Akon Seeks Freedom From Controversy

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Staff Reporter

There seems to be no stopping the rise of Senegalese-American hip-hop star Akon. His new album, ``Freedom,'' is topping the charts around the world, and his single ``Right Now (Na Na Na)'' can be heard in clubs everywhere.

But Akon's rise to fame has been dogged by controversy, from his criminal past to sexually explicit dancing with an underage girl to altercations with fans. Will 2009 be the year that Akon finds ``freedom'' from controversy?