Akon reflects on the life behind some of the biggest songs of the 2000s, and the choices, controversies and turning points that shaped him long before global fame.
He opens up about growing up between Senegal and the US, the criminal world he entered before music, and the prison sentence that he believes saved his life. Akon shares how ‘Locked Up’ began behind bars, why music became his way out, and how he learned to turn pain, business instinct and controversy into worldwide success.
The conversation also explores his views on polyamory, having multiple wives, and why he believes honesty, rules and communication are essential in that dynamic. He also reflects on his friendship with Michael Jackson, the side of him the public rarely saw, and the questions he still has about his passing.
Akon looks back on the moments that made him, the mistakes that nearly ended him, and the legacy he is still trying to build.
Akon, We Need To Talk
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(00:00) Intro
(01:38) Akon Addresses The Hamster Ball
(06:29) Touring With Ne-Yo
(07:52) Why Akon’s Audience Isn’t Who You’d Expect
(15:11) Opening The Door For Artists Like Wizkid
(20:15) Every Song Had To Be Ringtone Friendly
(22:26) Mr Lonely Changed Everything
(26:53) The Blackout That Changed Akon’s Purpose
(30:53) ID Mobile Ad
(33:06) Akon’s Relationship With Michael Jackson
(45:20) Growing Up Between Senegal And America
(48:13) Selling Stolen Cars To Fund Music Career
(55:50) How Jail Changed Akon’s Life Forever
(01:04:58) Huel Ad
(01:06:06) What Still Pains Akon Today?
(01:08:12) “I Say Ignorant Things On Purpose”
(01:11:32) What Is Akon’s Real Name?
(01:16:43) Akon Explains His Polyamorous Life
(01:32:22) Akon Talks About His New Album
(01:36:46) Most Memorable Conversation
(01:42:32) Paul’s Takeaways
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