When it comes to picking talent, Akon’s ear is golden. Credited with discovering T-Pain as well as being an early cog in Lady Gaga’s career, Akon looks to add to his executive résumé by signing singer/songwriter Verse Simmonds to his KonLive label. “I think he’s going to be the next biggest thing under the brand that’s going to take it to the next level,” Akon said. “He has everything it takes, internationally and domestically.” Simmonds broke out in 2009 with his catchy alcohol ode “Buy You a Round.” Though he was always close with Akon, Verse continued to grind on his own, making singles, doing shows, writing songs and producing. In August, Verse, along with his production partner Sak Pase, landed a few tracks on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne.
