AKON Is BACK: First Album in 20 Years, No Filter & The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

Summary

Podcast Summary: BILFPOD with Akon

Episode: AKON Is BACK: First Album in 20 Years, No Filter & The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

Host: Mara Dorne | Guest: Akon

Date: April 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this engaging, high-energy episode of BILFPOD, host Mara Dorne welcomes iconic artist and entrepreneur Akon for a candid conversation about his storied career, personal growth, philanthropy, and the highly anticipated release of his first album in nearly two decades. The discussion covers Akon’s creative process, business ventures, life lessons, navigating fame, giving back, and what drives his second act in music. The tone is playful yet genuine, laced with humor, nostalgia, and thought-provoking moments.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Akon's Career and The "Comeback"

• Akon reflects on years of nonstop touring and music creation (2004–2010), acknowledging he only recently started to appreciate the extent of his accomplishments.
• Break from performing led him into philanthropy and business ventures; now, he’s returning as an artist:

  “It’s just like recently when I really settled down and said, okay, you know what? I'm kind of bored and I want to get back into the game… I want to get activated into the music business again on an artist perspective level.” (04:15)

• Announced collaborative and solo tours, and plans for new albums:

  “Me and Ne-Yo going on a collaborative tour… 60 dates. And then I'm going to go off and do my own tour… another marathon, to be honest.” (04:55)

The Art of Timeless Music

• Akon’s approach is to create authentic, personal music:

  “I always try to make timeless music… If I’m going through it, most likely somebody out there [is] going through the same thing.” (05:32)

• All tracks, even club hits like “Smack That,” draw on genuine feeling (06:04).

Navigating Fame, Public Perception & Staying Authentic

• Akon on misconceptions, keeping a small circle, authenticity:

  “I can only be me because I don’t want to have to reinvent myself every year… it's just too much work.” (03:41) “With a big entourage, you're distracted, and you can't see nothing that's going on… My major controversies came when there was entourage. From the moment I got rid of the entourage, everything was controlled.” (08:35–08:54)

• On public criticism and tabloids:

  “I never got offended… at that time, I was very naive. Oh, they just doing their job.” (06:53) “It’s better to just let it wear itself down, because the moment you go and try to defend yourself… you create a pool that you can never control.” (07:17)

Mentorship and Family

• Discussed the generational divide in advice and the evolution of music and parenting:

  “Your advice may not apply to today, but it will later on.” (19:47)

• Akon’s parents initially discouraged music:

  “Thank God you didn’t listen to us.” (19:18)

• His children see him as a superhero (20:46).

Collaborations and Notable Moments

• Praised working with Lady Gaga:

  “The funnest one was probably Gaga… I was able to catch her before everything, so I got the true… Like, I got her.” (10:31)

• Would love to collaborate with Billie Eilish in the future (25:25).

Philanthropy and Business Ventures

• Adopted 50 children in Uganda, providing resources and touring opportunities:

  "I adopted 50 kids in Uganda. What you saw was only seven...every last one of them have a super...they’re all just unbelievable.” (14:10–15:08)

• Other ventures include Goodfellas (pizza business) and plans for upscale African dining (“Kobu,” a nod to Akon + brother Boo) (15:54–16:45).
• Akon Lighting Africa and other charitable projects were a turning point during his music hiatus (12:43).

Akon’s Early Years, Money, and Growth

• Made first million before age 20, spent much of it quickly except for investing in a studio, which sustained his career:

  "That studio created opportunity for me to make more money." (17:59)

• Parents did not guide on finances or encourage music (18:23; 19:10).

Views on Today’s Music Industry

• Akon and Mara debate modern music, with Akon taking a diplomatic, open-minded stance:

  “You have to look at it like art… sometimes they just dip the brush in the paint… why is that painting a million dollars?” (22:04)

• Recognizes today's industry is more saturated, streaming changed everything:

  “It’s even worse to break through because… it’s too convoluted.” (33:15) "Streaming killed the album. Nobody actually listens to a body of work anymore. They just want the single." (33:39)

Health, Food, Lifestyle

• Akon credits his youthful appearance to healthy living—no drugs, no fillers—and balanced nutrition, but admits he eats whatever he wants, so long as he stays active:

  "Just obey yourself. Whatever you're craving for, eat it." (29:18)

• Master chef talents: “If you can't cook everything, you can't call yourself a master chef.” (27:53)

International Recognition and Most Memorable Places

• Performance highlights: Brazil, India, Bahrain, Africa, especially Lebanon and Israel.

  "They created a religion called Akon." (30:59)

The Next Chapter

• Album “Beautiful Day Right Again” launches April 24th, 2026—the first since 2008.

  "My music literally stood the test of time, and it's still as current as it was when I dropped it." (24:26)

• Future projects: follow-up concept album “Akonic” (with “icons”), “Rebirth” (inspired by Mara's suggestion), plus touring and more business ventures (35:37–36:12).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authenticity:
  “Where authenticity trumps authority.” — Mara (00:56)
• On his Voice:
  “There’s two types of singers. You got Akon type singers, then you got Beyonce type singers. Now Beyonce can sing. Me, I can just hold the note.” — Akon (01:32)
• On Using People Transparently:
  “We’re all using each other. The question is, who can integrally use you in a way to where me using you helps you?” — Akon (09:34)
• On Tabloids:
  “Let it wear itself down… you start creating information… you can never control.” — Akon (07:17)
• On the Next Album:
  “After this album [‘Beautiful Day Right Again’], we have ‘Akonic’… after that, I’mma close the chapter and create the ‘Rebirth.’” — Akon (35:37)
• Michael Jackson Collab:
  “The one [collab] with Michael J… I just would have loved to have more attention.” — Akon (34:09)
• On International Fans:
  “They can’t speak the language, but they know the words. They know every single word… so singing better than me!” — Akon (31:20)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 00:56 – 02:10 | Akon’s approach to singing, “holding the note” vs. belting like Beyoncé | | 03:25 – 04:51 | Akon on being his true self, reflection on his career | | 04:55 | The comeback: New albums and tour with Ne-Yo | | 05:32 – 06:06 | Creating timeless, authentic music (and writing from his own experience) | | 08:35 – 09:03 | Discussing entourage, keeping a small circle, impact on controversies | | 10:31 – 11:53 | Most fun collaboration: Lady Gaga stories | | 12:43 – 15:08 | Philanthropy, adopting children from Uganda, Akon Lighting Africa | | 15:54 – 16:47 | Goodfellas pizza, plans for “Kobu” African restaurant | | 17:26 – 18:11 | Losing early money, reinvesting in his studio | | 19:10 – 20:20 | Parents’ skepticism, generational advice, instincts | | 21:26 – 22:54 | Hot take: Modern music’s differences, art analogy | | 24:19 – 24:32 | New album announcement: First since 2008 | | 25:25 | Wants to work with Billie Eilish | | 30:47 – 31:20 | International fans, “religion of Akon” in Israel | | 33:15 – 33:39 | Industry changes: Harder to break through, TikTok/streaming’s impact | | 34:09 – 34:19 | Best, underrated collab: Michael Jackson | | 35:37 – 36:12 | Naming next albums (“Akonic,” “Rebirth”) | | 36:54 – End | Final remarks, album release reminder, gratitude |

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Episode Takeaways

• Akon returns to music with a focus on joy, legacy, and authenticity.
• His journey includes massive musical success, business expansion, and deep philanthropy.
• Akon values loyalty, self-care, and transparency both in partnerships and in life.
• He openly discusses industry changes, the balance of public vs. private life, and why staying true to yourself is the key to longevity.
• Look for Akon's new album “Beautiful Day Right Again” on April 24, 2026, and future projects including “Akonic” and “Rebirth.”

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For More

• Find Akon on all socials: @akon and at akon.com
• BILFPOD episodes available wherever you get your podcasts.

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This summary captures the vibrant, humorous, and inspiring conversation from the episode and is ideal for anyone seeking insights into Akon’s mindset, legacy, and comeback journey.

Transcript

[A]

Oh, you got it like that. Sorry. Oh. Next question. If you were in the 2000s, you already know where I'm going. Because I am fangirling over here. I am pleased. Honored to have the goat himself.

[B]

Akon. I keep that gun on my lap. Cause I'm a gangster Surrounded by red and blue rats? Cause I'm a gangster. The ladies loving the swag for a long time. When you're living it, you don't know it. Like, you're just in it. Like you don't see anything outside of tunnel vision where you're headed. I went hard for six years straight from. From 2004 to 2010. No days off, no breaks. Things just went past me so fast that I didn't even realize that years were passing me by. It was around that time when I started to realize how much I actually had accomplished. Because people would tell me that if

[A]

you could pick any artist that you want to work with that you haven't, who would it be?

[B]

That's the thing. I've worked literally with everybody.

[A]

There has to be one somebody new coming up.

[B]

Big T shirt. Billie Eilish.

[A]

Welcome back to the Bilfpod where authenticity trump's authority. I am your host, Mara Dorn. Now, if you are in the 2000s, you know, smack that ass. You know, lonely. I mean, you. I. You already know where I'm going because I am fangirling over here. I am pleased. Honored to have the goat himself. Akon.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

You're not. You already told me you're not gonna sing for me. You told me I could sing unless

[B]

I can hold the note, but.

[A]

So you're not gonna sing. You're not gonna do one?

[B]

I can't. I don't know how to sing.

[A]

You know what? I believe it. You've been fraud like Milli Vanilli. We got Milli Vanilli now lip singing.

[B]

Oh, but you mean I just don't sing. What do you mean? There's two types of singers. Okay, okay. You got Akon type singers, then you got Beyonce type singers. Now Beyonce can sing.

[A]

Yeah, she can definitely sing.

[B]

Me, I can just hold the note.

[A]

So you just be.

[B]

See my kind of songs, Everybody can sing them.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I keep one note. I'm locked up. It won't let me out. It's like this a little bit.

[A]

Have smack that.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? Smack that. All on the floor. Same key.

[A]

I love it, I love it, I love it.

[B]

I'm whining and grinding. Same key. You see what I'm saying? So that's the difference?

[A]

Now listen, I. 20 plus years in the music industry. I mean, this is. First of all, you look exactly the same age, so I think you really are a vampire. What?

[B]

You said I gotta be a vampire. You have. Cause I can't even listen. I forget my age sometime. I don't even know how. How old I am now. When they asked me, I'd be like, yeah, I'm 20. Young.

[A]

I think you are. No, I'm not joking. Seriously, like, I'm really not even like blowing smoke. Like, you have not aged in 20 something years. And I'm assuming you probably don't do Botox or filler.

[B]

I don't do drugs, nothing. Don't smoke, don't drink, don't do no drugs, nothing. That might be a big maybe.

[A]

Yes. No drinking.

[B]

I definitely don't do none of the Botox, fillers and all that stuff. I keep. I still. That actually makes you look older, believe it or not.

[A]

Peptides. What about Peptides?

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Oh, this is a new thing. The Peptides. I. I call vitamins in a virus. I don't know.

[B]

I don't want to know.

[A]

I'm tell. Yeah, I'm gonna tell you. You're gonna like it.

[B]

Listen, the best vitamins you're gonna have is just healthy food.

[A]

Yeah, that's true. That is absolutely true.

[B]

Trust me.

[A]

All right, so I'm just gonna dig in deep. Like, I'm about to eat. I'm about to.

[B]

You just look like you're a digger.

[A]

I am, I am. I'm gonna dig and make you a little uncomfortable.

[B]

No, I'm always comfortable though. Just so you know.

[A]

Yeah, I know. I can tell. Like, you just have that good vibe. I know, I can see. All right, so listen, who are. Like when you, when you just think about Akon, like, who is Akon outside of what the world sees?

[B]

Well, that's the thing. I've. Akon's been Akon to the world. So that's what actually makes it easy for me to navigate. Like, I don't know how to. I don't, like I don't know how to defilter myself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If that's even a word.

[A]

But I don't know. But it sounds good to me. I was buying it, right?

[B]

Like, I can only be me because I don't want to have to reinvent myself every year. Like, I don't want to have to be something else to stay relevant. Like, it's just too much work.

[A]

Do you ever look back and think, wow, I mean, Think about all the artists I can name. I mean, you've been with Eminem, you've had Pink, you've had Lady Gaga, T. Pain. I mean, you have. You've worked with the best of the best, Snoop Dogg. I mean, there. Just think about it. And not only that, what's really impressive is the different genres of music that you have been involved with. So do you ever look back and think like, holy shit, like, you've lived a lifetime, man.

[B]

But I didn't even realize that until recently. Because for a long time when you're living it, you don't know it. Like, you just. You just in the. Like, just in it. Like, so you don't even. You don't see anything outside of tunnel vision where you're headed. But it's just like recently when I really settled down and said, okay, you know what? I'm kind of bored and I want to get back into the game. Like, I really want to get activated into the music business again on an artist perspective level. Because before I was just writing, producing songs for everybody else. Took a break, continued writing, producing, but now I want to get back in as an artist. It was around that time when I started to realize how much I actually had accomplished. Because people would tell me that, yeah,

[A]

and I'm assuming you're probably not stopping anytime soon. Cause you're about to release an album.

[B]

Yeah. Now we're about to go back super crazy, about to release another album. Me and Neil going on a collaborative tour that's gonna be nuts for 60 dates. And then I'm gonna go off and do my own tour. He's gonna go off and do his own tour, and then we're gonna be back in motion with more albums coming. So I think it's gonna be another marathon, to be honest.

[A]

I think so. I think you're legendary. I mean, I grew up listening to your music, my kid. What's even crazier and iconic is not only do I listen to your music, but. And I'm sure my daughter's here. I'm pretty sure she's over there. She list, like, we were pulling up all the songs yesterday, and she was like, do you know this one? I'm like, yeah, how do you know this one? But that just goes to show, like, you didn't get played out or washed out.

[B]

Nah, I was blessed, to be honest, you know, and interestingly enough, when I was. When I create in general, I always try to make timeless music. Right. I don't look at it like, okay, this is what's Happening right now. Let me write a record about now. Like, I'm always going through something either personal or something fun or something that inspires me to write songs. And I know that if I'm going through it, most likely somebody out there that's going through the same thing that's.

[A]

I mean, that's in itself is amazing. So none of your songs are made up. It's all something personal, which I did not know about you. I had no idea that your songs were really driven. I knew a few of them, but I didn't know that all of them were.

[B]

Yeah. So including smack that.

[A]

Smack that. Yeah. I love that for you. I love that for you. I can get on that bandwagon. I mean, I could produce some good. I think I got some good. I could definitely produce some songs. I think so.

[B]

No, you would. You. You. You actually make a great artist. Like, you got the personality. You got the confidence.

[A]

I'm just crazy. That's all it is.

[B]

You're crazy.

[A]

It's, like, insane. You never seen a white lady that's as crazy as me. I'm crazy out of it. I'm off control. Like, no filter anymore. You get to a point in your life, and I think, you know, as we get seasoned. I don't like older seasoned. You come to a point because you. There's a lot of controversy.

[B]

It's gonna come with age.

[A]

Yeah, but do you ever get to a point, like, when you first started and you're reading the tabloids and they're saying some kind of shit about you?

[B]

Right.

[A]

And at first I'm imagining you probably got a little offended, but now, do you, like, really give a shit?

[B]

Interesting enough. I never got offended.

[A]

Never?

[B]

No. Because one thing I do is that. Okay, at that time, I was very naive. Oh, they just doing their job. They don't really know. Let me just tell them what's happening.

[A]

Nah. You didn't, like, try to fight back and be like, oh, hell no. No.

[B]

I honestly believe that they were just doing their job. Like, I didn't think that they were trying to destroy me or anything like that. Right. Because they don't really know me to do that. Right. So. But what I did know is that did have a lot of misinformation.

[A]

That's.

[B]

Now the question was whether or not I want to go in and defend myself with the truth or do I just let it wear itself down and I notice it. It's better to just let it wear itself down, because the moment you go and try to defend yourself, you start looking Even not only more guilty, but they start taking more information from what you got and what they got. And then you start creating information, and it creates a pool that you can never control.

[A]

And here's the thing. Nobody gives a shit.

[B]

And then they won't until they're entertained by it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then it's a wrap. Then you're over.

[A]

But here's the real deal. Like, no one gives a shit. Like, a few days later, no one cares. No one gives a. Yeah. No one. It's today, it's fun. But I promise you, like, tomorrow.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Nobody gives a shit.

[B]

They've forgot because something else came more exciting than that.

[A]

Nobody gives a. What do you think is the biggest misconception that people think about you?

[B]

That's the thing. What is the biggest misconception? What. What do. What do you think people think about me?

[A]

I mean. I'll tell you what.

[B]

I can tell you if it's a misconception.

[A]

I'll tell you what I thought. I thought, like, I really thought you were gonna roll in here, like, with a huge entourage. You were gonna be super bougie.

[B]

Like, I'm not very mixing.

[A]

That's what I. That's what I thought I was walking into, but that's not what I walked into. Totally different, super humble guy that was like, hey, what's up? Like.

[B]

And I'm always like, I keep my circle. Like, you can count the round of people. Smart. Like this.

[A]

What's the importance of keeping a close circle?

[B]

It's. First of all, you're more focused, and you can see your surroundings. With a big entourage, you're distracted, and you can't see nothing that's going on. So something is always wrong.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But you would never know it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I learned that from having a big entourage. When I realized, listen, my major controversies came when there was entourage.

[A]

That's exactly.

[B]

From the moment I got rid of the entourage, everything was controlled, and it was, like, easy peasy. But the moment that entourage come, there's so much drama.

[A]

And it'd be the person closest to you that is letting all the drama and all the nonsense come out or starting it.

[B]

But then you'll be the one taking the blame for it.

[A]

Yes. Amen. I really hope y' all heard what? It's the circle that you surround yourself with. The smaller the circle. Yeah. Maybe it's not as fun, you know, whatever. But at least you know who your real friends are. That's how you know. I used to same thing when I first started doing really well in business. I would have, like, not hundred, but a ton of people around me all the time. Little did I know, you know, people want something from you. Of course that's what they wrote.

[B]

I mean, you got to think this human nature. We all have agendas, right? So everybody, depending on what your agenda is, will determine the severity of it. Like, everyone wants something from someone. We're all using each other.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The question is, who can integrally use you in a way to where me using you helps you? Yeah, I don't mind. I'm going to use you.

[A]

No, I'm going to use you.

[B]

Just.

[A]

Just be upfront. Just be. Just be real about it.

[B]

I'm using you now.

[A]

Yeah, that's okay.

[B]

I'm using you right now.

[A]

Me too. I'm using you. I'm using you too. I mean, we're using each other. Just say what it is.

[B]

You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Like, there's no reason to sugarcoat what it is. And so many times we get caught up in people and then. Then they pull the wool over your eyes.

[B]

Oh, then it's a wrap. Yeah, that's. That's when it goes crazy. I'm using you too.

[A]

Working with all these artists, though. I mean, you've had a whole, whole eclectic crew of people. Who would you say? I wouldn't say your best, but what was your most fun, like, artist that you worked with?

[B]

To be honest, I would definitely say the funnest one was probably Gaga.

[A]

I bet. I. I definitely got.

[B]

Because she's such a fun person, like. And see, the thing is, I was able to catch her before everything, so I got the true. Like, I got her.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Yes. I.

[B]

So you, You. I. I know the person. Like, before she was. Before we had. She had this small, little, Little cane with the little ball in it. And she wanted everyone to know that she was creative. She was a little bit different because she thought outside the box, but she just was a fun person. Like, we were going to clubs to do after parties, and she'd be like, bro, Khan, what are we doing? I'm like, we going to sleep. We gotta work tomorrow. She'd be like, can we do something? Like, you know, that's so funny.

[A]

Like, she just like, she looks like it.

[B]

Yeah, she like. And then, like. Cause she. The thing is, she. She had this, this, this. This. It was like. It's just like this. This thirst to just like, be with her fans. Like, she just want to party with them all the time.

[A]

Yeah, but that's. I mean, it's good.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like, she just had this real. This energy. Just loves her fans so much. So when we was doing those earlier runs and the promo runs, she always wanted to find out where they was at. Like, let's party. Like, let'. Like, she was one. Like, she was. She was chill.

[A]

That's how you get the buy in from your people. Yeah, you gotta be with your people

[B]

and she's genuine with them. It's just, you know, that was the difference.

[A]

You know, what would you say or was there ever a time that you were like, fuck it, I'm not doing this anymore. I'm done. Like, I'm over it. I want to do something else where you were just done.

[B]

Well, there was a time, but it wasn't like in that energy. It was more so like, okay, I've been working non stop for a hard. Well, damn. Actually six years. I went hard for six years straight from 2004 to 2010. No days off, no breaks, Just going crazy musically. Right? And then I said, you know what? Let me just take a side break, regroup, go to Africa, do some good, and come on back.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I went to go host the World cup in South Africa 2010, because I was producing the music at the time. And from that moment, I just. Time flew past me as if it was just wind. Because once I got started into my philanthropy stuff and Akon lighting and all this other craziness, things just went past me so fast that I didn't even realize that years were passing me by.

[A]

That's so crazy. Well, don't I.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

I saw an interview where you just felt. I know. You were born insane, St. Louis. And then during, like at one point, you go back to Senegal and I watched an interview where you were like, you know what? It was just home there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, it was great. It was a great experience, a great time. I know you've done a lot of charitable things. In fact, when I saw you, I showed you that video. So crazy. I have to tell Dodge. I literally see Akon in concert, right? I go there and Akon, my husband's like, you have to get up there. He, like, literally positions me. Akon takes my phone. You take my phone, has his face. I have to show this. It's so crazy.

[B]

Live selfies. I actually took her phone and we did a live.

[A]

So, yeah, it was incred. It was such a. But first of all, you did a great job. But where I was going with this is you had kids on the stage and Come to find out, that was like one of the first time you took these kids. They're from Africa.

[B]

Yeah. So those. They're called the. The hypers kids. So I adopted them five years ago.

[A]

So they're all your children?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Don't you have a lot of children right now? So now you got like a whole. You got like a whole team. You got a tribe, like, for real.

[B]

Like a real tribe? Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Like the children. I adopted 50 kids in Uganda. What you saw was only seven.

[A]

There was. There looked like more kids on there. There was a lot of kids up there.

[B]

There were so many. It was seven of them.

[A]

That was so cute. Now you.

[B]

They're amazing, by the way. They got over 10 million, like, followers on Instagram. Like, if you watch their page. They're unbelievable.

[A]

They are unbelievable.

[B]

Unbelievable.

[A]

How old is the youngest one?

[B]

The youngest one that you saw was five.

[A]

So cute. This kid was this stinking cute. Killing it now. Are they doing, like. Is that what they're doing, like, touring and dancing?

[B]

Yeah. So now they're gonna be on a tour with me.

[A]

They are, yeah.

[B]

So, you know, they're gonna be on tour with me. But interestingly enough, when I grabbed them, they were like, the. More the dancing. Like, each one of them all have talents, right? I have kids that's like unbelievable. Soccer players within that 50, they're all making the pros. When I. As. As amazing as the kids got you when you saw them dancing, that's how they are when they're on the field.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Like, every last one of them have a super. They like, super kid. Human like. Like, abilities. Like, they're all just unbelievable. But a lot of their parents had passed away in the wars, so they had no parents, but they just had all the talent in the world with nothing to cultivate it or even like just like molded into something that can be something just useful to the earth, basically.

[A]

I don't think a lot of people know that about you. I just happened to be at that concert. That's how I saw it. So really, I looked up the page when I saw them. I just kept thinking, I'm like, it is 12 o' clock at night. This kid is on stage. Because I'm a mom. Listen. So I'm like. I'm like, oh, my God. This little. But he was. It was so cute. So not only are you really big in doing philanthropy, but I also read that you have pizza and wing businesses.

[B]

Yeah, Goodfellas.

[A]

Goodfellas in Atlanta. Right.

[B]

So I have three locations in Atlanta. Right now one in Tallahassee and one in Jacksonville.

[A]

Do you like pizza and wings?

[B]

Is that why I love pizza? Like, pizza, like, my favorite food.

[A]

What kind of pizza you like? What's your favorite?

[B]

I mean, pizza.

[A]

Like, what's your favorite? Like, do you like cheese? Hawaiian?

[B]

Oh, yeah. I mean, well, yeah, of course, you know, you got all the. The good stuff in it. But me, like, cheese meatball and green pepper, like, that's my signature.

[A]

That's your big thing. Is that, like the signature dish there too?

[B]

It's the akon.

[A]

And you're looking to franchise that all over the US as well?

[B]

Oh, yes. Yeah, that's. Eventually I'm gonna franchise it everywhere.

[A]

All right, so let's. I just had to ask about that. I just want to know, you know, I just want to know, are you doing any more food restaurants or no?

[B]

Yeah, I am planning on doing another, like, really, really upscale, like, African cuisine type. Nobu. You know what I mean?

[A]

Oh.

[B]

But it's gonna be called Kobu.

[A]

Kobu. I love that.

[B]

That's the first two letters for me from Khan and the first two letters from my little brother, Boo.

[A]

Oh, are you gonna have, like, tagine? That's like a big restaurant. Tagine. Do you like tagine?

[B]

Yeah. But the thing about Senegal and a lot of people don't know is that they invented a lot of the high end dishes that you guys are spending thousands of dollars on plates for. Like, if you love French cuisine, all of those are recipes from Senegal.

[A]

I did not know that. I really did not know.

[B]

So when you. You'll. You will be able to taste the difference when you come to our restaurant.

[A]

That. That's crazy.

[B]

I promise you.

[A]

All right, I'm gonna switch gears to your earlier years. So. Your earlier years. I know that, you know, quick money is usually, like, when you make good money.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It goes quick.

[B]

It goes as quick as you make it.

[A]

Yeah. I. And I saw a whole interview you made. You made a lot of money at first. Let's talk about what happened to that money.

[B]

Oh, I just spent it.

[A]

Just spent it.

[B]

Oh, my first check. Oh, yeah. My first check was gone, like, from the moment I might have spent it before I even received it, you know? Yeah.

[A]

So how'd you recover from it?

[B]

Oh, no. I mean, I never fail.

[A]

So you just kept going?

[B]

See, I was blessed that the one thing that I didn't waste my money on was a studio.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That was the one thing that I actually was.

[A]

That was your saving grace.

[B]

Boom. Everything else, I couldn't tell you where it's at today. But that studio created opportunity for me to make more money.

[A]

Yeah. Because if they took everything from you today, it wouldn't have mattered.

[B]

It wouldn't matter because I got the studio to generate more, which is smart.

[A]

I mean. Yeah, you live and learn. How old were you when you made your first million?

[B]

I was under 20.

[A]

Did anyone. Did you ever. Did you have a financial advisor then?

[B]

No.

[A]

Parents didn't advise you?

[B]

It was not. Nope. My parents never even made that much money. So you put how to go advise me.

[A]

That is true. Now, your dad also was. Your dad also was in the music industry?

[B]

Yeah, my dad was the music industry.

[A]

Is he the one that inspired you?

[B]

Well, I wouldn't say inspired, but he's the reason why I'm doing it without a question. Because my pops and my moms really didn't want us. Want me doing music.

[A]

No.

[B]

In the beginning, you know, hip hop wasn't like a genre that you saw to be something that would change the world. Like, you never would have thought that. Right. And then at the time, my dad was doing jazz. And jazz is not a high, you know, like income genre. Like you don't make a lot of money in jazz. Like, you know, you're doing, you know, pubs and, you know, stuff like that. So they didn't really see a future in music.

[A]

So were they. So they didn't encourage it? They discouraged it?

[B]

No, no. They definitely was like, no, like, you need to go to school and find a real job. Do something. Really.

[A]

And now today, what do they say?

[B]

Thank God you didn't listen to us.

[A]

Yeah, right. That's what they always say. My mom too. My mom was like. My mom was like pushing. She's from New York. She's like, you have to go to law school. Thank God I didn't go to law school. I would have never made any money. No way at all. No, I didn't go. No. So I did not end going there. But today my mom is living her best life.

[B]

See.

[A]

Yeah. So it's. You know, I wouldn't say don't always listen to your parents, but just be selective.

[B]

No, no. Just follow your instinct. Your instinct is never going to lie to you because you got to think our parents and us as even advising our kids. We came up under a different time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think the one thing that parents forget is that your advice may not apply to today, but it will later on.

[A]

I understand.

[B]

That's it.

[A]

So don't push it.

[B]

Like, I think that's where like parents try to Push their advice on you and assume they know what's good for you, which they do. But the timing of what you're telling me may not fit what's happening that where your advice may not be actually effective right now. I'm gonna keep the advice. Cause I'm gonna utilize it when I actually believe that it can help me. But at the time when you're telling me this, if I'm not listening, it's because I know if I use that, it's not gonna work. Cause I know what I know.

[A]

Yeah. I would say be a sounding board. I have a pretty open relationship. Yeah, I have a pretty open relationship with my kids. They tell me way too much. But I'd rather it. Look, I'd rather it be like that than the times we grew up where there was things that you.

[B]

Yeah. You couldn't even talk to your about a lot of stuff.

[A]

A lot of stuff you couldn't say. And then you start experience stuff on your own.

[B]

Yeah. That's when you make mistakes.

[A]

That's exactly so I try to. You. I know you have a lot of children. So when you're, you know, the advice that. I'm sure they look at you. Well, first of all, do they look at you and they're like, oh my God, dad, you're so cool.

[B]

Yeah, I'm a superhero.

[A]

They think. Yeah, my. My kids don't think I'm that cool. They said they call me cringe. That's so funny. Yeah. You'll see my daughter out there, she'll tell you. She'll be like, oh, sometimes she'll be looking at me and be like, you're. And like her friends will come in the house and she'll be like, don't even, don't say no. They all like me. They think. They think I'm funny. But yeah. Yeah, she's like, you're bizarre. Sometimes she'll say like, no. And do not say anything weird because literally whatever comes in my head comes flowing out of my head. Yeah. But I think in the end, I do think in the end, because I'm so close with them that they do try to take. And I know that I try to take in consideration because today is a lot different than it was when you're growing up. Social media, the influence around us.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's a. It's such a different world. I. I gotta ask you, what do you think about this music today?

[B]

Actually, it's interesting.

[A]

Like, I don't like it.

[B]

It's very interesting.

[A]

I don't like it. I Hate it. I don't like the. I don't like the rap. I don't like the R B. And I love rap and R B. Like, that is my. That is. Nope.

[B]

It's an acquired taste.

[A]

I don't like it. I don't think it makes any sense.

[B]

Well, it's. Some of it don't.

[A]

I can't even understand most of it. I don't know what they're talking about.

[B]

Most of it you won't. So you have to look at it, like. You have to look at it like art. That's what happened to me. I had to look at it, like,

[A]

that's really, like, politically correct. I don't think you're gonna say no,

[B]

but that's how you have to look at it. That's how you have to look at it.

[A]

Okay, I'm gonna show you. Okay.

[B]

Prime example. Have you ever went to an art gallery and then you saw a painting that was just beautiful to your taste? You're like, wow, this is unbelievable. And then you walk up two, three steps and you see another painting where you knew that the artist, all he did was dip the brush in the paint and just said,

[A]

yeah, yeah. And then you're like, what the fuck?

[B]

And then you looking and wondering, why is that painting a million dollars and the one that just took you away is like, five grand?

[A]

Yeah, all right, fine. Fair, fair.

[B]

You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yeah. But I still don't think. I still think it's horrible. I don't like it. I'm not going to a new concert. I only go to concerts. Old school. That's it. That's all I'm doing.

[B]

Right. Because that's just your taste. Now, me, I try to find something in it that I can connect with, and every once in a while, I'll find one that I can. But it's not. It's not often.

[A]

Yeah, it's not like the music that we grew up with.

[B]

No, no.

[A]

It's totally different vibe.

[B]

Totally different.

[A]

These. They're talking about things you're like, no, you didn't experience. Like, you don't know. You didn't experience that. Like, no, no, no. I love watching this stuff on Tick Tock. I don't know if you ever watch Tick Tock, but they have, like, the Millennial Moms on there. Have you ever seen this in the Millennial Mom? Be like, y' all don't know what it's like to go clubbing. Y' all have no idea what it's like. Y' all go with your sneakers. Like, go to a club where there's sticky floors, high heeled shoes. Like, then you had a night out. You know, these kids, they don't. They have no idea what it's like to. To really be out there.

[B]

Like, you know what's so funny? Your parents used to do the same and say the same to you. No.

[A]

No, they didn't. My mom wasn't as cool. I'm sorry.

[B]

I know mom did, for sure. Man, this ain't real music. Y' all don't know nothing about this. I'mma show y' all some real music. Like, they would always. And I'd be sitting there, be like, but now I want to say that to my kids so bad, but what stops me from saying it? I remember how I felt when my

[A]

parents told me, yeah, but my kids listen to our music. My kids love it. They know all, like, they know all of the things that we listen to, right?

[B]

No, they do. They do.

[A]

It's better. I mean, and then the new stuff is like, I don't know. I'm not with the new stuff. It's not even talking about good stuff. Not with it. I don't like it. I'm not going to concert. I'm not doing it. I'm not like, they had. Did you want. You know, Lovers and Friends. I went to Lovers and Friends. This was like, if they do another one, you have to go there. This was it genuine. Was there. Missy Elliott was there. I mean, this was like the OGs of music were there. So it's. But so where, like, what now for you? I mean, I know you have an album dropping on the 24th, right? Which is how many years since you dropped the album?

[B]

Oh, man. Since 2008. That was my. That was my last. Yeah. Yeah. Commercial album.

[A]

Some of these people listening weren't even born then.

[B]

No, seriously, that's a long. Yeah, but what's dope was my music literally stood the test of time, and it's still as current as it was when I dropped it.

[A]

I mean, you gotta seriously give it up for yourself. Just give yourself like, some. You know, you definitely deserve your flowers for that. Just stay relevant. Cause it's not like you're. You're definitely very relevant. Everywhere you go, people know who you are. Your music is everywhere. It's showcased even in the clubs today. Not that I've been to any clubs.

[B]

You know, you always be shaking your ass. Like, you know your ass be shaking

[A]

your ass, but your music is still showcased today.

[B]

Nah, that's what's Up.

[A]

Who is one artist that, if you can. If you could pick any artist that you want to work with that you haven't, who would it be?

[B]

That's the thing. I've worked literally with everybody.

[A]

There has to be one somebody new coming up. Oh, you got it like that. Sorry.

[B]

No, no, no, no, no. I just had to think because I'm. I'm really bad with names. That's like one of my handicaps. But I could see Billie Eilish.

[A]

Okay, fair.

[B]

I could see that.

[A]

Fair. Okay. And even I know who that is. Yeah, I know what it seems.

[B]

I could see me working with her for sure.

[A]

Are you gonna try to or no?

[B]

I mean, we'll see. You know, as I get back in and swiggle around and get comfortable. We'll see.

[A]

So what's this tour look like? It's dropping on the 24th year of

[B]

single and then it's gonna be a 60 day tour. We're doing 60.

[A]

Where are you going?

[B]

Cities. We starting in Europe first.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Then Canada, then the U.S. you don't do Afrobeats, though.

[A]

I didn't.

[B]

You don't do.

[A]

I mean, Afro Nate.

[B]

I do Afrobeat. Afro House.

[A]

No, no, no, I'm talking.

[B]

Oh, you're talking about the festival.

[A]

The festival. Yeah. I was last year.

[B]

No, I haven't. I haven't done Afro House. I haven't done Afro House.

[A]

That was good. I was there.

[B]

It's really good.

[A]

Burner was there.

[B]

Yeah, it's really, really good.

[A]

Yes. That's when I saw you had. Well, I didn't see you there. I saw you in la.

[B]

You saw us in la when I was filming. It's a show that I'm doing called Headliners Only.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, me and Kevin Hart got a production company together and we were shooting and it's like the OG with the new school.

[A]

I like how you just casually. Oh, by the way. Just casually.

[B]

No, just letting you know. So that's what you. You call this? Actually filming?

[A]

Oh, okay. No, that was a great show. I think a lot of people don't know your business side of, like, all the things that you really have. You have a label, which I didn't realize that you had such a big label. I had no idea. You know, you've also done so much work. You have restaurants. I mean, you really have a diversified portfolio which speaks volumes about what you're doing. So, like, what. What's next? What is something that you want to do that you haven't done yet? Like go on the moon?

[B]

No. Yeah. Well, actually, that's what I'm doing now.

[A]

Going on the moon?

[B]

No.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Just literally having fun. Like, what I don't want to ever do is feel like I'm working or building. I feel like I've built and worked from my 0 to 50. Now from my 50 to 100, I'm just enjoying. Like, you got to think, back then when I was working on these tours, we never enjoyed none of these places.

[A]

Yeah, because you're in and out.

[B]

We're in and out. Sticking this one. Oh, yeah. We do the show, relax for the whole day to hang out that day, go to next. Like, we really going to enjoy every. Like, that's why it's literally three and a half months and a 60 day tour. We put together damn near a whole month of days in between those tours to literally enjoy and have fun.

[A]

That's incredible.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What is something that people don't know about you? Something that you really have never really talk about?

[B]

I'm actually a good chef.

[A]

Oh, what's your. What kind of a master Chef are you? You're master artist, master singer, master chef? Like, check, check, check. All right. What's your favorite. What's your favorite dish?

[B]

It don't matter.

[A]

I can cook everything.

[B]

You know, master Chefs can fit everything. If you can't cook everything, you can't call yourself a master chef. So whatever your favorite dish is, I can, I can definitely present it to you.

[A]

I like Mediterranean food.

[B]

Mediterranean, that's super easy, easy, easy peasy.

[A]

Like, you'll make me some hummus, baba ganoush, no problem. Easy. Oh, okay. All right, all right. Over here. All right. I mean, there is really nothing that you don't do.

[B]

I can go all the way from chicken masala to a simple gyro. It's whatever you want.

[A]

Okay. All right, I'll shut up now. You got me on the chicken masala

[B]

and then simple gyro.

[A]

All right, you got me there. You got me. But I know you're big on healthy food, too.

[B]

Well, not really.

[A]

You told me you like healthy food.

[B]

I do.

[A]

So, like, so you're not big on it.

[B]

I'm big on it. So this is the thing, right?

[A]

Oh, you're killing me.

[B]

No, no, no, no. I gotta be honest with you.

[A]

See, could we just show, like, what you like, what you. I made my girl courtesy to make sure you had what you needed, right? Pinkberry.

[B]

Pinkberry.

[A]

So I'm like, isn't pinkberry like the, like, good for you yogurt? So, like, yes. So you must like it.

[B]

No, I do. And I'm. I'm. See, the thing is, the word big on it is almost like, okay, I'm a healthy foodie type. I eat whatever I want to eat.

[A]

Anything.

[B]

You work out, it doesn't matter. Yeah, I definitely stay. I stay active because that's the only way you can eat whatever you want to eat.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Right? The difference is whenever you do eat crazy, you know, you got to balance it with something healthy.

[A]

Absolutely, yes.

[B]

Long as you got that man, you extra good.

[A]

I don't know, you probably have those two superhuman genes because you haven't aged in 20 years and now you can eat whatever you want.

[B]

Just obey yourself. Whatever you're craving for, eat it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Where you go wrong is when you're craving for something, you say, no, I can't eat that. It's unhealthy. Your body is craving for it because there's something in it or an ingredient in it that you actually, actually need.

[A]

Oh, okay, that's good. That's good.

[B]

One thing you should never do is take health tips from America.

[A]

America is the most unhealthy place on the planet and the worst food. I would 100% agree with you.

[B]

Your body would always tell you what you need. When you start feeling sluggish and tired, that mean you eating healthy. I mean unhealthy. So you gotta. You need something that's gonna brighten up your energy. And if it's gonna be carrots or celery or whatever, you need something that's gonna brighten your energy up.

[A]

Speaking of international, what was your most favorite international place that you performed at or have you even been?

[B]

It's a lot of places. International is like the best environment to perform.

[A]

Yes. I mean, when I went to Afro Nation, it was insane.

[B]

Insane.

[A]

It was literally people from everywhere.

[B]

From everywhere, right.

[A]

France to Mor. I mean, it was insane. And it was. It was a good insane. It wasn't like off the chain.

[B]

It was just such a balance insane. Like so, I mean, I can name literally everywhere, internationally places that I say I would remember it the most. I would probably say Brazil, India, Bahrain, Africa. No matter where. It's always crazy. And probably the craziest one, probably what I would say is Lebanon.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I would never forget Lebanon.

[A]

Why? What happened?

[B]

And then when I went to Israel, oh my goodness, it was the craziest thing. This is why I never forget that. Because when I got there, they actually

[A]

had the Israelis love you.

[B]

They created a religion called Akon.

[A]

They love you. I know. I've been to Israel. Many times. They love you there. Love you.

[B]

I couldn't believe it.

[A]

I think they think you're part of the lost tribe. You might be.

[B]

No, serious.

[A]

You have a whole tribe now. You can be there.

[B]

I had followers. Like, I had real followers.

[A]

I know, I know. You're very big in Israel. I've been there. I know. They're huge. I was like, wow, that's. I mean, but it is incredible to see everybody around the world, and then they can't speak the language, but they know the words.

[B]

They know every single word.

[A]

Every single. And clear. And clear.

[B]

It's so singing better than me.

[A]

Yeah, I know. I know. It's.

[B]

And then when I try to say, man, you're amazing, you'd be like, I don't understand nothing.

[A]

Zero, zero. Like, okay, but you just sing my

[B]

song better than me.

[A]

I cannot.

[B]

It's crazy.

[A]

So what is really next for you? What's next on the agenda?

[B]

Oh, man, just enjoying life, enjoying my kids, enjoying family, enjoying the career that I never got a chance to enjoy. So now I'm just. I'm kind of literally making moves and decisions on the wing. Like, whatever feels good. That's the direction I'm blowing.

[A]

I love that. I think that's a fair direction. You've been industry for many, many, many years. You've really been able to keep your head above water, too. Not getting too much trouble. I mean, I don't know. You're in New York City.

[B]

This is my favorite work city.

[A]

I love it here.

[B]

Like, whenever I have to work and they say, yo, we do. It's all in New York. I'm like, yeah.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But as soon as I'm done, I'm on the first flight out. I'm out of done.

[A]

You either like it or you love it.

[B]

Yeah, well, yes. Yeah. New York is one. It's like that with the people, too. You either love them or you hate them.

[A]

Yeah, that's exactly.

[B]

And they even. They're like that. They're cut and dry. They either rock with you or they don't.

[A]

Yeah, 100%.

[B]

And I respect and like that for sure.

[A]

No problem. At least you keep it real.

[B]

But, yeah, me, the work city, I can live here and work all day if I got work to do. But if I don't, I'm going straight to Miami.

[A]

Well, right now, you're on a plane. You're going to Europe.

[B]

London.

[A]

Yeah, London. Angela, no B. Okay.

[B]

The weather there is worse than New York right now. Really? Yeah, it's horrible.

[A]

Well, I'm going home. After this, I'm going back to Florida, man.

[B]

You're in a sunshine state. I'm in Orlando.

[A]

I don't know about that. I don't know about that.

[B]

Orlando is even better because it's calmer.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? And then you like, literally, what, 30 minutes away from Miami for the weekend. So you're good.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

Orlando's the perfect neutral spot.

[A]

All right. I got some questions that they're making me do. All right.

[B]

I'll take you to Disneyland. Don't worry.

[A]

No, we're not going to Disney. We're never going to Disney. No. Mm.

[B]

Mm.

[A]

No. All right, true or false? You ready? All right. The music industry today is harder to break through than when you started, even with 500 million TikTok views.

[B]

It's even worse to break through because of the 500 million TikTok views. Like, we can barely sort through 20. You're telling me 500 million.

[A]

It's a hard.

[B]

The most greatest TikTok on the planet has never been seen because it's too convoluted.

[A]

Yeah. It's saturated right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right. Streaming killed the album. Nobody actually listens to a body of work anymore. They just. Just want the single.

[B]

I agree 100%, which is horrible.

[A]

Yeah. It's sad because then, back then, we had. What was it? You could. You. You remember, if you try to download it, it would, like, corrupt your whole. What was it? What was that thing that we were. You. I forget the name of it.

[B]

I forgot what it was too, but

[A]

you know what I'm talking. Like, if you did, you got a virus.

[B]

Yes. Actually, I think it was called.

[A]

I forget the name of that. Nabser. That's what it was. We were trying to bite the. Yes. And we couldn't do. Yes. Thank you. All right. The best collabs you've ever made were not the most famous one.

[B]

It's true.

[A]

Yeah. I'm sure you have a whole bunch of that.

[B]

The one with Michael J.

[A]

Can you real quick talk about it?

[B]

That's the one. I just would have loved to have more attention.

[A]

Michael Jackson is the king of all

[B]

kings, I promise you.

[A]

What a blessing that you got to see, man.

[B]

Right?

[A]

That's amazing. Africa will dominate global music within the next decade, and the west is not ready for it.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

I would agree. Especially with Afrobeats coming up.

[B]

And I'm a piano. And Afro House. And now Latin House.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[A]

Going to prison was, in a strange way, the making of Akon.

[B]

It was what saved my life. While most people might look at it as a punishment, to me, that's what

[A]

I don't think so. I think everything. I don't think there's ever a failure in life. I think it's a lesson. If you take something from it, I don't think anyone could judge you for it. It could. It could be anybody. Wrong place, wrong time. And as long as you take a lesson, you implement it. And I love your authenticity. I really just love that you're willing to talk about anything.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

And that speaks volumes of you. It just speaks volumes about who you are and what you're doing. You have such a good energy, such a good soul.

[B]

You too.

[A]

I enjoyed if you did. I mean, today's episode was absolutely, I think, my favorite ever. I don't think anyone's gonna top you.

[B]

Oh, that's good.

[A]

I hope the viewers. Yeah, I hope the viewers get that, you know, you can. Don't ever be embarrassed of who you are, what you're doing, because it's just the beginning. And I feel like you're just scratching the surface right now. You're just getting started again. Can you imagine? It's like the Rebirth of Akon. That could be your next change. The album Rebirth of Akon.

[B]

So then you just. Actually, you just named the next album after Akonic. So after this album, Rebirth we got right now, it's beautiful day right again, April 24th. Make sure you get it. After that, we have Akonic. That's the name of that album. So that album is gonna be full of amazing features. These are all of icons that I love myself and I'm fans of, that I would have loved to do records with again or hadn't done records with. Yeah, that's going on the album. After that, I'mma close the chapter and create the Rebirth.

[A]

I love you. Better give me some credit.

[B]

That's what we're going to do. I'm saying it on the show to give you the credit.

[A]

You heard it, Brad. You heard it right here. You heard it right here.

[B]

That's why I'm saying it. So it's on record. You can rewind and see. I came up with the idea and I was like, she's right.

[A]

Akon, you are incredible. You really are absolutely different than what I even could have imagined. You're just better, really. And it just goes to show that there is no stopping you. Age doesn't define you. It's just a number. And this is really your opportunity. So I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me today. It was so much fun. If you weren't going on a plane, I'd make you hang out. I'd make you. I would not. I'd lock the door. You can't hang. You gotta stay. If people want to find you, where would they find you?

[B]

I mean, obviously at Akon on every.

[A]

I mean, everybody knows they ain't gonna find you.

[B]

Or just go to akon.com and you'll be able to get access to everything I'm attached to.

[A]

Yeah, April 24th, y' all better get the album, man. I'm trying to stream it. You better buy it. Y' all cheap people out there, you

[B]

gotta go, like, just pre. Save it now. So you gotta worry about it. It'll download automatically when the day come

[A]

out and I got you. I'll be promoting it.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Yes. Thank you. It was amazing. If you guys love today, Today's episode, you're probably never gonna see a better episode. But go ahead, hit that. Like, subscribe, unsubscribe, write something. I don't know. But, Akon, you are the man. The greatest of all time. Thank you for coming on today.

[B]

I appreciate you.

[A]

Amazing.