Since breaking into the mainstream in '04, Akon has steadily built an empire that has turned the former car thief into a business mogul and record exec. "Lady Gaga pretty much retired me," Akon told the Associated Press recently. "She was definitely a blessing. She came at the right moment. I'm glad I believed in her, boy. That goes to show, if you believe in something good -- it will pay off."Akon has not only written, produced, and sold millions of his own records, he's pioneered other artists signed to his own Konvict Muzik Record Company. Lady Gaga was apparently on her way to being dropped when Akon was the only one who still believed in her talent, "She had went through like four or five labels. When I closed my deal at Interscope, she was getting dropped that week ... they was dropping her again. I was like 'Yo, I wanna sign that right there.' Jimmy [Iovine] was like, 'Yeah, whatever you want, take her. Let's get it done.' She's blossomed into a super-mega star."
In addition to Gaga, Konvict's roster boasts T-Pain, Colby O'Donnis, Kardinal Official and more. While Akon seems to have taken a step back from the spotlight to carefully develop his clothing and music distribution businesses, his artists have several projects scheduled to be released this year, with Lady Gaga showing now signs of letting up on her rule of the pop charts anytime soon. The life of a Konvict doesn't seem so bad after all.
Kellie Pickler Advances to 'Dancing With the Stars' Finals
Jennifer Hudson Performs 'Inseparable' With 'American Idol' Winner Candice Glover
Taylor Swift Admired George Jones' Passion for Performing
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Carrie Underwood Says She's 'Queen of Awkward' in Marie Claire Interview
How Kidnapping Suspect Passes Time Behind Bars
Rock the Bells 2013 Lineup Includes Ol' Dirty Bastard & Eazy-E Holograms
12 Common Workout Myths Debunked
Kree Harrison Debuts Potential Single 'All Cried Out' During 'American Idol' Finale
Courtney Stodden Has A Sex Tape
Mario Announces Nicki Minaj Collaboration, 'Somebody Else'
PHOTOS: 10 Deadliest Periods In History (NEW BOOK)
Lil Wayne's Emmett Till Lyric Was Never Meant for Public Consumption
Police Investigate Student Shooting Death
Beyonce Close to Tears While Thanking Fans at Belgium Show
Radio Host Makes Shocking Claim About Shooting Hillary Clinton
These American Companies Refused To Sign The Bangladesh Safety Accord
Marine Reunited With Four-Legged Friend
LOOK: There's Something Wrong With This Picture
Teen Who Died During Her First Solo Drive May Have Been Texting
PHOTO: Looking Good! Chaz Bono Loses 65 Pounds
PREGNANT!
Former OJ Attorney Gives Shocking Testimony
McDonald's Store Owners Fear Fast Food Chain Becoming Too Slow
PHOTO: Rob Kardashian Takes A Hike
Waitress Surprised With HUGE Tip On Tiny Bill
Guess Which State Boasts The Most Million-Dollar Homes?
Will Smith, Jaden Smith Get Photobombed
Jodi Arias' Lawyers Want Out
New Leads In Case Of Missing British Girl
Pictures Showing Pregnant Teens' Bumps Banned From Yearbook
Chef Allegedly Killed Over Noodle Dinner Gone Wrong
The Afterlife Of Andy Kaufman
1 Comment