Akon has been touted as a future R&B star, so
Locked Up gives us a chance to assess his credentials.
Judging by the lyrical content, he's already a man
with issues.
It's a moody affair taking imprisonment as its
theme, with a gently chiming piano tolling in the
background as he sings "Freedom ain't gettin' no
closer", and later "they won't let me out".
Taz and Styles P add their rap
sensibilites to make a second, equally vengeful
version with darker undercurrents, their tones
complementing Akon's plaintive but instantly memorable
tones. This is something different from your average
R'n'B tune, and it will be interesting to chart this
man's progress. Once he's let out, that is.
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