AKON – FORBES CASH KING!!

                                                  

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.

During an interview with Forbes magazine concerning his cash king debut Kon Live Distribution’s entrepreneur snapped his fingers as he sang an acapella version of a new song he recorded entitled "Forbes Cash King". During the interview he stated that he had a ten year plan which included working with the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. Akon jarringly added that he accomplished that goal in five years, referring to his "You Wanna Be Starting Something" duet with MJ on his 2008 25th anniversary release for "Thriller". Akon also credited an ex cellmate (who was in for life) saying it was he who among others inspired Him (Akon) to launch his music empire. Akon whose given name is Aliaune Akon Thaim, has proven himself in the music industry by wearing several hats including that of songwriter, music producer, businessman and philanthropist. Since his Grammy Award nomination for "Smack That" it has come to be known that he founded two record labels (Konvict Music and Kon Live Distributions) and launched a social networking website for independent artists (Hit Lab). He has also launched the career of pop star Lady Gaga and helped then Canadian underground rap kingpin Kardinal Official to leap into the mainstream arena and gain meagre successes on an international scale. Akon has been accredited with making 180 guest appearances and releasing 23 billboard hot 100 songs.

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.
Posted by Freddy Will at 7/18/2009 7:02 AM
Categories: Music
 

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