Legendary producer Quincy Jones is readying a tribute to… legendary producer Quincy Jones, and he’s enlisted pop horndog and Lady Gaga patron Akon to remake a great song from his catalog: the trippy, soulful 70’s gem “Strawberry Letter 23″. Written by the great Shuggie Otis and made famous on a Quincy-produced album by the Brothers Johnson, the song was inspired by the strawberry-scented paper Otis’ girlfriend would use to write letters to him. As a tribute, Akon’s music video opens with him holding an envelope and a note that reads, “I’ve been listening to this song all day”. Decide for yourself whether Akon (”Sexy Bitch” and “Body Bounce”) has a believable sensitive side in “Strawberry Letter 23″ after the jump.

We’ll keep looking forward to the album, which is titled Soul Bossa Nostra and includes covers from the creme de la creme: Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Robin Thicke. Not featured: Amy Winehouse.