Nothing ever really surprises Aliaune Thiam. The St. Louis, Missouri born musician has always believed that there was a purpose behind every motive.

After making platinum success with his first album, Trouble, Akon is back and is already turning heads with his first single Smack Dat featuring Eminem. These two seemingly different individuals are actually cut from tragedy’s same cloth, as they both lost a trusted and valued individual.

Proof’s recent passing has lit a fire inside the Detroit MCs soul and Akon continues to march onward after losing his road manager in a 2004 shooting. The more things change, the more they stay the same as Akon finds himself gearing up for a collaborative effort with Atlanta’s own snowman, Young Jeezy. This is, indeed, the “year of the Konvict,” as Akon sits down with HHDX as he breaks down his views on violence in Hip-Hop, the differences between Nate Dogg and himself, and why you should be looking out for him on the big screen.

HHDX: For a while, you’ve been M.I.A. on the charts and in the streets after Soul Survivor died down. But now you linked up with Eminem for your first single off the new album. How’d that come about?

Akon: Well, actually, that came about from doing the record with Obie Trice. After that session, it allowed Em and I to get together to do the joint. It was almost like one hand washing the other. It was wild because we’re fans of each other. It was really just a really good time. Our vibe was genuine.

HHDX: Did you guys do the track together in person? How is he holding up?

Akon: The whole record is crazy. The chemistry that we have is great. He’s holding up very well; he’s a solider. We did the song a month after Proof had passed. I lost my road manager a while back and the both of us just had a deep conversation about the losses that we both suffered. We didn’t allow none of that affect us from getting our work finished. But he’s standing strong, though.

HHDX: Violence seems to be a part of the Hip-Hop culture. Being from Senegal, with its own history, how do you view the actions of those who are here in America living successful off of their artistry?

Akon: It depends on how you view it. I think that everyone has their own views and beliefs. I mean we don’t know what caused them to go their route. I talk about a lot of stuff negatively, but it has a positive connotation. You cannot control people’s motives. I hope that people take notice of what goes on. I have done wrong before. But I feel like I’m free to say however I feel. I have never felt that I had to hold my tongue for anyone. It’s not like I haven’t been in worst situations before. I feel that lying and all that is what got me in trouble before. But I always feel that the truth should come out how it should come out. Continued on page 2 »