Smack That

"Smack That"
Single by Akon featuring Eminem
from the album Konvicted
Released September 26, 2006
Recorded 2006
Genre
Length 3:35
Label
Writer(s)
  • Aliaune Thiam
  • Marshall Mathers
  • Luis Resto
  • Mike Strange
Producer(s) Eminem
Akon featuring Eminem singles chronology
  • "Smack That"
  • (2006)
Music video
Smack That on YouTube

"Smack That" is a song recorded by American rapper Akon for his second studio album Konvicted (2006). The song, which features a guest appearance from Eminem, was written by Akon, Mike Strange, Luis Resto and Eminem, with the latter also helming the song's production. The collaboration came after the two artists meet during a recording session for a Shady Records artist. The song received praise from contemporary music critics for being a great club song.

"Smack That" was released as the first single from Konvicted on September 26, 2006. Commercially, the song reached number one on ten record charts and peaked inside the top ten in nine, including the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number two. It received several gold and platinum certifications and sold over 3 million downloads in the United States. The song earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Background and release

Akon met Eminem in 2006 during his recording sessions for Snitch with rapper Obie Trice, a Shady Records signee at the time, and the two became fast friends. Akon wanted him to be on "Smack That", but knew about Eminem's qualms 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.[1] On recording with Eminem, Akon stated that it was "no different than working with any of the other artists, really."[2]

"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." [3]

"Smack That" was released worldwide for digital distribution on September 25, 2006 and serviced to mainstream and rhythmic crossover radio on October 12, 2006 in the United States.[4][5] A two-track version of the single, featuring "Senegal" as a b-side, was released to 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."[6] 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.[7] Michael Enelman of Entertainment Weekly lauded the collaboration with Eminem as the "liveliest."[8] David Marchese of Spin Magazine classified the single as "Played-out G-funk braggadocio and bedroom boasting."[9] Elysa Gardner of USA Today lauded it as "irresistibly slick."[10] A writer for The Manila Times deemed the song "deliriously energetic" while claiming it has "all the ingredients of a masterful club banger."[1]

Dan Raper of PopMatters 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."[3] 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." [11]

"Smack That" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 2007 Grammy Awards, but lost to Justin Timberlake's My Love.[12]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Smack That" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 95 on the issue dated October 7, 2006.[13] One week later, the song jumped 88 spots to No. 7, aided by the its digital download sales (67,000) and rise in radio impression (30.5 million audience).[14] 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 "Money Maker", Justin Timberlake "My Love" and Akons own single "I Wanna Love You".[15] "Smack That" sold over 3, 227, 000 downloads, as of April 29, 2012, earning a triple-platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.[16]

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.[17][18] The single was successful in Belgium, topping the chart in Wallonia and peaking at number three in the Flanders region.[19][20] It was later certified gold by the Belgian Entertainment Association (BEA). In Sweden, the song debuted at number nine on October 12, 2006. Three weeks later, it reached a peak of number 3, were it remained for three non-consecutive weeks.[21] "Smack That" earned a Platinum certification from the Grammofonleverantörernas förening (GLF) in 2007. The song peaked at number one in Czech Republic,[22] Hungary,[23] Ireland,[24] Norway,[25] and Slovakia.[26]

"Smack That" entered the singles chart in Australia on November 13, 2006 at number 5. The song fluctuated within the top ten 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 (ARIA).[27] In New Zealand, "Smack That" debuted on the singles chart in New Zealand on November 20, 2006 at number 2. 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 (RMNZ).[28]

Music video

The song's music video is a short-clip remake of the movie 48 Hrs. Directed by Benny Boom, it presents Akon as a convict in prison who is let out of jail by a police officer, Jack Cates (Eric Roberts), 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 Bates. 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 a cameo from Fat Joe, Lil Fizz of B2K, Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Nas and Kendra Wilkinson (of E!'s The Girls Next Door). The music video was nominated for Best Earthshattering Collaboration and Male Artist of the Year at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.[29] 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.[30]

Track listings

These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "Smack That".

Digital download[4]

  1. "Smack That" – 3:

Digital download (clean version)[31]

  1. "Smack That" (clean) – 3:33

Digital single (2 track version)[32]

  1. "Smack That" (featuring Eminem) – 3:33
  2. "Senegal" (featuring Eminem) – 2:52

EP[33]

  1. "Smack That" – 3:33
  2. "Miss Melody" (Miri Ben-Ari) – 5:44
  3. "Senegal" – 2:51

NBA version[34]

  1. "Smack That" (NBA version) – 1:22

Credits and personnel

Locations
Personnel

Charts and certifications

Charts

Chart (2006–07) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[27] 2
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[35] 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[20] 3
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[19] 1
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[22] 1
Denmark (Tracklisten)[36] 3
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[37] 1
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[38] 3
France (SNEP)[39] 4
Germany (Media Control Charts)[40] 5
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[23] 1
Hungary (Dance Top 40)[41] 1
Hungary (Single Top 40)[42] 1
Ireland (IRMA)[24] 1
Italy (FIMI)[43] 30
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[44] 6
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[28] 1
Norway (VG-lista)[25] 1
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[26] 1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[21] 3
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[45] 3
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[46] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[47] 2
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[48] 4
US Hot Latin Songs (Billboard)[49] 44
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[50] 34

Year-end charts

Charts (2007) Position
Australian Singles Chart[51] 34
US Billboard Hot 100[52] 15

Decade-end charts

Chart (2000–2009) Rank
US Billboard Hot 100[53] 76

Certifications

Region (provider) Certifications
Digital Download
Australia (ARIA) Platinum[54]
Belgium (BEA) Platinum[55]
Brazil (ABPD) Platinum[56]
New Zealand (RIANZ) Platinum[57]
Sweden (GLF) Platinum[58]
United States (RIAA) 2x Platinum[59]
Ringtone
Canada (Music Canada) 8x Platinum[60]
United States (RIAA) 3× Platinum[59]

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Australia September 25, 2006 Digital download [31] Universal Records, SRC Records
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Poland
Slovakia
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Australia October 9, 2006 Digital download[4]
Belgium
Brazil
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Poland
Slovakia
Switzerland
Australia 2 track single[32]
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Poland
Slovakia
Switzerland
Australia EP [33]
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Poland
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Australia February 5, 2007 NBA version [34]
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
German
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
New Zealand
Poland
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Akon Collaborates with Eminem". The Manila Times (341) (Manila Times Publishing Corporation). September 19, 2007. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
  2. ↑ "Akon". Toledo Blade (Block Communications). July 3, 2007. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Raper, Dan (January 14, 2007). "Akon: Konvicted". PopMatters. Sarah Zupko. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Smack That" was released as a digital download on October 9, 2006:
  5. ↑ "Available for Airplay". FMQB. Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Inc. and Mediaspan Online Services. Archived from the original on February 5, 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  6. ↑ DJ Z (August 20, 2006). "Akon ft. Eminem – Smack That Music Video". DJBooth. DJ Booth LLC. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  7. ↑ DJ Z (November 5, 2006). "Akon- Konvicted". DJBooth. DJ Booth LLC. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ Endelman, Michael (November 10, 2006). "Konvicted Review". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  9. ↑ Marchese, David. "Akon, 'Konvicted' (SRC/Upfront/ Konvict/ Universal Motown)". Spin Magazine. Spin Media. Archived from the original on April 5, 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  10. ↑ Gardner, Elysa. "This week's reviews: The Game is on, plus Akon, Yusuf, +44 and bluegrass". USA Today. Gannett Company. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Rott, Ivan (November 5, 2006). "Akon ft. Eminem - Smack That (S.R.C. / Universal)". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  12. ↑ "49th GRAMMY Nominees Announced". Grammy.com. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. December 7, 2006. Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 – October 7, 2006". Billboard (New York: Nielsen Business Media, Inc) 118 (40): 42. October 7, 2006. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  14. ↑ Pietroluongo, Silvio (October 14, 2006). "Akon ‘Smacks’ Hot 100 Record". Billboard (New York: Nielsen Business Media, Inc) 118 (41): 64. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Smack That" charted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks:
  16. ↑ Grein, Paul (May 2, 2012). "Week Ending April 29, 2012. Songs: Gotye Makes Digital History". Chart Watch. Yahoo!. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  17. ↑ "UK Singles Chart – November 18, 2006". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  18. ↑ "UK Singles Chart – November 25, 2006". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Ultratop.be – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Ultratop.be – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Swedishcharts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". Singles Top 60. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200707 into search. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Chart Track: Week 46, 2006". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Norwegiancharts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". VG-lista. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200701 into search. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Australian-charts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Charts.org.nz – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  29. ↑ Montgomery, James (August 7, 2007). "MTV VMA Race Is On: Justin Timberlake, Beyonce Lead Nominations". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  30. ↑ "2007 MTV AVMAs winners and nominees". MusicFix. ninemsn. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Smack That" was released as a digital download on September 25, 2006:
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Smack That" was released as a digital download on October 9, 2006:
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Smack That" was released as an extended play (EP) on October 9, 2006:
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Smack That" (NBA version) was released as an digital download on February 5, 2007:
  35. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That Hitlisten.nu" (in Danish). Tracklisten. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Akon Album & Song Chart History" European Hot 100 for Akon. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Akon feat. Eminem: Smack That" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  40. ↑ "Chartverfulgong > Akon feat.Eminem > Smack That – musicline.de" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  42. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". Top Digital Download. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  45. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Akon: Artist Chart History" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  47. ↑ "Akon Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Akon. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  48. ↑ "Akon Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Pop Songs for Akon. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  49. ↑ "Akon Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot Latin Songs for Akon. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  50. ↑ "Akon Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Akon. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  51. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  52. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 Year-End 2007". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  53. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100 Singles & Tracks - Decade Year End Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  54. ↑ "ARIA Charts — Accreditations — 2007 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  55. ↑ "Les Disques D’Or/De Platine – Singles – 2007" (in French). Belgian Entertainment Association (BEA). Ultratop & Hung Medien/hitparade.ch. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  56. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Akon – Smack That" (in Portuguese). Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos (ABPD). Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  57. ↑ "Latest Gold/Platinum Singles". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). RadioScope. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  58. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2007" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "American single certifications - Akon – Smack That". Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  60. ↑ "Canadian single certifications - Akon – Smack That". Music Canada. Retrieved July 18, 2014.

External links

Preceded by
"I Wanna Love You" by Akon featuring Snoop Dogg		 Billboard Pop 100 number-one single
December 9, 2006 		Succeeded by
"Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé
Preceded by
"The Rose" by Westlife		 UK Singles Chart number-one single
November 19, 2006 - November 25, 2006 		Succeeded by
"Patience" by Take That
Preceded by
"The Rose" by Westlife		 Irish Singles Chart number-one single
November 23, 2006 – December 14, 2006 		Succeeded by
"A Moment Like This" by Leona
Preceded by
"Wind It Up" by Gwen Stefani
"Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado		 RIANZ New Zealand number-one single
January 8, 2007 – January 15, 2007
January 22, 2007 – February 12, 2007 		Succeeded by
"Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado
"Lips of an Angel" by Hinder
Preceded by
"Hallelujah" by Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes and Askil Holm		 Norwegian VG-lista number-one single
January 17, 2007 – January 31, 2007 		Succeeded by
"Take It Easy" by William Hut
Preceded by
"Illegal" by Shakira feat. Carlos Santana		 Romanian Singles Chart number-one-single
February 12, 2007 		Succeeded by
"Illegal" by Shakira feat. Carlos Santana