Akon To 'Act' In Verizon Wireless TV Ad

Akon and Verizon Wireless are partnering together on an marketing campaign to promote Verizon Wireless' V CAST services and mobile music capabilities on Verizon Wireless handsets. Akon will be the first music artist to "act" in a Verizon Wireless TV Ad. The multi-platform campaign will feature an exclusive new track from Akon, titled "Easy Road." "Easy Road" is available to V CAST mobile customers only, enabling them to purchase the full length track, as well as a ringback tone and mastertone version of the song. Music and artwork from Akon's platinum-selling album Konvicted will also be featured in Verizon Wireless stores, as well as becoming a component featured on Verizon Wireless handsets. Adding his own unique flair to Verizon Wireless' blend of music and technology, the partnership is expected to heighten the profile of V CAST with music fans. Recently, Akon participated in a special Verizon Wireless event celebrating Black History month and coinciding with the launch of a new Verizon Wireless store in Harlem, NY. The event included a private performance by the singer/songwriter at the Soundstage of Harlem's historic Apollo Theatre for 200 lucky Verizon Wireless customers who were rewarded for their loyalty and support of Akon's mobile music content. Fans will also be able to catch Akon live on stage when he joins Gwen Stefani on "The Sweet Escape Tour", which hits the road on April 22nd. Akon's sophomore masterpiece Konvicted has hovered around the peak of the Billboard Top Albums chart for weeks. The album, features smash hits such as "I Wanna Love You" with Snoop Dogg (15 weeks in the Top 10) and the Grammy-nominated "Smack That," featuring Eminem (nearly 4 months in the Top 15). The two songs have moved more than 3 million ringtones, with "Smack That" snagging Akon his first Grammy nod.