Production on the album began in late 2007 and ended in the late summer of this year. Originally the album was to be called Acquitted, but was later confirmed to be Freedom by Akon’s label, Universal Music. Here’s the tracklist:

1. “Right Now (Na Na Na)” - 4:06
2. “Beautiful” (featuring Colby O’Donis & Kardinal Offishall) - 5:13
3. “Keep You Much Longer” - 4:18
4. “Troublemaker” (featuring Sweet Rush) - 3:57
5. “We Don’t Care” - 3:34
6. “I’m So Paid” (featuring Young Jeezy & Lil Wayne) - 3:26
7. “Holla Holla” (featuring T-Pain) - 2:58
8. “Against The Grain” (featuring Ray Lavender) - 3:46
9. “Be With You” - 3:49
10. “Sunny Day” (featuring Wyclef Jean) - 3:15
11. “Birthmark” - 3:59
12. “Over the Edge” - 4:20
13. “Freedom” - 4:12

The collaboration with Michael Jackson was probably Akon’s ultimate goal. There were some rumors that he would retire after he will launch his new album Acquitted but he told the press that he has no desire to retire just yet. He teamed with Michael for a couple of songs and after Hold my Hand is the most expected song from the new Acquitted album. Akon told MTV that Michael was his idol since he was a small child and the collaboration with him it’s like a dream that came true.

He had a wish list with all the collaborations he would love to do and Michael was at the top of this list. He was saying ‘Well, if ever I get to Mike, then that’ll be the sign I can retire.” Since he teamed Michael Jackson so early he decided not to make retirement goals from now on. The new single will have a special video and Jackson will probably appear in it. The other single that he recorded with Michael Jackson, Wanna Be Startin Something is already available on alltel ringtones and it would be lovely to hear the new single as soon as possible. Until then, i found an exclusive instrumental of Hold my Hand.

Washington (ANI): Legendary singer Phil Collins is pondering joining hands with hip-hop stars Akon and Pharrell Williams so as to give his music a modern twist. He revealed that he was a bit surprised as well as flattered when he first heard that both Akon and Williams were fans of his music, and wanted to work with him.

“I’m flattered that they’ve expressed the interest publicly, risking their careers in doing so,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling Rolling Stone magazine.”Anything is possible and I certainly would investigate doing that if I did think about doing something,” he added. This is not the first time that R&B stars have evinced interest in Collins’ music, for Brandy, L’il Kim and Kelis sang updated versions of Collin’s hits on 2001’s Urban Renewal LP