Wondering what happened to the platinum-plated singing career of hip-hop crooner Akon?

Don't fret, he's raking in the dough in the most unlikely places -- with Lady Gaga.

There was no rush for the singer to get back to the studio to work on his fourth album. The Senegalese singer has the year's biggest success story to his credit.

Akon signed the New York native to his KonLive imprint and she's been racking up the dough ever since.

"She's pretty much retired me," the singer told the Huffington Post of the awe-shocking music newcomer. "She was definitely a blessing. She came at the right moment."

The 'Locked Up' singer said he's glad that he believed in her and added, "if you believe in something strong enough, it will pay off." Akon says that good timing is the reason why he was able to convince Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine to put Gaga on his imprint.

"I was like 'Yo, I want to sign that right there. She needs to be under my umbrella,'" Akon said. "Jimmy was like 'Yeah, whatever you want. Take her. Let's get it done.' And she just blossomed into a super megastar, man."

Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, appeared on the 23 year-old's debut single 'Let's Dance' and in the accompanying video for the track.

He also showed up to the Grammy Awards a few weeks ago wearing a Lady Gaga t-shirt in support of his artist and her multiple nominations. She took home two; Best Dance Recording for 'Poker Face' and Best Electronic/Dance Album for 'The Fame.'

Gaga will appear on Akon's next album, as will Dr. Dre and producer David Guetta, who helmed The Black Eyed Peas's smash single 'I Got A Feeling.' She is the second big-name artist signed to one of Akon's labels. T-Pain was discovered by Akon and signed to his Konvict Muzik imprint.