When he first came on the scene with his risque lyrics and gritty musical themes (one of his records was called "Konvicted"), Akon had audiences riveted. He rubbed elbows with the likes of Snoop Dogg and T-Pain, launched his own record label, and broke a few records in the process.
But in the years since his debut, in the early 2000s, it seems like plenty of former fans have forgotten all about the rapper. He's lived a pretty mysterious life, too, so there are few facts to dig up about the formerly high-profile rapper.
One thing is clear though: Akon may have fallen off the rap radar, but he's still somewhere in the industry, making his cash and ensuring that he's leaving a mark on music for future generations.
But how is Akon making his mark, since his tunes haven't rocketed up the charts in the last few years? Well, he has released multiple albums since "Konvicted." Though he took a break from releasing full-length albums between 2008 and 2019, he put out two records in 2019, and one in 2020.
Akon also has more music upcoming, though he doesn't seem to have any plans to return to touring with Gwen Stefani or anything as high-profile as his prior gigs. Still, it's worth noting that Akon did launch two record labels that later signed successful artists.
Akon's website, which mostly showcases his Instagram snaps, highlights a collab with Becky G. in recent years, a track with David Guetta and Ne-Yo, and a past project with Madonna.
But is all of Akon's fame and high-profile industry ties in the past?
Apparently not. Akon appears to be BFFs with Maluma, poses for pics with Nicky Jam, and flashes the peace sign alongside Rick Ross. Oh, and he still rubs elbows with Pitbull; they released a song together in 2020.
Other than that, life might seem pretty tame for Akon -- but it's not. His next business move goes far beyond music; The Guardian reported that the rapper plans to create a city named after himself in Senegal in the coming year.
His inspiration was Wakanda, said Akon, and "Akon City" will be solar-powered and run on the cryptocurrency "Akoin." It would almost be hilarious if he wasn't so serious about it; Akon has intense plans (and is making big promises) for attracting tourists to Senegal and restoring the local economy of the area.
It's his way of fighting against systemic racism, in a way, noted Akon. But the $6B project might run into some roadblocks, and the plans for development have already been delayed at least once. But with ties to the Senegalese president, Akon's clearly not worried about paving the way for whatever projects -- musical or otherwise -- he has coming up.