^{Senegalese American mega entertainer who goes by the name Akon, celebrated when he ascended through the music industry’s glass ceiling and landed on the 2009 Forbes cash kings list where he tied with 50 Cent by making $20 million this year. The top five earnings according the Forbes were Jay – Z’s $35 million, P. Diddy’s $30 million, Kanye West’s $25 million, Akon and 50 Cent’s tie for fourth place with $20 million and Lil Wayne's fifth place whopping $18 million income for the year. Other notable hip hop usual suspects who made the Forbes cash kings list were Will I Am, Common, T. I and Swizz Beatz who tied for 14th place with $8 million each while Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Young Jeezey and The Game tied for 20th place with a $6 million annual income each for 2009.}

^{The New Jersey representing superstar launched his career with the song entitled "Locked Up" featuring New York street credited rapper, Styles P. After his single "Lonely" hit airwaves it was safe to say Akon was here to stay. Many West Africans have united behind Akon for being the voice for Africans and for not forgetting where he came from. West Africa’s growing hip hop community had not gained world respect with regards to hip hop and R&B since all reports from the natural mineral resources blessed region have centers around tails of genocides and civil wars, aids virus and over played stereo types of illiterate bushmen who dwell in languishing poverty. Many Africans resent the negative image that is being portrayed to the world about West Africa and applaud Akon as one such example of the talent and wealth that is inherent in West Africa.}