Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast
Episode 13 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast welcomes Akon for a wide-ranging conversation that traces his evolution from the era of Konvicted to his present-day resurgence, marked by his new project “A Beautiful Day” and a return to touring. Reflecting on two decades in the industry, Akon contrasts his earlier hustle with a more intentional, business-savvy approach, while opening up about experimenting with country music, maintaining a vault of unreleased records, and rediscovering excitement for large-scale creative work. He revisits his role in shaping careers for artists like Lady Gaga and T-Pain, and weighs in on the global rise of Afrobeats and its subgenres, highlighting Tyla’s emergence through Amapiano. The conversation also explores the intersection of music and technology, including AI’s role in artistry, alongside candid insights into entrepreneurship, investing in “un-sexy” businesses, and building sustainable ventures beyond music. Closing with reflections on his diverse influences, from Bob Marley to The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his criteria for signing new talent, Akon offers a blueprint for longevity, reinvention, and ownership in an ever-evolving industry. About Today’s Guest Akon is a Grammy-nominated Senegalese-American artist, producer, entrepreneur, and actor, known for his impact on the global music scene and the African music movement. His unique style blends Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and EDM, earning him a massive online following of over 130 million. With five Grammy nominations, 45 Billboard Hot 100 hits, four Diamond records, and more than 300 collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson, David Guetta, and more, Akon's influence is unmistakable. Key Points from this Episode: * 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Akon * 1:03 Akon on releasing “A Beautiful Day,” marking his return to full-length music projects and going on tour with Ne-Yo * 3:08 The 20th anniversary of Konvicted and Akon as an artist then vs. now * 4:37 Akon’s country music conversion and creating original country songs, and being a trailblazer in genre-bending * 7:20 Navigating his return to larger-scale music projects with renewed enthusiasm * 9:50 Akon’s vault full of unreleased music * 11:40 On scouting and signing Lady Gaga and T-Pain * 14:33 Afrobeats and the growing landscape of afrobeat subgenres, Tyla’s journey in Amapiano * 19:05 Embracing AI in music, using it as a tool, and owning your voice * 22:05 Bridging the gap between music and business as an artist by being educated * 26:56 Akon on getting into “un-sexy” businesses, investing in things that are naturally in his path * 31:25 What Akon looks for in signing new artists, his girl group Simien, and investing in music in new ways that produce products * 35:51 Reflecting on his catalogue and musical influences * 38:30 Working with Wyclef Jean and the artist's role and responsibilities outside of music * 44:38 Akon’s top 5 standout artists right now Mentioned on the Show * Listen to ‘A Beautiful Day’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/album/0beloHUnrqAmH58rSMxDoa?si=Cjftu5NbSsS01VdLodXFwA] * Listen to ‘A Beautiful Day’ on Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-day/1887370593] Join the Conversation: 🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS [https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS] 🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/ [https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/] 🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs] 🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs [https://x.com/the_pllrs] 🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs [https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs] 🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS [https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS] 🏛️ Connect with Won of One Host, Reg Calixte: https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG [https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG] 🏛️ Connect with Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr [https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr] 🏛️ Connect with Rose Mercado, MA.Ed.: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell [https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell] 🏛️ Manhattan Neighborhood Network: https://www.instagram.com/mnnnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mnnnyc] 🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/ [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/] 🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899] ✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: rose@photobombshell.media [rose@photobombshell.media]
18 episodes
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