Early in his career, T-Pain inked a deal with Akon's Konvict Music. It was the catalyst that birthed some of T-Pain's most memorable classics, like "I'm Sprung", "I'm n luv (wit a stripper)",
"Buy U a Drank" but according to Akon, his signee could have become a bigger artist if he would have followed the formula.
In a new interview with VladTV, Akon discussed a number of topics at length, including his relationship with longtime collaborator and fellow contemporary music icon T-Pain.
They even discussed the time Nelly tried to persuade the "Bartender" artists to form a supergroup with Pharrell Williams.
It was Akon's insightful comments about T-Pain's progression through the years, however, that struck a chord. Akon was quick to point out T-Pain's immense talent, but he also waxed poetic about why he thinks he isn't as relevant as he once was.
"I think one of the major reasons is that T-Pain never left the hood. He just confined his music to urban music... That was it," said Akon. "I saw T-Pain as another me, to be able to cross outside of urban. Go into pop, go into EDM, go into Latin—I still think 'til this day he still can do it." He added, "You and I know better than anybody, urban audiences aren't loyal."
T-Pain clearly was made aware of his fellow artist's remarks and issued a classy response.
"The very ppl that held me back is tellin y’all how I could’ve been bigger 🤦🏿♂️," (T-Pain wrote on Twitter without naming Akon directly). "I’m not angry at all. I’ve grown. I’ve learned how to keep moving forward and not look back. Some ppl don’t and that’s ok.
They’ll get there at their pace. But I’m no longer gonna to allow my past to determine my future. I’m in control. See y’all on the brighter side. Love y’all."
Check it out below.
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