Twenty years after the release of his seminal debut Trouble, Akon isn’t just celebrating the past, he’s rewriting the present. On a breezy afternoon, the man behind hits like “Locked Up” and “Lonely” speaks with Kyle Meredith and reflects on the journey that transformed him from hustle-bustle survivor to global superstar. Currently, Akon finds himself at an artistic crossroads, honoring his past while also embracing the creative chaos that comes from pursuing a new, more purposeful musical vision.
It is a space where an artist’s heart explodes and continues to evolve. “Believe it or not, I’m in full creative mode right now,” Akon says, an unmistakable energy in his voice. As Akon prepares to release a new album, strategically timed to coincide with the Troubles’ 20th anniversary, Akon finds himself grappling with his legacy. He’s always been an artist driven by experience, and back in 2004, that experience was turbulent. The 2004 version of Akon wasn’t interested in grandeur or accolades. “It was more about survival,” he admits. His lyrics chronicled his days in prison, the hardships of the city, and his longing for salvation. “This should work,” he remembers thinking. Each verse contained a sense of urgency and hope.
The album’s iconic lead single, “Locked Up,” was more than just an ode to those locked up in prison. It was Akon’s personal reckoning, a distillation of the pain and frustration he felt. As the conversation moves on, it becomes clear that this was a pivotal moment in his life. “I wouldn’t have written that song if I hadn’t been locked up,” he says. “Locked Up” was a cathartic cry not just into the void, but into mainstream consciousness, a startlingly honest portrait of the human spirit in chains.
But even against the backdrop of those dark moments, Akon was never content to stand still. While Trouble finds him overcoming his demons, the artist points out the dichotomous nature of songs like “Pot of Gold,” which reflects his duality, In other words, it was a ray of hope and positivity that represented a man balancing a turbulent past with the optimism of a bright future. . Today, he reinforces that positive message. “I don’t think it helps where music is going,” he says. “We’re leading our kids in the wrong direction.” This sense of responsibility is heavily influenced by his new music, where Akon blends escapism and purpose without sacrificing the entertainment element. I aim to create songs that uplift your mood.
As someone who has admired Bob Marley and Michael Jackson, Akon admits that his heroes had a different way of touching the soul. Marley’s unabashed fight for freedom and Jackson’s boundless talent and charisma both influenced his path. In a moment that can only be described as surreal, Akon ended up working with Jackson before the King of Pop’s untimely death. “I mean, if it’s not a dream, I don’t know what a dream is,” he says, still in awe. Among other things, those memories shape the way he sees himself today. He knows what’s at stake when writing music. It’s not just a catchy hook or a banging beat. It’s about resonating in an authentic and lasting way.
The conversation will focus on the future of Trouble (a deluxe reissue packed with 15 bonus tracks) and the upcoming Superfan Tour. The original Trouble introduced Akon to a world that was just beginning to hear the intricacies of his story. The 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is both a nostalgic nod to early fans and a reintroduction to younger listeners who may not know what made Akon so essential in the early 2000s. playing a role. On the Superfan Tour, Akon continues the tradition of intimacy, connecting directly with those who have made his journey possible, bringing his hits and new reflections to life in the modern day.
For Akon, the essence of his legacy lies in evolution. The sampling of his catalog by Steve Aoki, countless TikTok creators, and young artists around the world not only proves Trouble’s resonance; It is a continuation of the creative loop in which Akon grows. He is a musician who has always been ahead of his time. From introducing Auto-Tune as T-Pain’s signature sound to fusing the mainstream appeal of American pop with the frenetic pulse of EDM with David Guetta, Akon always aims to move culture forward. I’m here.
“Everything we leveraged slowly became something everyone leveraged,” he says with pride. That’s why Akon has embraced every interpolation, every sample, every reinvention of his work. “Music is meant to be shared,” he insists. And sharing is exactly what he’s doing in this next chapter. It’s about embracing your roots, celebrating your journey, and creating a new anthem for a generation that still believes in the power of storytelling. Akon is not only celebrating 20 years of the Troubles, but he’s ready to take it to even greater heights. And that’s why we’re all in it.
Watch the interview above, then check out the video below.
