been mirrored in the UK with Kiss FM playlisting the track 11 weeks upfront and widespread support also coming from the likes of Radio 1, Radio 1 Xtra, Choice and Galaxy.

Akon was born in Senegal and moved with his family to the US at the age of seven. His father, legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam, raised Akon to believe in and understand the power and influence that music could have. It was this deep rooted love and passion for music, evolving from filial admiration, which allowed him to turn his life around, despite his trouble as a youth residing in New Jersey. AKON began playing several different percussion instruments and eventually embraced hip-hop music and culture, despite his initial disdain for the genre. "When I first heard hip-hop I thought it was rubbish because I didn't understand the concept of people talking over music," AKON recalls, "But as I started growing up, living a little and listening to the lyrics, I realized that I was going through a lot of stuff these rappers were talking about and I could relate."

Once hip-hop took over his life, AKON's musical development exploded and he began channelling his energy into writing and producing his own music. “Trouble” showcases the many different sides to Akon’s personality. "Bananza (Belly Dance)" represents the seductive and sensual side of his character and features a unique dance rhythm coupled with a distinct wind instrumentation floating in the background; the more sombre, soulful "Ghetto" and the meditative, impressive "Journey," offer an in-depth look into a harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling.

AKON's personal appeal and ability to reach the listener comes from his distinctively relaxed and intimate singing style – he makes you feel as though he is speaking to you.

"TROUBLE evolved from the struggles I went through and what I did and am still doing to correct those things," offers AKON, who has had his fair share of adolescent problems with both the legal and school system, as is reflected in his redemption song "Trouble Nobody." "I've got a habit of writing about everything I go through," he explains, "and this album gives a glimpse of where I am now."