Celebrated Senegalese-American artist Akon is marking the anniversary of his iconic debut album, Trouble, a project that not only launched his global career but also became one of the most uniquely released albums of the 2000s.
Released in June 29, 2004, Trouble introduced the world to Akon’s distinctive blend of R&B, hip-hop, and reggae-inspired melodies. It delivered hits like “Locked Up,” “Lonely,” “Belly Dancer (Bananza),” and “Ghetto,” earning widespread acclaim for its raw storytelling and international appeal.
Find the official Art work for Trouble below:
What makes Trouble especially fascinating, even years later, is how its tracklist was altered across different regions, making each version of the album slightly different.
The UK version, released first, featured 13 tracks including “Ghetto.” However, the US version dropped “Ghetto” entirely and included only 12 tracks, though digital platforms in the States offered a bonus track, “Kill The Dance.”
In 2005, the UK saw a reissue of Trouble with two bonus tracks: “Gunshot” and a remix of “Locked Up.” Japan received a similar version but notably left out “Ghetto” once again.
Europe’s version of the album was perhaps the most distinct. Released later in 2004, it replaced original tracks like “Lonely,” “Don’t Let Up,” and “Belly Dancer” with remixes, and swapped out the track “I Won’t” for a completely new song titled “Easy Road.”
A year later, Trouble was re-released with a bonus disc featuring new songs, collaborations, and remixes. In Europe, this bonus disc grew to include 11 tracks, including a fresh remix of “Ghetto.”
By 2006, the original US version was taken off iTunes, and replaced by the European edition—though even this came with changes. It restored “I Won’t,” removed “Easy Road,” and added the digital bonus “Kill The Dance.”
As Akon celebrates this milestone, fans around the world are revisiting the album that started it all. Trouble not only solidified his place in global music but also became a rare gem for collectors, thanks to its multiple regional variations and evolving soundscape.
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Story by Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah |univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah
