Akon Releases Sophomore CD With Two Smash Hits 'Smack That' Featuring Eminem and 'I Wanna Love You' Featuring Snoop Dogg

NEW YORK, NY (OTSP) - Upfront/SRC/Universal Motown recording artist and world-wide phenomenon Akon released his much anticipated follow-up to his 2003 multi-platinum epic smash CD "Trouble." The new disc, titled "Konvicted," hit stores on November 14, 2006. Two hit singles led the way for what is sure to be a huge release for the Senegalese singer. "Smack That," featuring hip hop icon Eminem is No 2 on Billboard's "Hot 100" chart, the ringtone for "Smack That" is certified GOLD and the music video is No 1 on MTV2.

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"I Wanna Love You," featuring Snoop Dogg is No 1 at Rhythm Crossover (according to BDS) and "Smack That" is No 2. The video for "I Wanna Love You" was shot in Los Angeles earlier this week by famed video director Benny Boom.

Akon produced and wrote all but one song on "Konvicted." The album features tracks recorded with Eminem (the first single, "Smack That"), Snoop Dogg ("I Wanna Love You") and Styles P. (who laced Akon's debut hit single, "Locked Up"). "Konvicted" balances streetwise swagger, studio originality and common sense.

In 2004, Akon released one of his most critically acclaimed hits, "Locked Up." That same year The New York Times praised Akon as a "groundbreaking artist." He went on to become an in-demand guest artist and record producer (R. Kelly, Gwen Stefani, Young Jeezy, Obie Trice, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, india.arie, Daddy Yankee, Baby Cham). Nominated for "Hottest Hook" at the 2005 Vibe Awards, the singer's voice on "Soul Survivor" was a shining moment for both Jeezy and Akon. "I love collaborating with other artists. There are times when I'm in the studio with someone and the chemistry just clicks," says Akon.

Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, and other top music publications have all raved about Akon's incredible impact on the music scene ('Akon is a butter smooth outsider' praised Spin Magazine), with Akon garnering one of the most loyal fan bases in all of music, selling out shows in the U.S. and abroad, including Denmark, Spain, Africa, Germany, France, Japan, and the UK.

In addition to making music, Akon is busy at work on his new clothing line, a film loosely based on his life, and his diamond mining/distribution company.