"Making friends was the hardest part, " says Akon of his school years in the United States.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

At around the age of 8, Akon left the "jungle" of Senegal for the "concrete jungle" of New Jersey.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

Since then, holding the top two spot has become almost common - Outkast did it, then Mariah Carey, then Akon, and now T.

NPR: On Billboard Chart, No Longer Lonely At Top

Born in the United States to Senegalese parents, Akon, or Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, spent his early years in the West African country.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

Akon says that it was this reality, coupled with a desire "to be cool, " that sent him off the rails during his teenage years.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

Since then, Akon has sold millions of albums around the world and collaborated with countless pop and hip-hop icons such as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog and Eminem.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

On the day of my hip hop tour of Gabon, the government sponsored a free streetside concert with Amenem, Tina and Ba'Ponga warming up the stage for Senegalese-born U.S hip-hop star Akon.

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Adam Kluger, chief of product-placement outfit The Kluger Agency, expects new Jackson releases to include collaborations with popular artists like Akon and Will.i.am, both of whom worked with Jackson shortly before his death.

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