Undaunted, Stephens found his niche as a choreographer and imaging expert for LaFace Records.

He worked with everyone from Pebbles, Toni Braxton and Pink to TLC, Usher and Boyz II Men.

He signed Akon to his own UpFront Records and secured a distribution deal with SRC/Universal.

Akon went on to sell over a million copies of his 2004 debut, Trouble, and score hit singles like "Locked Up" and "Lonely".

UpFront Records' roster includes Akon, R&B quartet Red Dirt, and the rap group FA (Free Agents).