Akon, whos real name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, often shortened to Aliaune Thiam was born October 14, 1981. Akon recently rose to success off his first two albums, Trouble, released in June 2004 and Konvicted, which was released November 2006. Akon recently had his first US chart topping single with I wanna Love You, after coming close with Smack That featuring Eminem.

Akon's success did not come without tribulations; Akon spent time in prison for armed robber as well as drug charges, but used this time to perfect his music. Once released Akon spent his time writing and recording his music from the privacy of his home. Soon after in June 2004, his first single was released titled Trouble .

Akon is also set to release a new line of clothing in Feb 2007 that will be going under the name Konvict clothing and will feature an upscale line under the brand "Aliaune"