Last night, Universal Motown Records held a private listening session in New York City for Akon's new album, 'Akonic.' Held in the swanky restaurant MPD in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District, music industry players including SRC Records CEO Steve Rifkind, Universal Records Executive VP Sylvia Rhone as well as R&B singer Shontelle and DJ Vlad, were in attendance. An eclectic crowd of suits, hipsters, fashionistas and music industry types also came out for free liquor and to get a listen to the Senegalese-American singer's fourth album, due in stores November 23.

The evening was hosted by music mogul Devyne Stephens, VP of Akon's Konvict Music, who with microphone in hand played selections from 'Akonic.' The album's lead single is 'Angel' but a club-friendly jam called 'Give It to 'Em,' which Stephens at one point requested be spun three times in a row, received the most play during the evening. Many of the tracks on 'Akonic' have an electro-pop feel suited to the artist's international audience.

Akon, who can boast having Lady Gaga signed to his Kon Live imprint, didn't make it into MPD until a shade after 10:35PM sharply dressed in a dark, tailored suit. As the night came to a close Akon thanked the crowed for attending before the multi-platinum selling artist modestly added, "Hopefully this album does what it's supposed to do."

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