Akon is the latest rap star to appear on the popular Vitaly’s Kick stream to help arrest an alleged child predator.
On social media, a video of the award-winning recording artist performing his classic song, “Locked Up,” as police arrest the alleged predator went viral. Throughout the arrest, Akon was accompanied by a man playing the song’s instrumental on a boombox.
“I’m steady tryna find the motive / Why I do what I do? /The freedom ain’t gettin’ no closer,” sings Akon. “No matter how far I go / My car is stolen / No registration / Cops patrollin’ / Now they done stop me and I get locked up.”
Unlike previous streamed arrests, Akon does not touch or humiliate the alleged accused throughout the ordeal. The song fits the situation as the accused is being prohibited.
“Locked Up” was released in April 2004. The debut single led to Akon’s hugely successful debut album, Trouble. The song also features Styles P of The Lox. The track was inspired by Akon’s time in prison.
In addition to peaking at #8 on the U.S. Billboard charts, the classic reached the top 10 in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the top 20 in France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. After Trouble, Akon craved an iconic career that included signing some of the biggest names in music, such as Lady Gaga and T-Pain.
Vitaly’s stream has generated controversy over the latest content as his following has grown. Other rap stars to appear on Vitaly’s stream include YG, The Game, and Ty Dolla $ign.
Other news: Akon reunited with his former protege T-Pain at Pain’s Wiscansin Festival in June. Outside of music, Akon has been building his version of Wakanda, known as Akon City, in his native country of Senegal.