The American rapper, businessman, and record producer - Akon, has signed the founder of the record label Nappy Boy Entertainment - T-Pain and the Born This Way hitmaker - Lady Gaga, among others to his Konvict Muzik and KonLive labels.

However, the R&B singer Akon could have also signed Drake - the Canadian rapper who garnered recognition for his character as Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Akon stated during an interview with Montreality, "I honestly did pass on Drake, because at the time, Drake didn't sound like what he sounded like today," Akon also said, "The 'Best I Ever Had,' it wasn't even close to what that sounded like. I think Drake was in a position where he was finding himself. And I kind of perceive it with my ears the sound made by Drake, but in the end, as time goes, people become more mature and they get better and they become the best because of things like that."

As stated by Akon, the rapper and record executive - Kardinal Offishall, introduced the music of Drake for him. Offishall had brought some records of Drake back when Akon first signed Kardi, it was before 'Best I Ever Had.

Akon witnessed how Drake has totally improved throughout the years. He believes that it has to do with him being turned down by different labels.

Akon said, "Sometimes that motivates you to want to be better and take yourself to the next level. And I think with him, Drake was turned down so many times, it became his general desire to do something great with his career."

However, while Akon may be blaming himself for not signing Drake, he said he is not disappointed, "I don't regret any decisions that I've made, because you never really can predict the future, and who's gonna be what."