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.
Not Safe
akon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All because of the informers
Everythang shut down
In the hood certain rules apply
Defending on who's trying to survive
It's not safe, it's not safe
Just came from the border
Dope dealers getting murdered
Buried underground
Cause in the... Killers multiply
Will probably sing you a lullaby
It's not safe, it's not safe
Why do I have to ride with a gun on my side
And... The peace
Hope my enemies don't conquer me,
But who knows, but how knows
But who knows, but who knows
Where I'd be without the recipe
... In a town's compound
Being taught how to slaughter
Blowing buildings to the ground
Cause in life no rules apply
Depending on who's trying to survive
It's not safe, no it's not safe
Live life straight forward, still pray it's pounding
You're the world's most wanted and you still can't be found
In the desert killers multiply,
And water runs out and the world goes dry
You're not safe, no you're not safe
Why do I have to ride with a gun on my side
And... The peace
Hope my enemies don't conquer me,
But who knows, but how knows
But who knows, but who knows
Where I'd be without the recipe
Akon's song Not Safe, talks about the dangers of living in certain neighborhoods, where crime is prevalent, and the rules are dictacted by the strong. In the first verse of the song, Akon describes coming from "the corner," which is a reference to a ghetto or a rough neighborhood. He is aware that in such neighborhoods, there are always informers, who can easily get one in trouble with the law or the thugs in the area. Due to this, everyone has to be on guard, and many businesses have to shut down. He concludes that it's not a safe place to be.
In the second verse, Akon describes traveling from another town where dope dealers are getting murdered and buried underground. The culture of killing is so deep in this town that the killers will probably sing the victim a lullaby. It's another reminder that living in this kind of environment is the opposite of safe. He talks about the need to ride with a gun for protection, as the peace may not always be the answer. In the bridge and chorus, he expresses his hope that he is not conquered by his enemies, although he is uncertain about whether or not he can trust anyone. The song's theme underscores the reality of living in some of America's tough neighborhoods, where the risk of violent crime and being on guard never cease.
Line by Line Meaning
Just came from the corner, what know about...
I just returned from the inner city, do you understand the nature of the violence here?
All because of the informers
Everything is being shut down due to the presence of informers and snitches.
Everythang shut down
All activity in this area has ceased.
In the hood certain rules apply
A specific set of norms governs behavior in this neighborhood.
Defending on who's trying to survive
These rules are determined by who is trying to stay alive in this environment.
It's not safe, it's not safe
This area is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Just came from the border
I have just arrived from a nearby border town.
From a whole another town
The town I came from is completely different from this one in terms of its culture and customs.
Dope dealers getting murdered
Drug dealers are being killed in large numbers.
Buried underground
Their bodies are being hidden underground.
Cause in the... Killers multiply
The presence of murderers is increasing exponentially in this location.
Will probably sing you a lullaby
They may seem gentle, but they will put you to sleep for good.
It's not safe, it's not safe
This area is not a safe place to be.
Why do I have to ride with a gun on my side
I must carry a firearm at all times to ensure my safety.
And... The peace
Despite this, I still yearn for a peaceful existence.
Hope my enemies don't conquer me,
I pray that my adversaries do not succeed in defeating me.
But who knows, but how knows
However, there is no telling how my fate will unfold.
But who knows, but who knows
There is no one who can guarantee me a secure future.
Where I'd be without the recipe
I have learned certain skills that have helped me survive in this perilous world.
... In a town's compound
This is a location that is heavily fortified and controlled by a powerful entity.
Being taught how to slaughter
People here are being instructed on how to kill, often in a very brutal fashion.
Blowing buildings to the ground
This group of individuals is capable of destroying entire structures with ease.
Cause in life no rules apply
This is a situation where anything goes, and the normal constraints of society do not apply.
Depending on who's trying to survive
The actions of those around me will determine whether I live or die in this environment.
It's not safe, no it's not safe
This area is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Live life straight forward, still pray it's pounding
I try to live an honest life, though I am constantly on edge and feel subconscious about it.
You're the world's most wanted and you still can't be found
Even though you are the subject of international manhunt, you have managed to evade capture thus far.
In the desert killers multiply,
In the barren and remote areas, the number of murderers is increasing.
And water runs out and the world goes dry
In such cases, life becomes very difficult, as there is no access to proper resources for basic human survival.
You're not safe, no you're not safe
This situation will always be fraught with peril.
Contributed by Nicholas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.