Akon Says Lady Gaga Paid Her Dues...

Akon, who signed Gaga to his Kon Live Distribution label in 2008 and calls her his "franchise player," said his protégé's success is the result of a lot of hard work.

"She's definitely paid her dues," 'Kon told MTV News. "She's been through all kinds of strings and ropes. She's jumped through all kinds of hoops. It was just a matter of time for her. You can't stop true talent. And you can't stop the truth. If that's what it is, that's what it is. At the end of the day, she's one of those rare finds. A diamond in the rough that you just have to polish out and let shine, and that's exactly what she's doing."

Akon — who has also had a hand in the careers of T-Pain, Rock City and Kat DeLuna, among others — is clearly proud of how far Gaga has come.


CHECK HER OUT BEFORE HER NEW FOUND STARDOM!
PAYING HER DUES, LOOKING VERY "NORMAL" LOL