What do we really know about Senegalese-American international hitmaker Akon? Surprisingly little that can be verified, except that pretty much his entire persona is fabricated. And that whatever he touches turns to Gold records. At least his heart is in the right place for “Oh Africa”, his charity single to benefit underprivileged African youth and his third collab with Keri Hilson. The song was released as a digital download during the 52nd Grammy Awards, along with the video. The Soweto Gospel Choir and young singers from many countries are also featured on the single, as are the good people who bottle your Pepsi Cola. Don’t worry, though, Akon’s next slated single gets back to what he does best, “Takin’ It Off”.

by Mark Emge

Two years ago Keri Hilson was the sweet-voiced singer on “The Way I Are”, the bizarro song that turned hip-hop producer Timbaland into a pop star in his own right–but she was almost lost in the mix. For her debut album, “In A Perfect World…”, Hilson is again clobbered on all sides by ornate production–largely by Timbaland and Polow Da Don–which favors texture and rhythm over melody or feeling. But Hilson’s inventive, approaching the beat from odd angles and picking unexpected moments to rhyme her sexy mixed messages. She also does much of her own vocal arranging. Which is good, because she has to prop up a comatose Akon on “Change Me”.

by Mark Emge