What's The Deal with Akon?

Maybe it's just me, but I fail to see how R&B "singer" Akon has made into mainstream music. He wouldn't be able to sing even if a naked Halle Berry promised to do the dirty with him if he did, he isn't Brad Pitt or anything, and his music isn't exactly Grammy-worthy either, so what's the deal? If someone knows the answer to this enigma, please enlighten me.