He has showcased these label connections on 2013's Konvict Mixtape, Vol. Along with his music, Akon founded his own Konvict label, helping launch the careers of artists including T-Pain, Lady Gaga, and Kardinal Offishall. and U.K., the song helped Trouble go platinum, a certification achieved several times over on subsequent albums including 2006's Konvicted and 2008's Freedom. Mixing smooth R&B vocals with hip-hop grooves, Senegalese-American singer, producer, and entrepreneur Akon first gained fame with the single "Locked Up," from his 2004 debut album, Trouble.