RnB Phenomenon Akon Gears Up To Release New Single 'Smack That' Features Superstar Rapper Eminem

NEW YORK (Universal Motown Records) - SRC/Universal artist and world-wide phenomenon Akon is readying his much anticipated follow-up to his multi-platinum epic smash CD Trouble. The new disc titled Konvicted is scheduled to hit stores on December 12th. The first single, "Smack That," from the album, features none other than hip-hop icon, Eminem. The video for the new song, considered by many to be one of the hottest releases of the fall, is helmed by revered video director Benny Boom. Other guests on the new album include Snoop Dogg and Styles P.

Akon scored unprecedented success in 2005 both here and abroad, with his multi-format smash hit single "Lonely," and its predecessor "Locked Up," becoming sizzling staples of urban, pop, digital and international radio formats across the globe. "Lonely" hovered at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart for 3 months, with the video becoming an MTV and BET classic, setting a record for 15 consecutive weeks at No 1 at the top rated video outlet The Box. The Akon magic also exploded across Europe with "Lonely" scoring a No 1 in the UK, along with his album (as well as territories as diverse as Australia and Japan), with his single "Locked Up", locking down the Top 5 throughout the world, including France and the UK.

Akon rewarded fans this past November by releasing Trouble: Deluxe Edition, which contained his multi-platinum album Trouble, including a second bonus disc featuring never-before-released remixes. The talented singer/producer has also established himself as an in-demand production and writing wizard, most recently guesting on the much buzzed about appearance of India.Arie's first ever approved remix collaboration for her 2006 single, "I Am Not My Hair" and rapper Young Jeezy's hit "Soul Survivor," which Akon wrote. Other artists who sought after Akon's magic include Obie Trice, Baby Bash, Jesse McCartney, Brian McKnight and a special 2005 project with The Notorious B.I.G.

The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, and other top music publications have all raved about Akon's incredible impact on the music scene ('Akon is a butter smooth outsider' praised Spin Magazine), with Akon garnering one of the most loyal fan bases in all of music, selling out shows in the U.S. and abroad, including Denmark, Spain, Germany, France, Japan, and the UK.

The Senegalese born star is also working on a movie project loosely based on his own inspirational story, mirroring his rise from a troubled youth to a world-wide superstar.