He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of the singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely", from his debut album "Trouble". His second album, "Konvicted", earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single Smack That featuring Eminem. His latest album, "Freedom", was released in 2008. Akon often sings hooks for other artists and is currently accredited with over 200 guest appearances and 32 Billboard Hot 100 songs.
He is the first solo artist to accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. He has also founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution and has a clothing label, Konvict clothing
Akon is a Muslim and has many charities of his own.
Akon's father is the Senagalese drummer Mor Thiam.
Gunshot
Akon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anyone in the place tonight
You don't wanna be a witness
Then walk away (Akon!!!)
'Cause I'm a soldier that love to fight
And anyone in my path will die today
Be my AK (Gunshot!)
Be my AK (Gunshot!)
Be my AK (Gunshot!)
Have you ever spent one day on my block
Had to make good with crooked-ass cops
Witness innocent bystanders get shot
Made a livin', ready or not
(To stay true) to all my niggas
Things gettin' hard but we're still grindin' up
(To stay true) to all my niggas
We done came up and cop cribs by the river
Before the Feds came down on we
True badman nuh counterfeit G's
Maybe once, stick around
And trust you will see (that)
[Chorus]
So playboy, don't make me pull your card (OK!!!)
Buss a shot and separate your squad (OK!!!)
Gangstas never know who you are (OK!!!)
And where you from ain't never made you hard (OK!!!)
You could be from Africa or Asia (OK!!!)
America back a yard in Jamaica (OK! OK!!!)
You could be fron unda di equator (OK!!!)
Regardless, I will see you later (OK! OK!!!)
See you can run but it's hard to hide (OK! OK!!!)
What will kill you inside (OK! OK!!!)
Wait a minute 'til you stand up right (OK! OK!!!)
That's why we nuh 'fraid of warning signs (OK! OK!!!)
[Chorus]
Badman we a multiply, we nuh fear di law or a rugula guy
So we mash di place, rud di place, bun di place, dun di place
Top shotta we a ready to hide
And we nuh easy joy and nuh 'fraid to ride
So we mash di place, run di place, bun di place, dun di place
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Akon's "Gunshot" depict a violent and perilous lifestyle that the rapper seems to perceive as his duty as a "soldier." He warns anyone in the place tonight not to be a witness, as he will not shy away from fighting and even killing. Akon describes scenes from his block where innocent bystanders get shot, but he and his crew continue to "grind up" and "stay true" to each other. Akon asserts that he is unafraid of warning signs, and that he and his crew are "badmen" who will multiply, unafraid of the law or anyone who may try to stop them.
In the chorus, he sings, "Be my AK, gunshot", referring to the weapon he uses to carry out his violent acts. The song is an expression of the hypermasculine and violent image that is often celebrated in rap music, but it also reveals the desperation and frustration of those living in impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods. The song is a commentary on the culture of violence that is perpetuated in these environments, and the way that people are forced to adapt to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Anyone in the place tonight
Addressing anyone present in the area
You don't wanna be a witness
Don't stick around if you don't want to be a part of this
Then walk away (Akon!!!)
Leave the scene
'Cause I'm a soldier that love to fight
I'm a warrior who loves to indulge in battles
And anyone in my path will die today
If anyone comes on my way, they'll end up dead
Be my AK (Gunshot!)
Be my weapon of choice (sound of gunshot)
Have you ever spent one day on my block
Have you ever been to my neighbourhood
Had to make good with crooked-ass cops
Had to find a way to deal with corrupt police officers
Witness innocent bystanders get shot
Saw innocent people getting shot
Made a livin', ready or not
Earned a living regardless of the situation
(To stay true) to all my niggas
Being loyal to all my friends
Things gettin' hard but we're still grindin' up
Even though things are tough, we're working hard
We done came up and cop cribs by the river
We have succeeded and bought houses near the river
Before the Feds came down on we
Before the federal authorities arrested us
True badman nuh counterfeit G's
We are true gangsters, not fake ones
Maybe once, stick around
If you wait for a bit longer
And trust you will see (that)
You'll eventually understand
So playboy, don't make me pull your card (OK!!!)
Don't try to test me, as I will expose your true nature
Buss a shot and separate your squad (OK!!!)
I will shoot and disband your group
Gangstas never know who you are (OK!!!)
Gangsters can never be sure of someone's true identity
And where you from ain't never made you hard (OK!!!)
Your background doesn't define your toughness
You could be from Africa or Asia (OK!!!)
Your ethnicity doesn't matter
America back a yard in Jamaica (OK! OK!!!)
People from America or Jamaica are the same
You could be fron unda di equator (OK!!!)
Your location doesn't matter
Regardless, I will see you later (OK! OK!!!)
Nevertheless, I will encounter you again
See you can run but it's hard to hide (OK! OK!!!)
You can try to escape, but it's tough to conceal yourself
What will kill you inside (OK! OK!!!)
It's what's inside that can harm you
Wait a minute 'til you stand up right (OK! OK!!!)
Wait until you're ready to face me
That's why we nuh 'fraid of warning signs (OK! OK!!!)
That's why we don't fear danger signs
Badman we a multiply, we nuh fear di law or a rugula guy
Gangsters increase their numbers, and they don't fear the authorities or normal people
So we mash di place, rud di place, bun di place, dun di place
They create chaos and destruction everywhere
Top shotta we a ready to hide
We are ready to fight
And we nuh easy joy and nuh 'fraid to ride
We don't take pleasure in violence, but we are not afraid to indulge in it
So we mash di place, run di place, bun di place, dun di place
They spread chaos even further
[Chorus]
Repetition of the beginning of the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALIAUNE THIAM, DAVE WILLARD ANTHONY KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kingejiro
High school memories. 2005. Damn what a year. Argh
@famaradrammeh3922
Akon.. your brother from The republic of Gambia 🇬🇲 west African still here listening to this beautiful song of yours 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
@Ramaaag
Back in 2011- I see my self listening to this masterpiece
@wallflipent
Actually 2005
@isiomalawrence831
This song is forever...never gonna die. Jah bless you ma bro another mama AKON!
@lenminnot4735
June 2021, still hard. Takes me back to highschool days in the summertime 🙌🏼
@diamondgirl5921
2023 here💁🎉
@falixchris2984
Old songs never dies ❤❤
@hridibratasaha9810
this song is simply iconic
@mwewachitasu1447
I love this track so much... oh man this man Akin has tarent...his voice is golden