Smack That
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"Smack That" is a song by American singer and songwriter
Akon Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (; born April 16, 1973), known mononymously as Akon, is a Senegalese-American singer, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of " Locked Up" (featuring Styles P) ...
featuring American rapper
Eminem Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem (; often stylized as EMINƎM), is an American rapper and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclai ...
from the former's second
studio album An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...
''
Konvicted ''Konvicted'' is the second studio album by American singer Akon. It was released on November 14, 2006. The album features collaborations with rappers Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Styles P and T-Pain. Background ''Konvicted'' is Akon's most successful ...
'' (2006). Produced by the latter, it was written by the artists alongside Mike Strange and Luis Resto. The collaboration came after the two artists met during a recording session for
Shady Records Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg, after the highly successful release of Eminem's ''The Slim Shady LP'' (1999). Shady has seen negative times when being part of the unsuccessful i ...
rapper
Obie Trice Obie Trice III (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper. He was signed to fellow Detroit rapper Eminem's Shady Records in 2002, where he released the albums ''Cheers'' (2003) and ''Second Round's on Me'' (2006). Trice formed his own record ...
. The song received acclaim from contemporary music critics for being a great club song. "Smack That" was released as the first single from the sophomore ''Konvicted'' on September 26, 2006. Commercially, the song reached number one on 10
record chart A record chart, in the music industry, also called a music chart, is a ranking of Sound recording and reproduction, recorded music according to certain criteria during a given period. Many different criteria are used in worldwide charts, often ...
s and peaked inside the top 10 in nine, including the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, where it peaked at number two. It received several gold and platinum certifications and sold over three million downloads in the United States. The song earned a Grammy nomination for
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration The Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance (awarded as Best Rap/Sung Collaboration until 2017, and Best Rap/Sung Performance from 2018 to 2020) is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and original ...
.


Background and release

In the year of 2006, Akon met Eminem during his recording sessions for
Snitch Snitch may refer to: * Informant Film and television * ''Snitch'' (1998 film) or ''Monument Ave.'', an American crime drama directed by Ted Demme * ''Snitch'' (2011 film) or ''Witness Insecurity'', an American thriller starring Edward Furlong ...
with rapper
Obie Trice Obie Trice III (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper. He was signed to fellow Detroit rapper Eminem's Shady Records in 2002, where he released the albums ''Cheers'' (2003) and ''Second Round's on Me'' (2006). Trice formed his own record ...
, a
Shady Records Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg, after the highly successful release of Eminem's ''The Slim Shady LP'' (1999). Shady has seen negative times when being part of the unsuccessful i ...
signee at the time, and the two became fast friends. Akon wanted him to be on "Smack That", but knew about Eminem's claims on being featured on too many songs. After receiving a call from the rapper saying he was ready to go, Akon flew out to Detroit. On recording with Eminem, Akon stated that it was "no different than working with any of the other artists, really." "Smack That" was written, produced and programmed by Eminem, with additional writing from Akon, Mike Strange and Luis Resto. Strange and Resto also played the keyboards present on the track. Strange worked with Tony Compana to record the song, which took place at 54 Sound in Detroit, Michigan, where Strange also mixed the song with Eminem. "Smack That" is an upbeat R&B and hip hop song that has been described as "a real summer party song." "Smack That" was released worldwide for
digital distribution Digital distribution, also referred to as content delivery, online distribution, or electronic software distribution, among others, is the delivery or distribution of digital media content (media), content such as Sound recording and reproductio ...
on September 25, 2006, and serviced to
mainstream Mainstream may refer to: Film * ''Mainstream'' (film), a 2020 American film Literature * ''Mainstream'' (fanzine), a science fiction fanzine * Mainstream Publishing, a Scottish publisher * ''Mainstream'', a 1943 book by Hamilton Basso Mu ...
and
rhythmic crossover Rhythmic contemporary, also known as Rhythmic Top 40, Rhythmic CHR or rhythmic crossover, is a primarily American music-radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip hop and upbeat R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary never uses ...
radio on October 12, 2006, in the United States. A two-track version of the single, featuring "Senegal" as a B-side, was released internationally on October 9, 2006. That same day, an extended play containing two extra songs – "Miss Melody" and "Senegal" – was released.


Critical reception

"Smack That" garnered acclaim from contemporary music critics, with many calling it a great club song. DJ Z of ''DJBooth'', in a review of the single, commended "Smack That" for showcasing "Akon's ability to sound perfect over any tempo beat." In his review for the album as a whole, DJ Z wrote that the song and "I Wanna Love You" display Akon's skill during collaboration. Michael Enelman of ''
Entertainment Weekly ''Entertainment Weekly'' (sometimes abbreviated as ''EW'') is an American digital-only entertainment magazine based in New York City, published by Dotdash Meredith, that covers film, television, music, Broadway theatre, books, and popular cul ...
'' lauded the collaboration with Eminem as the "liveliest." David Marchese of ''
Spin Spin or spinning most often refers to: * Spinning (textiles), the creation of yarn or thread by twisting fibers together, traditionally by hand spinning * Spin, the rotation of an object around a central axis * Spin (propaganda), an intentionally b ...
'' magazine classified the single as "Played-out G-funk braggadocio and bedroom boasting." Elysa Gardner of ''
USA Today ''USA Today'' (stylized in all uppercase) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth on September 15, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headquarters in Tysons, Virgini ...
'' lauded it as "irresistibly slick." A writer for ''
The Manila Times ''The Manila Times'' is the oldest extant English language, English-language newspaper in the Philippines. It is published daily by The Manila Times Publishing Corp. (formerly La Vanguardia Publishing Corporation) with editorial and administrati ...
'' deemed the song "deliriously energetic" while claiming it has "all the ingredients of a masterful club banger." Dan Raper of ''
PopMatters ''PopMatters'' is an international online magazine of cultural criticism that covers aspects of popular culture. ''PopMatters'' publishes reviews, interviews, and essays on cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, fi ...
'' had a mixed opinion about Eminem's feature, writing that the lower register he adopts for his voice is "not totally successful", but added that it "shows some innovation from the Old White Rapper." Ivan Rott wrote a more negative review of the song, dismissing its production as "prosaic" and its lyrics as "uninspired." He further added that the song "holds no weight in comparison to current club tracks such as "Money Maker," the bouncy collaboration between Ludacris and Pharrell, among others. Expect "Smack That" to drop off the charts as fast as it popped up." "Smack That" was nominated for
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration The Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance (awarded as Best Rap/Sung Collaboration until 2017, and Best Rap/Sung Performance from 2018 to 2020) is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and original ...
at the
2007 Grammy Awards The 49th Annual Grammy Awards was a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning October 1, 2005 and ending September 30, 2006 in the United States. The awards were handed out on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at the Staples Ce ...
, but lost to
Justin Timberlake Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with sales of over 88 million records. Timberlake is the recipient of numerous awards and ac ...
's " My Love".


Chart performance

In the United States, "Smack That" debuted on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at 95 on the issue dated October 7, 2006. One week later, the song jumped 88 spots to 7, aided by its digital download sales (67,000) and rise in radio impression (30.5 million audience). The song earned the distinction of achieving the highest jump on the Hot 100 chart at the time. Three weeks later, aided by the strength of 91,500 downloads, the song climbed to its peak position at number two, where it remained for five consecutive weeks, barred from the top spot by
Ludacris Christopher Brian Bridges (born September 11, 1977), known professionally as Ludacris (, homophonous with 'ludicrous' in American English), is an American rapper, actor, record producer and record executive. Born in Champaign, Illinois, Ludac ...
' "
Money Maker Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are as ...
",
Justin Timberlake Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with sales of over 88 million records. Timberlake is the recipient of numerous awards and ac ...
's " My Love", and Akon's own single " I Wanna Love You"."Smack That" charted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks: * * * * * "Smack That" has sold over 3,227,000 downloads as of April 29, 2012, earning a triple-platinum certification by the
Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and/o ...
. In Europe, "Smack That" experienced commercial success. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 12 on November 12, 2006, and rose to number one in the following week, becoming Akon's second and Eminem's seventh UK number one. The single was successful in Belgium, topping the chart in Wallonia and peaking at number three in the Dutch-language Flanders region. It was later certified gold by the
Belgian Entertainment Association The Belgian Entertainment Association (BEA) is the organization that represents the interests of the music, video and video game industries in Belgium. It was founded in February 2008, when three organizations merged, namely IFPI Belgium, the loc ...
(BEA). In Sweden, the song debuted at number nine on October 12, 2006. Three weeks later, it reached a peak of number three, where it remained for three non-consecutive weeks. "Smack That" earned a Platinum certification from the
Grammofonleverantörernas förening Grammofonleverantörernas förening (GLF), or the Swedish Recording Industry Association in English, is an organization representing the music recording industry of Sweden. It has compiled and published the official record charts for the Swedish mu ...
(GLF) in 2007. The song peaked at number one in Czech Republic, Ireland, Norway, and Slovakia. "Smack That" entered the singles chart in Australia on November 13, 2006, at number five. The song fluctuated within the top 10 for six weeks before reaching its peak at number two, a position it held for three nonconsecutive weeks. The single lasted 26 weeks on the chart and earned a platinum certification from the
Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is a trade association representing the Australian recording industry which was established in the 1970s by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing th ...
(ARIA). In New Zealand, "Smack That" debuted on the singles chart in New Zealand on November 20, 2006, at number two. The song held the position for two more weeks before falling to number 14 in its fourth week and 21 in its fifth week. The single got a second wind, rising to number five in the following week. Two weeks later, "Smack That" reached the chart's summit, where it remained for four nonconcsecutive weeks. The song earned a gold certification from the
Recorded Music NZ Recorded Music NZ (formerly the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ)) is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell recorded music in New Zealand. Membership of Recorded Mus ...
(RMNZ).


Music video

The song's
music video A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
is a short-clip remake of the 1980s film '' 48 Hrs.'' Directed by
Benny Boom Benny Douglas (born July 22, 1971), professionally known as Benny Boom, is an American director who has worked in music, television, and film. His most commercially successful film was the 2017 Tupac Shakur biopic ''All Eyez on Me''. Career Do ...
, it presents Akon as a convict in prison who is let out of jail by a police officer, Jack Gates (
Eric Roberts Eric Anthony Roberts (born April 18, 1956) is an American actor. His career began with a leading role in ''King of the Gypsies'' (1978) for which he received his first Golden Globe Award nomination. He was nominated again at the Golden Globes fo ...
), who is looking for a witness. Akon is let out for 24 hours to do anything he pleases as long as he can find the female witness. He is given a photo of her and follows a lead he was given that the witness is in a nightclub. While in the club, Akon meets up with fellow rapper and his friend Eminem. Akon finds the female witness and escapes from the nightclub without Jack Gates. This is the first video that features Eminem with his then-new tattoo 'PROOF' on his left arm, which is dedicated to his friend, DeShaun Dupree Holton who was murdered after he was shot by a bouncer in an after-hours spot. The video also features cameos from
Fat Joe Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper from New York City. He began his music career as a member of hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), then forged a sol ...
,
Lil Fizz Dreux Pierre Frédéric (born November 26, 1985) better known by his stage name Lil' Fizz, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and actor best known for being the youngest member and rapper of the R&B group B2K. Formerly, he starred on th ...
of
B2K B2K (Boys of the New Millennium) was an American boy band that was active from 1998 to 2004, and again from 2018 to 2019. In 1998, the group was formed by American dance choreographer Dave Scott and Interscope A&R Keshia Gamble. The members ...
,
Layzie Bone Steven Howse (born September 23, 1974), known professionally as Layzie Bone, is a rapper known primarily for being a member of the group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He has also gone by the names L-Burna and The #1 Assassin. He is the younger brother ...
of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony,
Nas Nas (born 1973) is the stage name of American rapper Nasir Jones. Nas, NaS, or NAS may also refer to: Aviation * Nasair, a low-cost airline carrier and subsidiary based in Eritrea * National Air Services, an airline in Saudi Arabia ** Nas Air ( ...
and
Kendra Wilkinson Kendra Leigh Wilkinson (formerly Baskett; born June 12, 1985) is an American television personality and model. She is known for being one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends and for her role on the E! reality television series ''The Girls Next Door'', ...
(of E!'s ''
The Girls Next Door ''The Girls Next Door'' (also known as ''The Girls of the Playboy Mansion'') is a reality television series which focuses on the lives of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends who live with him at the Playboy Mansion. The series was created by executive pro ...
'') and actor Mark Casimir Dyniewicz Jr. as the bartender. The music video was nominated for Best Earthshattering Collaboration and Male Artist of the Year at the
2007 MTV Video Music Awards The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, honoring the best music videos from the previous year between June 2006 to June 2007, took place on September 9, in Las Vegas at The Palms. The 2007 VMAs were the smallest VMAs ever held in MTV history, eliminati ...
. The video also received three nominations for Best Male Artist, Best Hip Hop Video, and Best Hook-Up at the 2007 MTV Australia Video Music Awards.


Remix

Smack That was remixed on ''Eminem Presents: The Re-Up''. The remix features vocals from
Stat Quo Stanley Bernard Benton (born July 24, 1978), better known as Stat Quo, is an American rapper and record producer.Shaheem Reid (January 12, 2004).Mixtape Mondays: Stat Quo" ''MTV''. Accessed February 5, 2008. Benton worked his way to college and ...
and
Bobby Creekwater Antoine Raimon Rogers, better known by his stage name Bobby Creekwater, is an American rapper from Atlanta who is a former member of Shady Records.
. The second and third line of the original's beginning is cut out. Akon sings the first verse, which has different lyrics to the original, Stat Quo sings the second verse and Bobby Creekwater sings the third verse.


Awards and nominations


Track listing

These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "Smack That". Digital download Digital download (clean version) Digital single (2 track version) EP NBA version


Credits and personnel

;Locations *Recorded and mixed at 54 Sound in
Detroit Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at th ...
,
Michigan Michigan () is a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States. With a population of nearly 10.12 million and an area of nearly , Michigan is the 10th-largest state by population, the 11th-largest by area, and the ...
;Personnel *Akon –
songwriting A songwriter is a musician who professionally composes musical compositions or writes lyrics for songs, or both. The writer of the music for a song can be called a composer, although this term tends to be used mainly in the classical music gen ...
, vocals *Tony Compana – recording *Eminem – songwriting,
Production Production may refer to: Economics and business * Production (economics) * Production, the act of manufacturing goods * Production, in the outline of industrial organization, the act of making products (goods and services) * Production as a stati ...
, programming, Mixing *Luis Resto – songwriting, keyboards *Mike Strange – songwriting, recording, mixing, keyboards


Charts


Weekly charts


Year-end charts


Decade-end charts


All-time charts


Certifications

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Release history


See also

*
List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s Founded in 1995, the Romanian Top 100 was the national music chart of Romania. It was compiled by broadcast monitoring services Body M Production A-V (1990s and 2000s) and by Media Forest (2010s), and measured the airplay of songs on radio statio ...


References

{{Authority control 2006 singles Akon songs Eminem songs Song recordings produced by Eminem European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles Number-one singles in Hungary Irish Singles Chart number-one singles Number-one singles in New Zealand Number-one singles in Norway Number-one singles in Romania UK Singles Chart number-one singles Music videos directed by Benny Boom Songs written by Akon Songs written by Eminem Konvict Muzik singles SRC Records singles Universal Motown Records singles 2006 songs Songs written by Luis Resto (musician)