Akon has joined forces with Vevo “CTRL” for a live performance of “Locked Up,” the lead single from his iconic 2004 debut album, Trouble. This song has become a classic in Akon’s career, reflecting his experiences during his time in prison. He sings about being behind bars and the journey to redemption. The lyrics resonate deeply: “I’m steady tryna find the motive/ Why I do what I do?/ Freedom ain’t getting no closer/ No matter how far I go.”
“Locked Up” was initially seen as a crossover hit. A&R Jerome Foster noted, “’Locked Up’ is a street record. I thought that was the place for us to start.” The song proved to be a success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landing in the Top Five on the Official U.K. Singles Chart. Much of the Trouble album reflects Akon’s life as a convicted felon. He shared that he recorded it because he struggled to find regular work due to his past.
Trouble became an instant hit, selling 25,000 copies in its first week and over 1.5 million units overall. Akon even discovered that “Locked Up” has an unexpected fanbase. He revealed, “The police told me that the song is the police department’s anthem. They play it in their cars when they pick kids up and take them to jail.”
You can now buy Akon’s music on vinyl!
