R&B Superstar Akon Outsells The Competition

Global superstar Akon’s smash sophomore album, Konvicted, continues to outsell top level competition (Jay Z, Game, Fergie, John Legend) making it the biggest release of 2007 thus far. The album is certified platinum by the RIAA in just 5 short weeks after its release. Konvicted, the critically praised album which debuted at #2 on the Billboard “Top Albums” chart at the end of November, has amazingly regained the #2 spot and is now #2 for three weeks in a row. Music buyers continue to embrace the acclaimed effort from the talented artist. Since their releases, Akon’s hot singles has remained a Top 10 staple on Billboard’s “Hot 100,”: “I Wanna Love You” featuring Snoop Dogg is #2 this week (9 weeks in Top 10) and “Smack That,” featuring Eminem is #5 (16 Weeks in Top 10). The tracks once held the #1 and #2 spots simultaneously, a feat that was conquered by only 2 other artists (Usher and Mariah Carey) in the history of the chart. Together, both singles have sold over 3 million ringtones. To add another notch on his belt, Akon’s “Smack That” recently garnered a spot in the Grammy’s Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Category giving the star his 1st Grammy nod. Akon is enjoying his biggest international success yet as Konvicted is on its way to platinum in the UK, France, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. “Smack That” has already hit #1 in the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand. With the success of his debut release, Trouble and the #1 international smash “Lonely,” Akon has been certified gold or platinum in a dozen countries. With “I Wanna Love You” just now being playlisted on the biggest radio stations around the world, Akon will easily eclipse his previous international sales and achievements, cementing himself alongside Nelly, Eminem and 50 Cent as the world’s most successful urban artists this decade. Akon has become the breakthrough inspiration story of the decade, the determined ex-convict turning his life around when he pursued a career in music and notched an incredible total of 5 million in worldwide sales thanks to the success of his seminal debut album Trouble. Akon has performed his two hit singles on the American Music Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, NBC’s Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Check for Akon as he performs at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Ca on, February 10, 2007.