Locked Up cover

Locked Up

Akon · 2004

14 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

Akon's debut blends infectious hooks and urban narratives over a pulsating mix of R&B and hip-hop beats.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Locked Up (radio edit) — This track serves as the album's cornerstone, introducing listeners to Akon's distinctive vocal style intertwined with compelling storytelling about incarceration and redemption.
  • →
    Gunshot — This track showcases a more aggressive side of Akon, combining dancehall rhythms with poignant lyrics that reflect on violence and its consequences in urban life.
  • →
    Locked Up (remix) — The remix expands on the original's themes with added layers and features, appealing to both hip-hop fans and those seeking a fresh take on the hit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases a catchy hook but lacks depth in composition and cohesion across its variations.

What we noticed

  • The lead track features a repetitive melodic hook that is prominent throughout, creating a strong earworm effect.
  • The remix introduces additional vocal layers and a different beat, altering the song's dynamics while maintaining its core melody.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Akon as a significant new voice in the music industry.
Themes
dancehall violence· redemption narratives
Career context
Released on April 13, 2004, 'Locked Up' marked Akon's debut studio album, arriving shortly after his breakthrough single of the same name. The album established him as a significant new voice in contemporary R&B and pop rap, showcasing his unique blend of African influences and mainstream appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
Sean Paul· Pitbull· Jason Derulo
New to Akon? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Locked Up (radio edit) 3:57
  • 2 Locked Up (album version) (explicit) 3:56
  • 3 Locked Up (remix) (explicit) 3:50
  • 4 Gunshot 2:56

What to play next

Konvicted
Listen next

Konvicted

2006

Continues the blend of catchy hooks and urban themes with more polished production.
Trouble
Go back to

Trouble

2004

Introduces the listener to Akon's style and sound, setting the stage for 'Locked Up'.
Full Akon discography Where to start with Akon Artists like Akon
contemporary R&B hip-hop reggae

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Confessions

Confessions

Usher

Merges catchy hooks and urban narratives with a smooth R&B sound, reflecting themes of love and redemption.

Rappa Ternt Sanga

Rappa Ternt Sanga

T-Pain

Blends melodic hip-hop with danceable beats, exploring themes of nightlife and personal struggle.

In My Own Words

In My Own Words

Ne-Yo

Features polished R&B production and storytelling that resonates with themes of love and emotional conflict.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata