Akon Locks Up Radio Charts!

Akon's "Locked Up" is a bona fide radio hit. The man Spin magazine describes as a "butter smooth outsider" is gearing to lock up mainstream radio charts with his smash hit single. The gritty R&B singer claims the #5 spot on Rhythm Crossover and holds down the #9 position on R&B/Hip Hop chart. The steady momentum has Akon set to break though the Top 40 (pop) chart with the radio favorite "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble.

 The West African born and New Jersey bred lives up to the hype -- a steady build for 22 weeks on the Rhythm Crossover chart, "Locked Up's" popularity grew, making it the #2 most increased song this week. With an impressive 85 million in listening audience, Akon is in the company of radio heavy hitters like Usher, Alicia Keys, Lil' Flip and Nelly.

Captivated by the unchained R&B melodies and hip-hop influenced beats of the single featuring  Styles P, "Locked Up" is the #5 most played song in major markets like New York, Chicago, Detroit and Miami; while the video is in regular and heavy rotation on MTV and BET respectively.

Trouble, is a crafty blend of soulful hip-hop, creatively reflecting th e ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences. "I've got a habit of writing about everything I go through," Akon explains, "and this album gives a glimpse of where I am now."

Akon plans to release "Ghetto" as his next single. Here are a couple of his tour dates:

9/19/2004

TBD - New York, NY

Nelly's 'Loved Ones'

Nelly will team with Ronald Isley, radio personality Tom Joyner, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona and Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services Tommy Thompson for the third annual Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Slated for Tuesday(21st), the event stresses the importance of regular health-care visits. Health fairs and other events will be held nationwide, while Joyner's morning radio show will feature a candid interview with Nelly and his sister Jackie, who suffers from leukemia.

Afrika Bambaataa Preps New Album!

Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa is preparing to release a new album. The legend who helped to spread the message of hip-hop across the world released the classic single "Planet Rock" more the 20 years ago. His newest album entitled Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light will be a universal mix of music spanning hip-hop, jazz and electronica. The album drops later this year.