Remember those mid-2000s parties where the DJ played an Akon track, and suddenly *everyone* was singing along—even if they hadn’t heard the song in years?

You might think you’ve forgotten these bangers, but your brain definitely hasn’t.

Here are five Akon hits that slipped under the radar but still live rent-free in your subconscious (yes, you’ll know every word by the second chorus).

1. “Ghetto” (2004)

Before “Locked Up” blew up, “Ghetto” was the underground anthem that put Akon on the map.

Fun fact: The song’s haunting choir sample was recorded in Akon’s New Jersey basement with a group of friends—no fancy studio needed.

It’s the ultimate “I’m struggling but I’ll rise” track, and that chorus? Pure nostalgia fuel.

2. “Bananza (Belly Dancer)” (2005)

This club banger had everyone attempting (and failing) belly dances in 2005.

Akon revealed the beat was inspired by a Moroccan street performer he saw during his travels—hence the hypnotic Middle Eastern flair.

Pro tip: Play this at a party and watch the room erupt into off-rhythm shimmies.

3. “Never Took the Time” (2006)

The *Konviction* album deep cut that hits harder than your ex’s passive-aggressive texts.

Akon wrote this after reconnecting with his estranged father, and the raw emotion in the lyrics still stings.

Bonus trivia: The piano riff was originally a freestyle he played between takes in the studio.

4. “I’m So Paid” ft. Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy (2008)

A flex anthem so cold it could freeze your bank account.

The beat was supposed to go to another artist, but Akon heard it and declared, “Nope, this is mine.”

Lil Wayne’s ad-libs alone (“Money over *bitches*!”) live in hip-hop infamy.

5. “Beautiful” ft. Colby O’Donis & Kardinal Offishall (2008)

This global smash was *everywhere* in 2008—yet somehow faded into “Wait, *Akon* was on this?!” territory.

The song almost didn’t happen: Colby’s label initially rejected it for being “too pop,” until Akon insisted it’d be a hit.

Cue 500 million streams and a generation forever yelling, “*You’re so beautiful!*” at karaoke.

So, how many lyrics did you accidentally mouth while reading this?

Akon’s genius was crafting songs that felt like memories—even if you forgot their names, your soul never let them go.

Now excuse us while we blast “Ghetto” and pretend it’s 2004 again.