'Budding powerhouse' Akon checks out L.A. real estate

What does a "budding celebrity powerhouse" do once Forbes anoints you as such?

If you're Akon, and you made about $20 million last year, you take a look at some ritzy Los Angeles real estate. 

The rapper -- who tied 50 Cent and Jessica Simpson for seventh on Forbes' list of 12 stars who are more than merely "the talent" -- was spotted in L.A. on Thursday checking out the Carlyle on Wilshire Boulevard. 

If he does buy a place at the luxury high rise, in addition to enjoying the services of a concierge and access to a ginormous wine cellar, he’ll likely be in good company: CNN host Larry King and actor Bruce Willis already own Carlyle units, and singer LaToya Jackson was spotted shopping for a place there in December.

LaToya and Bruce actually bumped into each other and chatted when she was there – and were joined in the lobby by ESPN broadcaster Keyshawn Johnson.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Akon performs in New York City on June 4, 2009, at the 6th annual Do Something Awards at the Apollo Theater. Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images.

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Jessica Simpson and the 1,000% proven joys of ear candling

50 Cent on street cred, college and, of course, Tiger Woods

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Jude lays down the Law with curious college students

Jude Law is no stranger to captive audiences; he's just a little miffed when the stage is his living room.

The New York Post reports that the Manhattan pad Law is occupying while he stars in "Hamlet" on Broadway is next to New York University's freshman dorm -- and that the actor is causing a frenzy every time he steps onto his balcony.

Students keep binoculars handy for Law's yoga sessions or playtime with his kids. Strangely, he doesn't return the sentiment. The "Cold Mountain" actor would prefer a little privacy -- and has gone so far as hurling fruit at NYU windows.

"We couldn't believe it when the orange hit the window," said dorm-dweller Kaitlin Coari, "I'm supposed to go see 'Hamlet' with my sister this Saturday. It's awkward -- I should bring some oranges, I guess."

-- Matt Donnelly

Related dispatches on our favorite fruit-hurling actor endorsed by the Ministry of Gossip

Theater review: 'Hamlet' on Broadway
Jude Law in 'Hamlet': What did the critics think?

Photo: Jude Law. Credit: Theo Wargo / Getty Images