Dangerous is a 2008 single by Canadian hip hop artist Kardinal Offishall featuring R&B singer Akon. Issued as part of Kardinal Offishall's album Not 4 Sale, the track was serviced to radio in March 2008 and became available digitally on April 1, 2008. The song blends contemporary R&B and pop-rap elements with a melodic chorus sung by Akon and verses delivered by Kardinal Offishall, creating a crossover sound aimed at mainstream radio.
Musical style and lyrics
The composition carries a polished production typical of late-2000s pop and R&B, with synthetic beats, layered vocals and a hook-driven structure. Lyrically, the song focuses on attraction and romantic tension, portraying the subject as alluring and potentially "dangerous" in a playful, flirtatious way. The arrangement emphasizes the contrast between the sung chorus and the rhythmic rap verses, a format that helped the single reach a broader audience.
Release and reception
Released in 2008, the single received significant airplay on contemporary hit and urban radio stations. It was promoted through digital outlets and live appearances, and contributed to a rise in Kardinal Offishall's visibility outside Canada. Fans and critics noted the strong commercial appeal of the collaboration with Akon, who was a prominent international artist at the time. For genre context see R&B.
Kardinal Offishall is the credited lead artist; details about the single and the album can be found via artist resources such as Kardinal Offishall and the featured vocalist is often referenced through pages about Akon. The single was also distributed through digital retailers, including an iTunes release on April 1, 2008: iTunes release.
Awards, certifications and impact
"Dangerous" was recognized in Canada with industry honors: it won Single of the Year at the 2009 Juno Awards, reflecting its strong domestic impact. The track received multi-platinum certification from the Canadian recording industry (noted as CRIA at the time), indicating substantial sales and streams: the certification is documented by national trade bodies such as the CRIA. The song is often cited as one of the key mainstream hits in Kardinal Offishall's catalog.
Beyond commercial metrics, the collaboration demonstrated how Canadian hip hop artists could partner with international R&B figures to reach wider markets. "Dangerous" remains a notable entry in late-2000s urban pop and is frequently included in retrospectives of Kardinal Offishall's career and of crossover singles from that period.