R&B NEWS: Akon Preps Third Album

Multi-platinum R&B superstar Akon is gearing up for the November release of Freedom, his third studio album.

The lead single, Right Now (Na Na Na), recently surfaced and will soon be hitting radio, while a who's who list of collaborators including T-Pain, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and even Michael Jackson, have been rumored to be appearing on the album. The track Hold My Hand, which pairs Akon with the 'King of Pop', was leaked in July and was rumored to be in contention to be the first single.

The enterprising "Hip Hop singer" is also continuing to build his flourishing Kon Live label, recently signing highly popular British rapper Sway, who will join the likes of Kardinal Offishall and R. City on the label.

The BET and MOBO Award-winning artist first hooked up with Akon in 2006, after he heard Sway rapping over one of his beats, according to the BBC. The London-based MC, who has also been working with Pharrell Williams, told the BBC "I've just been around (him) and learning from the way they work. They really like what I'm doing. What they've offered me is a platform to blow up in America."

Speaking to the BBC, Akon describes the British rapper as "a true legend in his own creation" adding that "he will truly be an icon for all UK rappers some day."

Freedom is scheduled to hit stores on November 25 through Kon Live/Universal Music.