AKON (real name, Aliaune Thiam – pronounced “chahm”)was born in St. Louis but lived in Senegal until the age of 7. His father is the famed Senegalese jazz percussionist and historian, Mor Thiam, so AKON has a rich musical lineage in his family. Unfortunately, AKON was arrested in his teens for armed robbery and drug distribution charges and served time. During his prison term, he worked on his music and when he was released, he began creating music in his home studio. That was when he got his record contract and released his debut, “Trouble” in 2004. AKON latest release, “Konvicted,” received a Grammy nomination for his hit “Smack That,” and he’s featured on the Gwen Stefani Buzz Cut “The Sweet Escape.” Here’s AKON’s latest offering, the reggae-influenced tune called “Don’t Matter” on the Buzz Cut. Less