How AKON Found His Life’s PURPOSE In Africa

Timecodes - 0:00 - Akon Interview 2:00 - moments that surprise Akon 3:00 - Akon reflects on his early music “Operations of Nature” 4:00 - when music became a reality for Akon 5:00 - Akon talks about Mr. Lonely and being a “hard&B artist 6:00 - Akon wanted to be as far away from the streets as possible 6:30 - Akon talks about what his old ringtone was 7:00 - Akon wanting to step outside of his genre with David Guetta 9:00 - Akon on building the Afrobeats scene 9:00 - Akon talks about why he stood next to Tekashi 6ix9ine, and wanting to be his mentor and references the YSL case with snitching 11:00 - how Akon keeps his circle clean and talks about peer pressure 13:00 - Akon talks about never drinking and smoking 14:00 - Akon reflects on Michael Jackson friendship 15:00 - Akon talks about Michael Jackson’s idea to build music schools all throughout Africa 16:00 - What inspired Akon to create “Akon City” 17:00 - Akon wanting to bring the world cup to Senegal 18:30 - Akon talks about finding his purpose 24:00 - Akon talks about the criticism of his city taking so long 25:00 - Akon explains his role with cryptocurrency in Africa 28:00 - Akon talks about Wakanda inspiring Akon City 29:00 - Akon talks about full circle moment and wanting to bring power and knowledge to Africa 30:00 - Akon talks about Billionaires in Africa 31:00 - why Akon doesn’t care about credit 32:00 - Akon talks about what makes a star to him 33:00 - Akon says Master P’s work ethic makes up for any lack of rapping skills 34:00 - Akon almost had beef with 50 Cent 37:00 - Akon recalls asking 50 Cent if it was cool to drop song with The Game 38:00 - Akon talks about going to Middle school with Nelly in St. Louis & almost forming a supergroup with Pharrell & T-Pain 39:00 - what happened to Akon’s collab project with Jeezy 41:00 - Akon talks about new music with Tee Mannie 42:00 - Akon breaks down the music industry “the artist is the last to get paid’ and gives advice to upcoming artists 47:00 - Akon jokes about how good Drake is Akon describes how the music business really works for artists with streaming services. Research & Interview Conducted By: Jeremy Hecht (@jeremy_hecht ) Video Edit By: Sage Velastegui Shot By: Jordan Saint-Pierre Artist Relations: Elise Ricks Executive Producer: Sharath Cherian Subscribe to HipHopDX on Youtube for daily Hip Hop News: #akon #hiphopdx #africa For over 21 years, HipHopDX has been at the forefront of Hip Hop culture, reaching over 3.2 million readers and 5 million followers per month. As one of the longest-standing Hip Hop digital publications, DX not only stays current on Hip Hop culture, but continues to influence it, encourage it, and simultaneously reflect on its past. Our insightful, honest editorials, unbiased reviews, premier audio and video sections, and original video content, draws one of the most loyal followings online. As a part of Warner Music Group, HipHopDX is expanding internationally and continues to build upon the reputation it has garnered from decades of work.