Akon’s gearing up to drop country versions of his entire music collection.
During a quick sidewalk interview with TMZ in New York City this week, the “Locked Up” singer was asked if he’d consider exploring country music.
“I’m actually redoing my whole catalog in country,” he revealed to the outlet. “The whole catalog, I’m not even joking. We’ve already started.”
According to the R&B and dance-pop star, this idea has been brewing for quite a while, dating back about five years. “It’s been an idea for years, like, forever,” he explained. “Starting next month you’re gonna start seeing all the releases,” he added.
While “Locked Up” will get a country makeover, Akon also mentioned he’ll be teaming up with country artists, though he kept their identities under wraps.
It’s perfect timing to jump on the country music trend, as Beyoncé kicks off her Cowboy Carter Tour this month. Her album won Album of the Year at the 76th Grammy Awards in February and featured country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, alongside Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey and others.
Other mainstream Black artists who’ve ventured into country include Snoop Dogg and Lil Nas X, who scored two Grammys in 2020 for his “Old Town Road (Remix)” with Billy Ray Cyrus.
Next month, Akon is reportedly appearing on “Hold the Umbrella,” a single by Gary LeVox from the country group Rascal Flatts.
