Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Akon doesn't shy away from referencing guns and graphic sex in his lyrics, or including swear words and the "N" word. He also brings depth, soul, and some wonderful guests to these African-influenced tracks.
Families can talk about the fact that some of Akon's songs seem to celebrate guns and violence. There are some vivid images in lyrics such as "Cause I done see the block / break down tears / and I done seen the cops / break my peers / trying to hold on / a couple more years / trying not to get / blown away." Can you think of better ways to solve problems than with violence? How are the police effective? How are they not?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Akon's new CD, KONVICTED, is a mish-mosh of musical styles, explicit lyrics, and visceral images that careen all over the place, but somehow combine to create a sensual, deep look inside the heart and mind of this compelling, African-born artist. Lyrics are intentionally provocative; no sense using metaphors on the erotically-charged tracks. When what you really mean is "Your p--sy is wet and I want to f--k you" ("I Wanna Love You"), why not just come right out and say it? And hey, if it's no secret that you were once in jail for car theft, that mug shot will make a great photo image for your CD insert. Then, just as your fans are getting into the tough-guy/sexy-guy dichotomy thing, you can throw 'em for a loop with a lost-love ballad that sounds like something Elton John might come up with ("Never Took the Time").
Follow that with a Reggae-infused celebration of Senegal in which beautiful-black-woman metaphors abound ("Mama Africa"), some stellar cameo appearances by Styles P., Eminem, and Snoop Dogg, and a couple of jazzy arrangements that might well be Steely-Dan influenced, and you've got a lively, eclectic, and impressive collection of well-crafted songs, half of which will make most parents cringe.
It seems too simplistic to label Konvicted inappropriate for kids, because there's a lot of substance, a wonderful variety of musical styles, terrific performances, and some real depth here. This is one instance where the edited version, though not brilliantly done, might actually be worth the trouble.
Fans might also enjoy recent CDs by Eminem, Jay-Z, and Fergie.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentAs explicit as you can get: "...bend you over look back and watch me. / Smack that all on the floor / Smack that give me some more / Smack that 'till you get sore." |
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ViolenceSeveral songs (such as "Gangsta Bop") reference guns (with gun shot sound affects), running from the cops, dead friends. |
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LanguageA lot of strong language: p--sy, f--k, "N" word. |
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Social BehaviorA mixed bag, including sexist and racist language as well as some very good, strong messages about social justice. Also talks about leaving the gangsta life: "I can't believe I'm out here killin' my community / If you knew how far I came / From where I am and where I used to be / Don't want it / You can tell by the look of me / This gangsta life ain't no longer in me." |
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CommercialismMentions brand name for luxury cars (Murcielago, Gallardo, Ferrari) and TaeBo. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome innuendo about street drugs on a couple of songs ("If you selling we ain't buying / If you got it on ya block / You best believe we supplyin' "). |
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