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.
Still a Survivor
Akon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A sole survivor!
Chorus:
Your back is up against the wall and is nowhere to turn
You can feel the heat from the fire burn,
There's nowhere to run and you're down to the wire
In my block I'm still a rider, still a rider,
In my block just being a rider, still a rider,
And that's all I'll ever gonna be,
... The city lights singing, oh, I got that thing on me!
Baby in case they bang on me try to...
Think it down in history, make it...
Rider, even though we're struggling,
Trying to find ways to...
Funny how people love it when...
If we keep up on scrambling,
We will end up...
Bridge:
Survivor, that's what I'll always be!
... I had to move... ,
But believe n****are I'm still... Free...
..., I throw that,
..., I close that
So what are you doing?
Chorus:
Your back is up against the wall and is nowhere to turn
You can feel the heat from the fire burn,
There's nowhere to run and you're down to the wire
In my block I'm still a rider, still a rider,
Still a survivor, a sole survivor!
In my block just being a rider, still a rider,
Just like my niggers, I really never made it home...
No matter what keeps on going, we'll find a way to get upon it,
Gotta put that muscle on, stand on...
I'm a survivor! Like anybody in the hood,
... Thought you could.
... My n****are was good.
Ripping like robin hood,
I'm normally hitting another hood,
Get the rest and... Like the modern robin hood.
Bridge:
Survivor, that's what I'll always be!
... I had to move... ,
But believe n****are I'm still... Free...
..., I throw that,
..., I close that
So what are you doing?
Chorus:
Your back is up against the wall and is nowhere to turn
You can feel the heat from the fire burn,
There's nowhere to run and you're down to the wire
In my block I'm still a rider, still a rider,
Still a survivor, a sole survivor!
In my block just being a rider, still a rider,
Keep on riding and what you do to keep yourself...
Keep on riding and what you do to keep...
Oh, oh, oh
Just keep on surviving!
Oh, oh, oh
Keep on providing!
Come on; let me hear you sing it!
Oh, oh, oh
Chorus:
Your back is up against the wall and is nowhere to turn
You can feel the heat from the fire burn,
There's nowhere to run and you're down to the wire
In my block I'm still a rider, still a rider,
Still a survivor, a sole survivor!
In my block just being a rider, still a rider
The song "Still a Survivor" by Akon is a tribute to his life and personal struggles as a survivor from the streets. The lyrics emphasize the hardship and obstacles Akon has faced while striving to make it in the music industry. In the chorus, he talks about being stuck in a desperate situation with no way out, but he remains a fighter and a survivor. Even though he has moved out of his old neighborhood, he still considers himself part of it and remains loyal to his roots.
Throughout the song, Akon talks about how he has had to face many obstacles and endure struggles in his life, and he emphasizes that he is still a survivor. He also talks about how people always love to see others succeed, but they never appreciate the pain and hardship that goes into achieving success. Akon also mentions how he has had to continue to struggle, and even when he was close to giving up, he remained a fighter.
Overall, the song sends a strong message of hope and resilience to those who are struggling, and it is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. The chorus is particularly poignant, emphasizing the struggle and hardship of being a survivor and rider, but never losing hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah! Still a rider!
I have been through tough times but I am still willing to keep fighting and stay strong.
Your back is up against the wall and is nowhere to turn
You are facing difficult circumstances and have no clear solution or easy way out.
You can feel the heat from the fire burn,
The situation is becoming more intense and you can feel the pressure mounting.
There's nowhere to run and you're down to the wire
You are running out of time and options, but you continue to persevere despite this.
In my block I'm still a rider, still a rider,
Despite difficulties in my environment or community, I remain resilient and strong.
Still a survivor, a sole survivor!
I have survived tough times and continue to push through challenges.
Just like my niggers, I really never made it home...
I relate to and identify with those who have also experienced hardship and struggle.
...My n****are was good.
Despite struggles and difficulties, there were still moments of happiness and goodness.
Like the modern robin hood.
Continuing to fight for the underdogs or less fortunate, just like the famous legend.
Keep on riding and what you do to keep yourself...
Continue to persist despite difficulties and find ways to keep pushing forward.
Keep on surviving!
Continue to survive and persevere despite tough times and difficult circumstances.
Keep on providing!
Continue to support and give back to those in need or struggling.
Contributed by Julia L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.