Akon (born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri) is a 51 year-old R&B/hip-hop artist who rose to prominence in 2004 with the release of his debut album “Trouble,” which spawned the hit singles "Lonely," a modern reimagining of Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely," "Locked Up" (feat. Styles P), “Ghetto,” and “Belly Dancer (Bananza).” Two years later, he dropped his sophomore album "Konvicted,” which featured chart-toppers like "Smack That" (feat. Eminem), "I Wanna Love You" (feat. Snoop Dogg), and "Don't Matter.” His third album, “Freedom,” followed in 2008 and included hits like "Right Now (Na Na Na)" and “I’m So Paid” (feat. Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy). Eleven years later, Akon released “El Negreeto” and “Akonda.” While neither performed as well as his early works, Akon remains a revered figure in modern pop culture.