That's the most important part because the record drives everything else I want to do. That's why I take a lot of time with each record. I know if it's a hit to me then it's gonna be a hit to somebody else. IGN Music: What's the secret formula then? Or is that just it: if it doesn't feel like a hit then it ain't a hit? Akon: That's the formula. That's probably why I put so much time into it because if it doesn't feel like a hit to me then I don't ever release it. IGN Music: Do you ever foresee yourself getting tired of making hits Akon: I don't think that'll ever happen 'cause I love hits just as much as the people listening to them and requesting them. As long as I'm positively makin and it's doin' great for everybody in all areas, I don't believe in over-saturation, really. But I don't believe in over-saturation, you know? You're only over-saturated when it's not quality, you understand? As long as you're giving up quality records and you're makin' hit records, people are always gonna want to hear a hit and they'll always want to be attached to something that's doin' great. I'm tryin' to keep that goin' for the next 10 years until I decide to relax. IGN Music: I mean, how do you do it and more importantly, are you at all worried about over-saturating the market with Akon related material? Akon: Naw, never. You've pretty much been-at least in my mind and perhaps the public's mind, as well-working non-stop since like 2004. IGN Music: That's one of the things I wanted to comment upon. We managed to sit Akon down for a few moments to discuss his career, his music, the new album, and what it means to record music in the sanctity of your own bedroom (it means you can get butt naked and kick out the jams, that's what it means).Īkon: Hey Spence! IGN Music: What's happening? Akon: What's up "Big Time"? IGN Music: Nada, what's up with you, man? Akon: Aw, you see it, just workin', man. His latest full-length effort, Freedom, is set to hit the public's ears on December 2nd and features tracks such as "Right Now (Na Na Na)" and "I'm So Paid", the latter of which cues up sizzling guest verses from Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy. With two hit albums under his belt, the aforementioned Trouble and its follow-up Konvicted, Akon has established himself as one of the rising voices of the current pop music spectrum, deftly mixing street savvy, unmistakably catchy hooks, and an international flavor into a signature sonic stew. Since he burst onto the scene in 2004 with the debut album Trouble, Akon has become a non-stop powerhouse hit maker, dropping solo bombs, guest shots, and tight production that mixes slick R&B sensibilities with rugged streetwise swagger, and a slight international flavor.