Akon Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon; I was born April 16, 1973, is a Senegalese

American R&B recording artist and songwriter. According to Forbes, I grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. I rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", my first single debut album Trouble. My second album, Konvicted, earned me a Grammy Award nomination of the single "Smack That". I have since founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. I often sings hooks for other artists and i currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs. I have worked with numerous performers such as Dr. Dre, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Quincy Jones, Eminem and Whitney Houston. I am the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. I have had six Grammy Awards nominations and have produced many hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis and Leona Lewis. Lady Gaga and T-Pain are two artists who were given their chance at fame by me. Early life I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, which my parents arranged so that i would have American citizenship, and not encounter future immigration problems. I am the son of Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam, I was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments including the djembe. At age 7, i moved with my family to Union City, New Jersey, splitting my time between the United States and Senegal until settling in Newark, New Jersey.[3] Growing up in New Jersey, I had difficulties getting along with other children. When me and my older brother reached high school, my parents left us on our own in Jersey City and moved the rest of the family to Atlanta, Georgia. I have stated in interviews that my full name is Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam and that as a Muslim, i have never drank alcohol or smoked.[7] although there is some ambiguity and debate about my legal name and birth date. I is usually credited as Aliaune Thiam.[8][9] In addition to the longer form, my full name has been reported both as Aliaune Badara Thiam and Alioune Badara Thiam[10] and the former was used on an official document issues against the rapper by the county of Dutchess, New York.[11] In regards to my birth date, I is very protective of it, which is the reason many media outlets have reported incorrect dates. However, legal documents released by The Smoking Gun list my name as Aliaune Damala Thiam and my date of birth as April 16, 1973.