I'm So Paid
by Akon

Album: Freedom (2008)
Charted: 59 31
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song, which was co-written and produced by Akon, features Lil Wayne.
  • On this tune the two rappers are celebrating their financial success. Akon defended singing about such a subject matter during an economic downturn. He said: "It's a record of celebration really, even though it's a recession going on we actually celebrating that were not being hit by it. We have the right to celebrate because we worked hard to get to this point and we shouldn't let someone else's mistake destroy that happiness."
  • The song's official remix features Jeezy as well as Lil Wayne.
  • Akon explained this track to Artist Direct: "That record is crazy. It was one of those records that I knew where it was going to go. A lot of stuff reflects from the beginning, and it brings you all the way up to where I am with today, with all of the success and so on. Before, I would talk about not having any money and living in the ghetto. Now, I'm in a different state. I'm a lot more fortunate and a lot more success. I'm a lot more paid."
  • Akon told Artist Direct why he hooked up with Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy for this track. He explained: "These are the guys that came down that same road with me and actually enjoyed the same kind of success. I felt it was great for us to come together and make this record, especially in a time where all of this recession and stuff is going on. I wanted to uplift myself and everybody around us. I'm like, 'Listen man, we can't sit here and be sobbing about mistakes those people made. Don't let it affect us. Let's enjoy this because we worked hard for it.'"

Comments: 2

  • Sopjay from Nigeria,biafran,wakandianAkon is my god father..i love him with my life.
  • Sade from Atlanta, GaThis is the best song ever!!! lil wayne is the s*** and a really fresh and creative artist and akon is really creative too and has a good voice. yung jeezy is a good rapper. he's one of the few hardcore rappers u can actually understand what they're saying. The song is amazing
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.