another underground smash, specifically a definitive move for David. His respect for Stevie Wonder, Faith Evans, and R. Kelly was most apparent, however his own vocal talent was beginning to shine. He and Hill's specialty show on Capital Radio provided another outlet for David to shape his musical work of genius. "Fill Me In" proved yet another hit, shooting straight to number one in summer 2000. David was now the youngest British male solo artist to have a number one single. He was 19-years-old.
A deal with Wildstar Records in the U.K. sparked toward the end of the summer as "Re-Rewind" and "7 Days" gained praise in late November. A stateside agreement with Atlantic also led to more global hype. He had sold 3.5 million records worldwide and garage was finally becoming massive overseas and it was David's debut Born to Do It that was at the head.
But not all were pulling for this R&B prodigy. Aside from winning three awards at the MOBO's in October, Craig David walked away empty handed at the 2000 Brit Awards in February 2001. He was up for six nominations, including Best British Male Solo Artist, Best British Newcomer, and Best British Single for "7 Days," but industry politics fell into operation. Many mainstream stars came to David's defense, artists such as Elton John, U2, and Robbie Williams, professing their disgust for the ill recognition for David and his musical efforts in the past year. Death threats soon followed for the superstar in spring 2001 as he took the stage in a show in London. An anonymous caller claimed a soldier would injure David with tear gas and hand grenades. Still, his record sales continued to soar in the U.K. with sales of Born to Do It increasing over 100 percent after his dismal beginning months of 2001. He bombared American Shores with a deal with Atlantic and released Born to Do It stateside in summer 2001. Mainstream radio flocked to him immediately. Missy Elliott, Beyoncé Knowles, and Usher called themselves fans.
The next year, things didn't simmer down for the now international pop star. Craig David returned with a sophomore effort Slicker Than Your Average in November 2002. This particular album saw a much grittier side from David. Debut single "What's Your Flava?" also became one of the year's hottest singles.
Mariah Carey - BiographyBorn and raised in New York by her mother, a former opera singer with the New York City Opera and a vocal coach, Mariah Carey began singing at age four. By the time she was in junior high school, she had begun to write songs. After her high school graduation, she got her first big break, singing backup for friend Brenda K. Starr, a break that led to her signing with Columbia Records.
Mariah's 1990 eponymous debut album launched an unparalleled unbroken string of successes. Mariah Carey has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide, was certified 8x RIAA-platinum, and yielded a record-setting four consecutive #1 singles: "Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," "Someday," and "I Don't Wanna Cry." The title track of 1992's quadruple-platinum Emotions generated her fifth consecutive #1 single, placing Mariah Carey in the Top Ten All-Time achievers of Most Consecutive #1 Hits.
Emotions earned Mariah two Grammy® nominations ("Best Pop Vocal, Female" and, with Walter Afanasieff, "Best Producer") and an American Music Award ("Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B"). On March 17, 1992, Mariah appeared on MTV Unplugged, leading to the release of Mariah's sixth #1 single ("I'll Be There") as well as an EP which has been certified triple platinum in the U.S. and has sold more than five million copies worldwide. In 1993, Mariah released Music Box, an album which has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide, has been certified ten times RIAA platinum, and generated her seventh and eighth #1 singles "Dreamlover" and "Hero" as well as the Top 10 hit "Without You."
Mariah followed up with her holiday album, Merry Christmas, which sold eight million copies worldwide shortly after its release in November 1994 and has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. Mariah's 1995 album, Daydream, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart; generated three consecutive #1 singles -- "Fantasy," "One Sweet Day" (her duet with Boyz II Men which, having spent 16 weeks at #1, still holds the record as the longest-running #1 single in history), and "Always Be My Baby" (Mariah's ninth, tenth, and eleventh #1's) -- and has been certified 10x platinum.
With Daydream, she became the first female artist in history to have three studio albums to each sell in excess of eight million copies. Mariah's 1997 album, Butterfly, a heady sensuous mix of contemporary R&B and pop, generated the #1 hits "Honey" (featuring Ma$e & The Lox) and "My All" (her twelfth and thirteenth #1's).
Butterfly has been certified quadruple platinum. In November 1998, Mariah released her #1's album, a collection of 13 of her chart-topping megahits as well as four brand-new bonus recordings: "When You Believe (from The Prince Of Egypt)," a duet with Whitney Houston; "Whenever You Call," a duet with Brian McKnight; "I Still Believe"; and "Sweetheart." #1's has achieved RIAA triple platinum status. Her 1999 release, Rainbow, featured Mariah's 14th #1 Hot 100 single, "Heartbreaker," which also became her 6th chart-topping R&B single. Maria Carey has had more #1 singles than any female artist, surpassing both the Supremes (12) and Madonna (11), and more #1's than any currently active recording artist. She has had more #1 singles (14) than any artist during the 1990s and seen more singles (3) debut at #1 than any artist in history. With more #1 albums (4) than any female artist in the 1990's, Mariah was the first female artist to see two of her albums (Music Box and Daydream) reach the 10 million mark in sales and is the only female artist to have eight albums certified triple-platinum or better (in Mariah's case, her entire album catalog has achieved RIAA multi-platinum status). In fact, Mariah Carey is the only artist to have had a #1 single for every year of the 1990's. The last decade to have an artist hit #1 every single year was the 1920's when Paul Whiteman & his Orchestra hit the top slot each year. (By the end of the 1920's, Whiteman had become a Columbia Records artist.) With the exception of Merry Christmas (from which there was no single release) and #1's (a collection of her first 13 chart-toppers), Mariah has hit #1 with the debut single from every one of her albums. With the exception of her cover version of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," Mariah has cowritten all of her #1's, including "Heartbreaker." With the exceptions of "I Don't Wanna Cry," "Someday," "Love Takes Time," and "Vision Of Love," Mariah has co-produced all of her chart-topping singles.
Mariah received 1990 Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Female ("Vision of Love"). The same year, Mariah picked up three Soul Train Awards: Best New Artist, Best Album (Mariah Carey) and Best Single, Female ("Vision of Love"). A perennial favorite at the American Music Awards, Mariah won Favorite Female Artist/R&B in 1992; Favorite Female Artist, Pop/Rock and Favorite Album, Adult Contemporary in 1993; Favorite Female Artist, Pop/Rock in 1995; and Favorite Female Artist, Pop/Rock and Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B in 1996. Mariah picked up her first Billboard Awards in 1991 for Top Adult Contemporary Artist, Top Pop Artist, Top Album Artist, Top Pop Singles Artist, and Top Pop Singles Artist/Female.
In 1996, she won a Billboard Award for Hot 100 Singles Artist of the Year and, with Boyz II Men, a Special Hot 100 Singles Award for "One Sweet Day." At the 1998 World Music Awards ceremony, Mariah won an award for Best Selling R&B Artist and the Legend Award for World's Best Selling Recording Artist of the 1990's. She won her first World Music Awards - World's Best Selling Pop Artist, World's Best American Recording Artist, and World's Overall Best Performing Artist - in 1995. The following year, she was presented with trophies for World's Best Selling R&B Female Artist of the Year, World's Best Selling Overall Recording Female Artist of the Year, World's Best Selling Pop Artist of the Year, and World's Best Selling American Female Artist of the Year. Mariah was presented with the Aretha Franklin Entertainer Award and named Entertainer of the Year at the 1998 Lady Of Soul Awards. As of September 1999, Mariah Carey had sold more than 120 million albums and singles worldwide and earned an astounding 84 RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications for her singles, albums, and videos.
As one of the most popular recording artists of the 1990s, Mariah has provided an ongoing soundtrack to the decade. In 2001, Mariah signed with Virgin Records, which released Glitter, the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, with Mariah in her first lead acting role. She has also been featured in the films The Bachelor (1999) and Wisegirls (2002). In May 2002, Mariah signed an exclusive recording contract with the Universal Music Group's Island Records.
In addition, Carey has formed her own label, MonarC Music. Mariah's Charmbracelet features the songstress writing and co-producing with such a-list names as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Jermaine Dupri among others. The album, which is lyrically very personal, showcases Mariah's stunning voice, prolific songwriting and incredible versatility. This is fully evident on the first single, the sweeping epic ballad, "Through The Rain" which is a perfect example of what Mariah does best.
Carey's ninth studio album The Emancipation of Mimi was released in 2005 and contained contributions from producers such as The Neptunes, Kanye West and Carey's longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri. Carey said it was "very much like a party record ... the process of putting on makeup and getting ready to go out ... I wanted to make a record that was reflective of that." Mimi became the year's best-selling album in the U.S. with over five million copies (5xPlatinum) sold, won three Grammy Awards (including "Best Contemporary R&B Album") and received some of Carey's most favourable reviews in some time.
The second single "We Belong Together" held the Hot 100's number-one position for fourteen weeks (her longest run at the top as a solo artist) and was the biggest hit of 2005 in the U.S., while "Shake It Off" made Carey the only female artist to occupy the top two positions on the Hot 100 simultaneously. "Don't Forget about Us" became her seventeenth number-one in the U.S., which tied her with Elvis Presley for the most number-ones by a solo act according to Billboard magazine's revised methodology. By this count Carey is behind only The Beatles, who have twenty number-ones. The album became certified 6x platinum after her Grammy wins.
Jordin Brianna Sparks is an aspiring American singer, actress, model and American Idol finalist .
Background
Sparks is the daughter of former NFL football player, Phillippi Sparks, and wife Jodi Sparks. She has a younger brother named PJ (Phillippi Sparks, Jr.). As a daughter of a B lack father and a White mother, she is biracial. She is managed by maternal grandmother Pa m Wiedmann. Her aunt Shari is an actress & model.Sparks is currently homes chooled. She is a fan of football, reading, and music. She also attends church. She has been singing since she was 18 months old
In 2007, Sparks appeared on the January 17, 2007 broadcast of sixth season of American Idol, earning a "gold ticket" and the right to appear in the Hollywood Round. Already a favorite in the contest, American Idol judge Randy Jackson, made the an offhand prediction t hat "Curly hair will win this year." Which may have been made in reference to Sparks. Befor e going on to AI, she won Arizona Idol, she has progressed further through the AI process than any previous Arizona Idol contestant.
In 2006, Sparks was one of two winners who won the Phoenix Torrid search for the "Next Plus Size Model". She was flown to California where she was used in a num ber of Torrid ads and promotional pieces. A full-page ad for Torrid featuring Jordin ran in the December, 2006 issue of Seventeen magazine.
Sparks finished second in 2004 at the coveted Music in the Rockies national competition for aspiring Contemporary Christian Music artists.
In 2004, Sparks appeared in America's Most Talented Kids twice, and won in her first appearance. She was one of seven to appear in a special championship editio n of the show. This appearance followed two noted auditions in 2003, one with American Juniors and the other, Star Search
Sparks has performed the national anthem at various sporting events, notably the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. She has also sung in such events as Country Thunder, a famous country music venue. She has appeared with celebrities Alice Cooper (in his 2004 Christmas show) and has twice toured with Christian con temporary singer Michael W. Smith. Smith has shown support of Sparks by encouraging Idol viewers to vote for her on his website.
Sparks recorded an album titled For Now in 2003, a five-song album at the age of thirteen, working with Matthew Ward, a legendary Christian music artist, and Gary Leach, an engineer who has worked on several of LeAnn Rimes' albums. She appeared in a compilation album titled Live at Mr. Lucky's in 2004.
As an actress, Sparks has appeared in several plays, recently starring in a dual role as characters Deborah and Bea in Magdalene at the Plumbline Theater in Franklin, Tennessee. She has also performed several times with Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. Her first appearance was in March, 2002 as an Emerald City dancer and as a poppy in The Wiz. She also appeared in VYT's production of Cinderella in June, 2002 and another production of The Wiz in August, 2002.
Since turn of the century, every American summer has seemed to produce one or two Caribbean-styled dance-pop hit sensations, and the summer of 2005 was no different, as the relentless dancehall-lite booming rhythms of Rihanna's "Pon de Replay" seemed as omnipresent as sunshine. Like Daddy Yankee ("Gasolina") and Sean Paul ("Get Busy") in summers prior, Rihanna emerged initially as an unknown superstar, known far more for her song than for herself. Unlike Daddy Yankee and Sean Paul, however, she is a woman — a young and beautiful green-eyed one, to be more specific. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in the St. Michael parish of Barbados a brief 17 years before she reached the Top Two of Billboard's Hot 100 chart (held back from the number one spot by the undisputed song of the summer, Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together"), Rihanna always exhibited a special quality, winning beauty and talent contests as a schoolchild. But because she lived on the fairly remote island of Barbados in the West Indies, she never foresaw the sort of stardom that would later befall her.
That stardom came courtesy of a fateful meeting with a man named Evan Rogers. The New Yorker was vacationing in Barbados with his wife, a native of the island, when someone turned him on to Rihanna. Since Rogers had spent years producing pop artists — including superstars like *NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, Laura Pausini, and Rod Stewart — he offered her the opportunity to record some music after he recognized her talent and potential. Along with Rogers' production partner, Carl Sturken (the other half of Syndicated Rhythm Productions), Rihanna recorded some demos that sparked the interest of the Carter Administration — that is, Def Jam president Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. This led to an audition and, in turn, an on-the-spot offer to sign with Def Jam, which Rihanna indeed inked on the spot.
Come summer 2005, Def Jam rolled out "Pon de Replay," the lead single of Music of the Sun, which was produced almost entirely by Rogers and Sturken and which synthesized Caribbean rhythms and beats with urban-pop songwriting. "Pon de Replay" caught fire almost immediately, challenging "We Belong Together"'s half-summer reign atop the Billboard chart before Music of the Sun even saw release. Her sophomore release, A Girl Like Me, appeared in 2006. Singles off it include the Hot 100 #1 record "SOS", the ballad "Unfaithful" (#6) and third release "We Ride". Fourth single "Break It Off" which features Sean Paul entered the Hot 100 Top 10 only being a digital download song. Now her third album Good Girl Gone Bad is coming in 2007.
Singer/songwriter Jason Mraz hails from Mechanicsville, VA, where he grew up as a fan of the Dave Matthews Band and local roots musicians the Agents of Good Roots. But it was Mraz's interest and participation in musical theater that was his first introduction to music. Mraz moved to New York following high school to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out a year later when he took up the guitar and began to focus on songwriting. Nonetheless, Mraz's training as a vocalist would show itself on his debut album which is marked by the pure clarity and range of his vocals.
After busking around New York, Mraz eventually returned to Virginia; but, in 1999, he ultimately made his way West, settling in San Diego, CA, known for its coffeehouse scene and support of singer/songwriters, most notably Jewel. Mraz began playing local shops and landed a weekly slot at local hot-spot Java Joe's. At the same time, Mraz met drummer Toca Rivera and the two began performing together — Mraz on acoustic guitar, Rivera on djembe — honing a live show that featured as much comedic banter between the two as music.
Over the next two years, Mraz's following grew outside of San Diego to Los Angeles, garnering the attention of record labels. In early 2002, Mraz signed to Elektra Records and returned to Virginia to write and record his debut album, working with producer John Alagía (the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) and his high school heroes, the Agents of Good Roots, as his backing band. The resulting effort, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, was released in November of 2002. The album blends Mraz's early influences and coming-of-age by combining country and roots rock with the poeticism of coffeehouse folk, elements of jazz, and the rhythmic charge of hip-hop.
Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it I tried to be chill but your so hot that I melted I fell right through the cracks, now I'm tryin to get back before the cool done run out I'll be givin it my best test and nothin's gonna stop me but divine intervention I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
But I won't hesitate no more, no more, it cannot wait I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me open up your plans and damn you're free look into your heart and you'll find love love love love listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing We're just one big family And it's our godforsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved
So, i won't hesitate no more, no more, it cannot wait i'm sure there's no need to complicate our time is short this is our fate I'm yours
Scooch on over closer, dear And I will nibble your ear
I've been spendin' way too long checkin' my tongue in the mirror and bendin' over backwards just to try to see it clearer But my breath fogged up the glass and so I drew a new face and I laughed I guess what I'd be sayin' is there ain't no better reason to rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons it's what we aim to do our name is our virtue
But I won't hesitate no more, no more it cannot wait I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me open up your plans and damn you're free look into your heart and you will find that the sky is yours
so please don't, please don't, please don't, there's no need to complicate, Cause our time is short This, this, this is our fate, I'm yours
Akon is one of the fastest rising star in the music industry today bec. he has given a nice break by his producers & the songs that he sung are well composed that is why he is gathering so much listeners bec. his songs are quite addictive.I really love his song " Right Now" I fell in love with it the first time i heard it.
As the son of famed jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments. At the age of 7, he moved to New Jersey. During Akon’s alleged time in jail, he began to understand his music abilities and developed an appreciation for his musical background. When he was released he immediately began recording his music and sending out demo tapes. Akon's unique blend of West African-style vocals and hip-hop lyricism eventually caught the ears of executives at Universal Records.[5]
Name and age
The full name of Akon is, Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, as announced by himself.[6] Other sources say his given name is Aliaune Thiam.[7] Some sources have written his name as Aliaune Badara Thiam or Alioune Badara Thiam.[8] However, About.com claims that this middle name has never been independently verified.[9] In addition, some media institutions have incorrectly reported that he was born in 1981. Sources such as the AP have indicated he was born in 1973. Legal documents released by The Smoking Gun list his name as Aliaune Damala Thiam and date of birth as 1973-04-30[10] or 1973-04-16.[11] According to the Smoking Gun article, "By all indications, he was born April 16, 1973."[12] When asked his age during an interview with VIBE, Akon reportedly responded, "The only thing I hide is my age... before I lie to you, I'd rather say nothing."[12]
Background
He is the son of the Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam. He then spent split time between Senegal and America until he was 15, and then permanently moved to Jersey City, New Jersey.[13] He recorded his first song, "Operations of Nature", at the age of fifteen.[citation needed] Akon began writing and recording tracks in his home studio. The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal, which released Akon's debut LP Trouble in June 2004. The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats. Most of Akon's songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell with him uttering the word "Convict".
2004–2005: Breakout with Trouble
Akon's solo debut album, Trouble was released on June 29, 2004. It spawned the hit singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely", as well as "Belly Dancer (Bananza)", "Pot Of Gold", and "Ghetto." Akon allegedly served a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, an experience that supposedly inspired his "Locked Up."[7] "Locked Up" reached the top 10 in the U.S. and the top five in the UK. His manager Robert Montanez was shot to death following a dispute in New Jersey in December 2005. "Ghetto" became a radio hit when it was remixed by Green Lantern to include verses from legendary rappers 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. His album also climbed to number one in the UK in April, 2005. When music channel The Box had a top ten weekly chart, which was calculated by the amount of video requests, Akon's "Lonely" became the longest running single on the top of the chart, spanning over fifteen weeks. Akon then released another single featuring with a New Zealand rapper, Savage with the single Moonshine, which had become a success in both New Zealand and Australia, becoming number one in the New Zealand charts. In 2005, Akon gained more popularity after being featured on Young Jeezy's debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, on the song "Soul Survivor."
2006–2008: Konvicted and Freedom
Akon performing with Gwen Stefani on The Sweet Escape Tour.
In 2006-2007 Akon has had one of the most successful spans any singer has ever enjoyed with eleven songs in the Billboard Hot 100. Akon's second album, entitled Konvicted, was released on November 14, 2006. Konvicted included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. Late August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem, from the album. This single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. The music video for "Smack That" was directed by Raymond Garced. "I Wanna Love You," the second single off Konvicted, was released in September 2006. It is a collaboration between Akon and Snoop Dogg. This single earned Akon his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and Snoop's second. "I Wanna Love You" topped the U.S. charts for two consecutive weeks. In January 2007, Akon released his third single "Don't Matter" which earned him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart topper. "Mama Africa" was released as a European single in July 2007, making it the fourth single. It debuted in the UK at number 47. "Sorry, Blame It on Me" is the album's fifth single which debuted in August 2007, on the Hot 100 at number seven, which also happened to be a career best. The song is not available on the original album, but instead part of the Deluxe Edition of Konvicted, which came out August 28, 2007. The sixth and final single was confirmed in an interview by Akon to be "Never Took the Time."[14]Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 286,000 copies in its first week. After only six weeks, Konvicted sold more than one million records in the U.S. and more than 1.3 million worldwide. The album was certified platinum after seven weeks, and after sixteen weeks it was certified double platinum. Konvicted was able to stay in the top twenty of the Billboard 200 for 28 consecutive weeks, where it peaked at number two on four different occasions. On November 19, 2007, the RIAA has certified the Konvicted album triple platinum status with 3 million units sold in th United States. Currently it has sold more than 4 million worldwide.
On October 5, 2006, Akon broke a record on the Hot 100, as he achieved the largest climb in the chart's 48-year-history with "Smack That" jumping from number 95 to 7. The leap is fueled by its number six debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 downloads. The record was broken on April 7, 2007 by Beyoncé and Shakira's "Beautiful Liar" when it jumped from 94 to 3 on the Hot 100, because of their 150,000 digital downloads on the Hot Digital Songs.
He was featured on Gwen Stefani's latest album, The Sweet Escape. He made an appearance on the title track and second single, "The Sweet Escape." Akon produced the song. On December 10, 2006, Akon and Stefani appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, however they did not perform the song as Stefani had not yet learned the lyrics. He performed the song live, however, on American Idol on March 28, 2007 due to Gwen Stefani's appearance as a coach the night before. "The Sweet Escape" has reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Akon collaborated with Chamillionaire on his mixtape, Mixtape Messiah 2. He is featured on "Ridin' Overseas," which he also produced. The mixtape became available for download on Chamillionaire's website on December 24, 2006.
Akon and Young Jeezy are doing a collaborative album together. In 2006, after their 2005 Akon-produced single, "Soul Survivor," the duo said that there is a lot more to expect from them in the future.[15][16]
In November 2007, Akon recorded a remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Michael Jackson. In February 2008, the remix was released on the Thriller 25 of Michael Jackson's Thriller. The remix was released as a single and charted in the top 10 in most countries. Akon has mentioned in various interviews that he is also working with Jackson on his upcoming studio album. In July of 2008, a song was leaked on the internet, which is a duet of Michael Jackson and Akon. Entitled "Hold My Hand," the song features both artists singing together over a R&B/Hip-Hop style backing track, more similar to Akon's songs rather than Jackson's. It is not known whether it will be released as a single or as part of Akon's upcoming album or Jackson's rumoured new album. However it has already caused a comotion with websites such as Youtube; many videos have either been muted or deleted due to copyright issues with the song. There is also no official mention of the recording on either artist websites, and it is not included in the tracklist of Akon's upcoming album Freedom.
Akon holds the record for most guest performances on popular television show American Idol with two. He once sang "The Sweet Escape" with Gwen Stefani and three weeks later he sang "Don't Matter" on the show while it was number one on the Billboard charts.
Akon is also credited with producing the track entitled "Echo" on Latin Boy band Menudo's latest album, released in the spring of 2008.
Akon has recorded a song with E-40 titled "Wake It Up" for E-40's album, The Ball Street Journal. Akon experiments with the auto-tune effect in the song.
Akon has confirmed that a reality television show is in the works. It will be called "My Brother's Keeper" and the point is that Akon's two nearly identical brothers will go around in Atlanta posing as him fooling people into thinking that it is in fact Akon. They will try to get VIP treatment, girls and free things. Akon has claimed that people have mistaken his brothers for him many times in Atlanta which is what the show is based on.[24]
Akon is planning to work on a full-length movie titled Illegal Alien. The film is based on some of the events of his life and actor Mekhi Phifer is set to play him. Besides Akon confirmed in August 2007, in the interview with Polish website INTERIA.PL, that he works on a movie "Cocaine Cowboys," which tells the story of Jon Roberts, the main pilot of Medellin Cartel (Colombian drug traffickers).[25] He was also featured on a Verizon Wireless commercial and singing Snitch along with Obie Trice on a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode named "Poppin' Tags."
On November 30, 2007, Akon entered the Big Brother house in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 as a guest so the housemates can meet him for only 100 seconds.
He also appeared on November 17, 2008 edition of WWE Raw, with Santino Marella citing him in his speech.
Fashion
In February 2007, Akon launched his clothing line, Konvict Clothing. It features urban streetwear including denim jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and hats. Aliaune is the upscale version, or high-end line, for males and females, which includes blazers, denim jeans and other items. Timothy Hodge appeared on MTV's Direct Effect along side Akon while promotioning the Konvict clothing line.[26]
Personal life
Akon has been rumored to have three wives, but recently has said to only have one.[27] Akon nominally belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. Both his parents are Muslim.[citation needed] Polygamy is illegal in the United States of America and in many Muslim countries[citation needed]. He claims to have five children with three different women in an interview with Blender.[28]
He also has his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation.[29] Akon owns a diamond mine in South Africa and denies the existence of conflict diamonds (Otherwise casually referred to as 'blood diamonds'), saying, "I don't even believe in conflict diamonds. That's just a movie. Think about it. Ain't nobody thought about nothing about no conflict diamonds until the movie came out."[30] He also allegedly had a previous occupation as a drug dealer but has stated in interviews that he's never used drugs, though some of his lyrics would suggest otherwise. Despite his alleged criminal history, he proclaims that he has turned his life around.
In April 2007, Akon drew criticism for having on-stage simulated sex with Danah (Deena) Alleyne, a preacher's [at the time] fifteen-year-old daughter, at a club in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a fake contest, despite the club's claim to have a 21 years and over age limit.[32][33] The incident was filmed by Akon's crew and later uploaded to the Internet. On April 20, 2007 local media, channel TV6, aired the video clip publicly. Amid criticism on the radio, television, and from the blogosphere, Verizon Wireless removed ringtones featuring Akon's songs. Verizon also decided not to sponsor The Sweet Escape Tour where Akon was to be the opening act for Gwen Stefani.[34] However, Universal Music Group did not take action against Akon, but rather simply ordered the video clip be removed from video-sharing site YouTube due to copyright infringement. Conservative commentator and Parents Television Council founder Brent Bozell called this "corporate irresponsibility."[35]
In one song from his album, "Sorry, Blame It On Me," Akon apologizes to the young girl for the incident at the club, though citing the club for admitting the girl because she was under 21 and her parents for letting her go out dressed like an adult. He also tells how Verizon dropped promoting him and Gwen's tour, and stopped sale of his ringtones. He also makes several other apologies to his children, wife, and mother as well. The song is available to listen to on Akon's MySpace page and was released onto iTunes (U.S.) on July 17, 2007.
Political commentators Michelle Malkin, Laura Ingraham, and Bill O'Reilly criticized Akon for "degrading women."[36][37] Malkin uploaded commentary about Akon to YouTube, using footage from music videos and the Trinidad concert, and Universal Music Group then forced its removal by issuing a DMCA takedown notice.[38] The Electronic Frontier Foundation joined Malkin in contesting the removal as a misuse of copyright law, citing fair use.[39] In May 2007, UMG rescinded its claim to the video, and the video returned to YouTube.
Fishkill incident
On June 3, 2007, at WSPK's KFEST concert at the Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, New York, a concert attendee threw an object towards Akon on stage. Akon asked the crowd to identify who threw the object and that he be brought on stage. Security staff grabbed the young man and took him up to the stage. Akon then pulled him up from the crowd and hoisted him across his shoulders. The singer then tossed the attendee back into the crowd from his shoulders. Video of the incident was reviewed by Fishkill police.[40] Akon has claimed that the incident was staged and that he in fact used the act to set up for the next record.[24] Charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, were filed, according to police Chief Donald F. Williams, and Akon was arraigned the two charges on December 3, 2007 in the town of Fishkill Court.[41]
In December 2008, Akon pleaded guilty to the charge of harassment in the second degree; he was sentenced to 65 hours community service and $350 in fines. [42]
Biographical fabrications
The Smoking Gun reported in April 2008 that much of Akon's purported criminal and incarceration history has been dramatically embellished.[43][44][45] In particular, Akon's claims to be part of an auto-theft ring and his claim to have spent three years in prison were challenged with court records and interviews with detectives involved in Akon's case.
Akon has only been convicted of a single felony, that of gun possession in 1998. He received 3 years probation after pleading guilty. He ended up spending several months in jail on remand following the theft of a BMW, but the charges against him were dropped.
According to The Smoking Gun's article, Akon was not convicted of any crime and did not serve any time in prison from 1999 to 2002 as previously claimed.
Akon stated that The Smoking Gun's attempt to "discredit" him "makes no sense" to him, and that he benefits from it because that part of his past is something he has been "trying to forget."[46]
rigth now ( na na na ) akon [Verse 1]: It's been so long That I haven't seen your face I'm tryna be strong But the strength I have is washing away It won't be long before I get you by my side And just hold you, tease you, squeeze you Tell you what's been on my mind
[Chorus]: I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now
[Verse 2]: Girl I know mistakes were made between us two And we show our eyes that night even said somethings weren't true Why'd you go I haven't seen my girl since then Why can't it be the way it was Cause you were my homie, lover, friend
[Chorus]: I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now
[Bridge 1]: I can't lie (I miss you much) Watching everyday that goes by (I miss you much) Till i get you back I'm gonna try (Yes I miss you much) You are the apple of my eye (Girl I miss you much) (I miss you much) I can't lie (I miss you much) Watching everyday that goes by (I miss you much) Tell I get you back I'm gonna try (Yes I miss you much) You are the apple of my eye (Girl I miss you much) (I miss you much)
[Chorus]: I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now
[Bridge 2]: I want you to fly with me (want you to fly) I miss how you lie with me (miss how you lie) Just wish you could dine with me (wish you could dine with me) One that would grind with me (one that would grind with me) I want you to fly with me (want you to fly) I miss how you lie with me (miss how you lie) Just wish you could dine with me (wish you could dine) One that would grind with me (one that would grind)
[Chorus]: I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now We need to link up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now I wanna make up right now now now Wish we never broke up right now now now
I'm a girl,i think so..but also i'm a person who has a little bit of everything that is why i have a very balanced life.I crave for music & it's been a part of me.I like all genres but i'm most into R&B...my feminity is what brings me close to the world of music.It brings out my softer side the emotion within me.Music helps me change my mood to ease my tension.Music for me is an expression of the soul... outlet of all kinds of emotions.When i sing songs i'm putting all my emotions there that would bring me to a whole new dimension that only a few people would understand.I'm a true music lover.Song are not just songs they are emotions unleashed. "Music is everything,Music' is my life
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as 'the new frontier of white and nerdy,' and lauded on the cover of TV Guide magazine as 'the future of TV and digital comedy,' The Lonely Island (Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone) can now add the title music super stars to their growing repertoire of entertainment milestones - their Incredibad debuted as the #1 Comedy Album on the Billboard chart, as well as hitting the #1 spot their first week out on iTunes' coveted album chart, giving them the best debut by a new artist in 2009.
