Born in Tennessee, Akon was brought up in Senegal before he moved with his family back to the US when he was seven. He settled in New Jersey, where he discovered hip-hop. He spent some time in prison for some small crimes, but he was able to use the time he spent inside to develop his musical ideas. After getting out, Akon started writing and recording some tracks in a home studio. He was able to use these to get a contract, allowing him to release his debut album, Trouble, in 2004. Shortly after, his songs climbed their way to the top of the Billboard charts.
