With his new album hitting stores 12/2, Akon called on MySpace to help celebrate his “Freedom.” Just as the sun went down on the crisp night, hundreds of fans lined up around the China Club in New York for the free show. DJ Cipha Sounds of Hot 97 started the night off for the packed crowd right before Shontelle took the stage. Shontelle performed songs off her latest SRC/Universal release which included ladies’ anthem – “T-Shirt.” The man of the hour took the stage a little past 10pm with a few surprises for his fans. Dressed sharply in suit and tie with a full band backing him up, guests were treated to a different show from his norm. Konvict Music artist, Kardinal Offishall joined Kon to perform his breakthrough hit, “So Dangerous.” DJ Khaled had guests wondering if he had taken up new residence in NYC as he was recently spotted at the T-Pain MySpace Release Show a few weeks back. Khaled and Akon joined to sing the chorus “WE TAKKKINNN OVER, ONE CITY AT A TIME…” Other notables included DJ Envy who was joined by his Co-Op group member, Red Café and Spliff Star to help Busta Rhymes kick off “Arab Money.” Another Release Show flashback of a few weeks ago, yet we can never get sick of this song and accompanying dance. At the end of the night, MySpacers were treated to hats, posters and a laundry list of Akon’s singles of past, present and future. Was it really only 4 years ago since his first album “Trouble” came out? SRC founder, Steve Rifkind reminded us how far the artist has come by honoring him with a plaque for 5MM copies of “Konvicted” sold worldwide. With as many plays that “Right Here Na Na Na” and “I’m So Paid” has received, it won’t be too long until he receives another platinum plaque. We are happy you were there with us to celebrate once again! Special thanks to AT&T, The China Club, Erik Pettie, Jonathan Master & Ayal Kleinman of SRC/Universal Records, DJ Cipha Sounds, Shontelle, Konvict Music and Akon for making this a special night to remember. Where we going next? We’re taking Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest to rock another MySpace Release Show to Hawaii for his first visit and performance on the islands. Such a tough job, but SOMEBODY has to do it… ;) Stay tuned for more. Add the myspace.com/hiphop blog to your page to make sure you are the first to know about future shows! Stay tuned and ADD us to your TOP 8 to be the FIRST to know when the next FREE show comes to YOUR city! myspace . com/hiphop Photos provided by Michael Park Photography michaelparkphotography . com FIlmed by Randy Nangpi of Nevafale Productions myspace . com/nevafale Edited by Mike Purugganan of No Surrender Fightwear myspace . com/nosurrenderfightwear