From “Lonely” to “Locked Up” and beyond, Akon has provided a consistent soundtrack of hit songs throughout his 30+ year career. The Senegalese-American singer (“not a rapper,” in his words, though he writes raps for others) grew up in New Jersey & honed his musical craft through exposure to artists like his percussionist father and the Fugees.Akon explains how the loneliness of jail helped him write his first hit songs and tells the story of Lil’ Zane discovering him and leading to him signing a record deal in 1995. He breaks down his A&R approach, including lessons he learned from Steve Rifkind and why he knew Lady Gaga would be a star from the moment he first worked with her.Akon’s new album, Beautiful Day, is out now.Make sure you hit that like and subscribe button and leave a comment letting us know what you thought about the show!Email thetruthhurts@powmag.net for sponsorship opportunities. The Truth Hurts is hosted by Jeff Weiss, Rosecrans Vic, & FreeFollow The Truth Hurts on all PlatformsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetruthhurtspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truthhurtspodcastTwitter: https://x.com/Truth_Hurts_PodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BjMCTIiweZdCyT3DyseJtApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-hurts-w-jeff-weiss-rosecrans-vic-and-free/id1813226752