Akon

Senegal-via-New Jersey rapper/vocalist/producer Akon stormed the hip-hop/R&B world in 2004 with a string of hits that showcased the performer's fresh amalgam of reggae, rap, and contemporary urban styles. A somewhat chequered past and a series of collaborations with the likes of Styles P, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem lent Akon a healthy dose of street cred, while his innate musical ability (he's the son of jazz percussionist Mor Thiam), strong business sense, and ear for a hook made him an instant hitmaker. Akon released his second album, KONVICTED, in 2006.

• pop
• r&b/soul
• hip hop/rap