During the peak of his career (roughly 2006–2009), Akon was running multiple labels, including Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution. He was cultivating artists like T-Pain, Lady Gaga, and Kardinal Offishall. In this environment, the studio was a factory. Akon would record dozens of songs for every album cycle, selecting only the "singles" that fit the current market trends.
This is the unicorn. In 2008, Akon confirmed he was in the studio with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, during the Michael album sessions. Tracks titled "Take It Off" and "Hold My Hand" (the latter eventually released with changes) were cut. While "Hold My Hand" saw an official release, the original, darker, more percussive version of "Take It Off" remains unreleased. Only a 15-second snippet exists online, sparking intense bidding wars among private collectors.
: Some Stadium tracks were eventually reworked or released under different names, such as parts of the title track appearing in later works. akon unreleased songs
: A gritty leak that recalls the duo's "Soul Survivor" era.
Among the most discussed unreleased material are his "vaulted" collaborations: During the peak of his career (roughly 2006–2009),
While no official “unreleased album” exists, dedicated fan communities and DJ leaks have preserved dozens of tracks. Some of the most sought-after include:
At his peak, Akon was in constant battle with Jimmy Iovine. Iovine reportedly rejected entire albums, asking for "more 'Smack That' clones." Akon’s more experimental work (reggae, Afrobeat, spoken word) was systematically shelved in favor of proven formulas. Akon would record dozens of songs for every
Industry insiders and leaks suggest that Akon and Jackson recorded several tracks together. One notable unreleased gem often discussed in fan forums is a track rumored to be titled "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008" (a remix concept) or other original compositions intended for a duet album or Jackson's ill-fated "This Is It" residency.
This article explores the enigmatic world of Akon’s unreleased discography, examining why so much material remains hidden, the legends surrounding his work with Michael Jackson, and the digital underground where these phantom hits survive.
While you wait for the official Akon Vault album, the digital treasure hunt continues. Start with "Cry Out of Joy," lose yourself in the Michael Jackson snippets, and appreciate the chaotic, prolific genius of one of pop’s most underrated architects. The beats are out there, buried in the noise of the internet—waiting to be rightfully heard.