Akon Says T Pain’s Career Didn’t Advance Because He Never Left the Hood

Akon Thinks T Pain’s Career Dwindled Because He “Confined His Music To Urban”

Akon signed T Pain to Konvict Music back then and helped skyrocketed the autotuned singer’s career. Akon revealed he almost formed a supergroup with T-Pain and Pharrell, at the guise of Nelly, but it fell through.

During a recent interview with VladTV, the host argued that Future took over T-Pain’s spot in the industry and asked Akon why he believes that happened to the “Can’t Believe It” artist.

Akon said, “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. 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.”

The Senegalese entrepreneurer continued that that at this stage of T-Pain’s career, he would advise him to try his hand in the Latin market. “You and I know better than anybody, urban audiences aren’t loyal,” he said.

“Every year there’s a new n*gga. Every year. So, you gotta take full advantage, maximize your urban presence, and then right as that side n*gga come in, you exit.”

He added, “Hip hop, it’s a [stick] and move. It don’t stick around long enough unless you continue to reinvent yourself.” Listen to their conversation below :