Smack That
"Smack That" is a hip hop and R&B song by Senegalese-American singer Akon featuring American rapper Eminem, released on September 26, 2006, as the lead single from Akon's second studio album, Konvicted.[1][2][3] The track, produced by Eminem, blends Akon's melodic hooks with Eminem's energetic rap verse, centered on themes of nightlife and attraction.[2] Konvicted, released on November 14, 2006, marked Akon's breakthrough album, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200.[3][4] The song achieved widespread commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and topping the UK Singles Chart, where it spent one week at number one and charted for 29 weeks overall.[5][6] It also reached number one on charts in Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries, contributing to the global popularity of Konvicted.[6] In the United States, "Smack That" was certified platinum by the RIAA in December 2007 for one million units sold.[7] "Smack That" received critical recognition, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.[8] The accompanying music video, directed by Benny Boom and featuring cameos from Eminem and actor Eric Roberts, depicts a chaotic nightclub scene and has amassed over 1.5 billion views on YouTube as of September 2025.[9][10] The song's infectious rhythm and celebrity collaboration solidified its status as a mid-2000s pop culture staple.[4]Background and production
Development
Akon drew inspiration from the pulsating energy of club culture, aiming to craft a high-energy R&B/hip-hop track that would anchor his sophomore album, Konvicted.[11] In mid-2006, he penned the initial chorus, envisioning a seductive, party-ready hook to drive the song's momentum. Akon subsequently reached out to Eminem for a guest verse, pitching the concept during a studio session that summer.[11] Impressed by the raw potential, Eminem agreed to contribute not only his rap verse but also took on production duties, crafting the beat to amplify the track's club appeal.[11][12] Songwriting wrapped up by the end of summer 2006, solidifying Eminem's key role in shaping the final form ahead of recording.[11]Recording and production
The recording of "Smack That" primarily took place at 54 Sound studio in Ferndale, Michigan, during sessions in 2006. Eminem handled production duties, programming the drum beat and synthesizer elements to craft a rhythmic, club-oriented track. Akon recorded his lead vocals and chorus over Eminem's beat during these Detroit sessions, contributing to the song's energetic hook. Recording engineers Mike Strange and Tony Campana captured the performances, while Eminem and Mike Strange oversaw the mixing process at the same studio. The track's production wrapped in the months leading up to the release of Akon's album Konvicted on November 14, 2006. Eminem's involvement as both producer and featured artist marked a key collaboration that shaped the song's final sound.[13][11][14]Composition and lyrics
Musical composition
"Smack That" blends R&B and hip-hop genres with pop rap elements, creating an upbeat track suitable for club environments.[15] The song operates at a mid-tempo pace of 119 beats per minute, contributing to its infectious, dance-oriented energy.[16] Composed in F minor, it employs a straightforward harmonic foundation that prioritizes rhythm over complex progressions.[17] The musical structure adheres to a simple verse-chorus format, augmented by a prechorus, bridge, and outro, with a total duration of 3:32.[18] Akon handles the melodic, sung chorus, while Eminem contributes a rapid rap verse that integrates seamlessly with the beat's momentum. This arrangement builds tension through the prechorus before releasing into the hook, maintaining listener engagement throughout. Instrumentation centers on a prominent bassline and synth hooks, supported by minimalistic percussion that accentuates the titular "smack" rhythm.[19] The chord progression—primarily Fm–C–G–Am—provides a repetitive, groove-driven backbone that underscores the track's danceability without overwhelming the vocal performances.[20]Lyrical themes
"Smack That" centers on a playful yet explicit portrayal of a flirtatious encounter in a club setting, emphasizing physical attraction, seduction, and the allure of wealth and fame.[21][22] The narrative unfolds through Akon's observations of a woman approaching him, highlighted by references to luxury items like a Lamborghini Gallardo and manicured appearances, which underscore the song's focus on confident pursuit and immediate gratification.[21] In the chorus, Akon delivers repetitive hooks centered on "smack that," serving as a metaphor for intimate physical contact during dancing or more suggestive interactions, which reinforces themes of boldness and mutual allure in the club environment.[21][22] These lines, repeated for emphasis, create a catchy, anthemic structure that invites listeners into the song's energetic vibe of seduction.[21] Eminem's verse contributes a humorous and boastful rap, filled with wordplay on his celebrity status, financial success, and casual romantic pursuits, including self-referential nods to his Slim Shady persona like "Ooh, shorty got an ass like a donkey, with a monkey / Look back at it and get spanked like a puppy."[21] This section escalates the narrative with vivid imagery of escalating attraction in the club, blending bravado with playful exaggeration to complement the track's seductive core.[22] The overall tone blends lighthearted bravado with provocative elements, positioning the song as a party anthem that celebrates nightlife escapades through confident, unapologetic expression.[21][22] Lyrically, the track employs a simple repetition in Akon's chorus for memorability, contrasted by dense internal rhymes in Eminem's verse—such as multisyllabic schemes in lines like "They better hang on when they throw this thang on"—to heighten rhythmic flow and catchiness, with the full song comprising approximately 250 words across its verses and hooks.[21] The musical backing, with its upbeat rhythm, enhances this lyrical rhythm without overshadowing the textual focus.[21]Release and promotion
Commercial release
"Smack That" served as the lead single from Akon's second studio album, Konvicted, and was initially released on September 26, 2006, through Interscope Records in association with Universal Music Group.[23] The track's distribution marked Akon's growing prominence under his Konvict Muzik imprint, with Interscope overseeing promotion and rollout strategies to maximize mainstream exposure.[24] The single was offered in multiple physical and digital formats, including CD maxi-single, 12-inch vinyl, and digital download, available in both clean and explicit versions to accommodate radio play and retail standards.[25] In the United States, the digital version debuted via platforms like iTunes, while physical copies were distributed by Universal Distribution.[26] The song received formal servicing to U.S. mainstream and rhythmic crossover radio stations on October 12, 2006.[27] International releases followed a staggered schedule through October 2006, including a European CD maxi-single via Universal Motown on October 17.[28] The single's packaging featured a cover with silhouettes of Akon and Eminem set against an urban cityscape backdrop, emphasizing the track's hip-hop aesthetic.[2] Promotional efforts integrated the music video, directed by Benny Boom, to boost visibility across broadcast and digital channels.Promotional activities
The promotional campaign for "Smack That" emphasized media exposure and live performances to capitalize on the collaboration with Eminem and build anticipation for Akon's album Konvicted. The music video, directed by Benny Boom and featuring a cameo from Eric Roberts, premiered in September 2006 and rapidly gained traction through rotations on major music networks. It debuted on MTV's Total Request Live and received frequent airplay on BET, aligning with Interscope Records' strategy to target both urban and mainstream pop audiences for crossover appeal. Akon made key television appearances to amplify the single's visibility, including a performance at the 2006 American Music Awards on November 21, where he joined Snoop Dogg for a medley of "I Wanna Love You" and "That's That." This high-profile slot, broadcast on ABC, marked a peak in the promotion timeline during October and November 2006. Shortly after, Akon appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 9, 2006, hosted by Annette Bening, performing "I Wanna Love You" as part of the album's overall rollout.[29] To engage club and radio markets, Interscope distributed limited-edition promotional materials, including 12-inch vinyl singles and remixes to DJs for early spins in urban and dance settings. The song was also featured prominently in Akon's Konvicted Tour, which launched in early 2007 across North America, Europe, and Latin America, with setlists highlighting it as a centerpiece alongside other Konvicted tracks. International press junkets in late 2006 extended the campaign, with Akon conducting interviews in Europe and Asia to promote the single's global release.[30][31]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release as the lead single from Akon's album Konvicted in September 2006, "Smack That" received mostly positive feedback from critics, who highlighted its infectious energy and suitability as a club anthem. AllMusic's Andy Kellman praised the track in his review of the album, calling it a "club banger" that exemplified Akon's upgraded production and songwriting skills following the success of his debut.[4] Rolling Stone echoed this sentiment in a November 2006 album review, describing "Smack That" as a standout featuring Eminem's energetic verse and Akon's catchy hook, while awarding Konvicted an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.[32] Entertainment Weekly offered a mixed take in its November 2006 assessment, lauding Eminem's contribution as "the liveliest Eminem cameo in ages" for its playful vibe. These reviews, clustered between September and December 2006, positioned "Smack That" as a key driver in building anticipation for Konvicted amid Akon's burgeoning fame from prior hits like "Locked Up."Retrospective assessments
To mark the 14th anniversary of its parent album Konvicted in 2020, Akon released remastered high-definition music videos for the track, underscoring its lasting visual and sonic appeal among fans.[33] Critics and Akon himself have highlighted Eminem's production contributions as innovative, with the rapper drawing inspiration from Akon's spontaneous studio ad-libs to craft the beat, which Akon described as a serendipitous moment that elevated the song's energy.[34] In a 2022 interview reflecting on Konvicted, Akon expressed pride in the track's role in his career trajectory, noting its raw energy as emblematic of early-2000s hip-hop experimentation without regret for its bold style.[35] Amid evolving cultural discussions on explicit content, particularly in the post-#MeToo landscape, the song's suggestive lyrics have faced scrutiny for objectification, yet Akon defended them in 2024 as an essential, unapologetic part of his artistic journey, positioning "Smack That" as a "guilty pleasure" that retains its dance-floor allure despite dated elements.[36]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Smack That" experienced significant success on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 95 on the chart dated October 7, 2006, before rapidly ascending to its peak position of number 2, a spot it occupied for five consecutive weeks beginning November 4, 2006.[37] The track was prevented from reaching the summit by Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable," which held the number 1 position during that period.[38] Its climb was fueled by strong digital sales and radio airplay, contributing to a total chart run of 28 weeks.[39] Internationally, the song achieved number 1 status in several markets, including the United Kingdom, where it topped the Official Singles Chart for one week and spent 29 weeks overall.[6] It also reached the top spot in New Zealand on the Recorded Music NZ chart.[40] In Australia, "Smack That" peaked at number 2 on the ARIA Singles Chart, while it hit number 1 in various European countries such as Ireland.[41][42] The song's global trajectory highlighted its broad appeal, topping charts in at least four countries and entering the top 10 in numerous others.[43] On US genre-specific charts, "Smack That" performed strongly in radio formats, reaching number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Its endurance on the Hot 100 was bolstered by sustained digital sales and airplay, marking it as the strongest-performing single from Akon's album Konvicted in terms of overall chart longevity and initial momentum. Certifications in various territories reflected its robust chart runs, underscoring the song's commercial impact.[6]| Chart (2006–2007) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 2 | Billboard |
| UK Singles Chart | 1 | Official Charts |
| Australian ARIA Singles | 2 | aCharts |
| New Zealand Singles | 1 | aCharts |
| Irish Singles Chart | 1 | aCharts |
Sales and certifications
"Smack That" achieved significant commercial success, with over 3 million digital downloads sold in the United States by 2012.[44] It was certified Platinum by the RIAA on December 13, 2007, for 1 million units shipped (sales only, as streaming was not included at the time). With the later inclusion of streaming and additional sales, it has been certified 2× Platinum as of June 2025.[45] Worldwide, the track has been estimated to have sold approximately 9 million units, including physical, digital, and streaming equivalents, as calculated by industry analysts.[44] In the streaming era, "Smack That" surpassed 1.5 billion streams on Spotify as of November 2025, reflecting its enduring popularity and contributing additional equivalent units toward certifications.[46] YouTube audio views have further bolstered these figures, with the official video exceeding 1.5 billion views by September 2025, though official audio streams add to the track's overall consumption metrics.[47] The song received multiple certifications globally. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded it 3× Platinum status in May 2025, recognizing over 1.8 million units.[48] Australia granted Platinum certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2007 for 70,000 units. Additional accolades include 2× Platinum in Denmark by IFPI Danmark in 2024.[49] The track's performance significantly boosted Akon's album Konvicted, which reached 6× Platinum status from the RIAA in 2022, generating substantial revenue for both Akon and Eminem through royalties and licensing.[50] Updated streaming thresholds in various regions led to renewed certifications, such as the UK's upgrade in 2025, underscoring the song's long-term financial impact.[51]| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000 | as of June 2025 (initial Platinum: December 13, 2007) |
| United Kingdom | BPI | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000 | May 31, 2025 |
| Australia | ARIA | Platinum | 70,000 | 2007 |
| Denmark | IFPI Danmark | 2× Platinum | 120,000 | June 5, 2024 |
Music video
Production
The music video for "Smack That" was directed by Benny Boom, known for his work on hip-hop visuals. Filming occurred in Los Angeles in August 2006, primarily at locations such as the Alexandria Hotel's Mezz bar in downtown LA to capture the urban and club settings. The production emphasized a comedic tone, drawing inspiration from the 1982 buddy cop film 48 Hrs. to blend humor with the song's playful club anthem vibe, highlighting themes of celebrity excess through exaggerated scenarios.[52][53][54][55] Casting featured Akon and Eminem in lead roles, portraying the track's central dynamic, alongside a notable cameo by actor Eric Roberts, who appeared as a comedic club-goer in a nod to the film's influences. Additional performers included dancers like Criscilla Anderson and extras, including Playboy models such as Kendra Wilkinson, to build the lively party atmosphere central to the visual's energy. The ensemble was selected to amplify the song's flirtatious and extravagant party motif while incorporating celebrity cameos for added appeal.[56][57][58] Production faced logistical hurdles, including scheduling around Eminem's commitments during his semi-retirement period, and an on-set altercation involving Eminem and Wilkinson, which briefly disrupted filming but was resolved without halting progress. Post-production focused on editing to enhance the comedic timing and visual effects tying into the song's title motif. The video served as a key promotional tie-in for the single's commercial release from Akon's album Konvicted.[59][60][61]Synopsis and release
The music video for "Smack That," directed by Benny Boom, serves as a comedic homage to the 1982 action-comedy film 48 Hrs.. Akon portrays a convict released on a 24-hour pass from prison by a detective played by Eric Roberts, ostensibly to aid in locating a female witness to a crime. Rather than pursuing the mission, Akon commandeers a Lamborghini and heads to a bustling nightclub, where he flirts aggressively with multiple women, leading to a series of slapstick encounters including repeated comedic slaps and chases. Eminem makes a cameo at an opulent mansion party overlooking the club, rapping his verse amid escalating chaos that spills into a bar brawl. The narrative concludes with Akon spotting the witness in the club, only for her to slap him before the detective hauls him back to prison in a lighthearted, bungled resolution.[22][56][52] Visually, the video employs rapid editing with quick cuts to heighten the frenetic energy of the party scenes, illuminated by vibrant neon lighting in the nightclub to evoke a high-octane nightlife atmosphere. Key "smack" moments are captured in slow motion for humorous emphasis, while Eminem's verse synchronizes with dynamic shots of a synchronized bar fight, blending humor and action. The overall style mixes gritty urban realism with exaggerated comedy, featuring diverse dancers and celebrity cameos to amplify the song's playful, flirtatious theme.[52][9] The video premiered on MTV in September 2006, coinciding with the single's digital release on September 26. An official upload to YouTube followed on December 13, 2009, where it has since accumulated over 1.5 billion views as of September 2025. A censored clean edit was produced for television airplay to remove explicit language and imagery, while an extended director's cut incorporates additional behind-the-scenes and alternate footage. The standard version runs for 4 minutes and 20 seconds, including opening credits.[62][63][47]Remixes and other versions
Official remixes
The primary official remix of "Smack That" is an extended hip-hop oriented version featured on the compilation album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, released on December 5, 2006, by Shady Records and Interscope Records.[64] This remix incorporates Akon's original chorus and verses alongside new contributions from rappers Stat Quo and Bobby Creekwater, expanding the track's length and emphasizing raw lyricism over the original's club-ready production.[65] Eminem, who produced the base track, oversaw the remix's development to align with the compilation's focus on Shady Records artists.[66] A clean radio remix, edited to remove explicit lyrics, was prepared for broadcast and promotional use, appearing on various single releases and digital platforms.[67] This version maintains the song's core structure while substituting profane content with altered phrasing to suit mainstream airplay.[30] In 2007, a club remix by DJs UnderWHAT? and D-Drop was released, featuring an uptempo arrangement designed for dance floors, with enhanced beats and Akon's vocals layered over the original instrumental framework.[68] These remixes were distributed as B-sides on physical singles, including promotional vinyl and CD formats that paired them with instrumentals, a cappellas, and bonus tracks like "You Don't Know" by Eminem featuring 50 Cent, Ca$his, and Lloyd Banks.[30] Digital versions became available through platforms such as iTunes shortly after their initial release, facilitating wider accessibility.[65]Covers and samples
"Smack That" has been covered by several artists across genres, reinterpreting its club-oriented hip-hop sound. Lounge singer Richard Cheese released a big band-style cover on his 2009 album OK Bartender, transforming the track into a comedic, retro lounge rendition that highlights his signature ironic take on popular hits.[69] Romanian manele artist Dani Mocanu adapted the song as "Eu nu dau înapoi" in 2015, incorporating elements of the original melody into a regional pop-folk style.[70] More recently, in 2023, CryJaxx released an EDM remake of "Smack That" featuring vocals by Desmond Fugate, available on streaming platforms.[70] The track has also influenced sampling and interpolation in subsequent music. Spanish-language reggaeton duo JC Reyes and De La Ghetto sampled the hook and vocals in their 2024 single "FARDOS," blending it with urban Latin beats for a modern club anthem.[71] Brazilian DJs Dubdogz, DJ Susan, and CJ interpolated the chorus in their 2023 electronic dance track "Smack That," adapting it for high-energy festival sets.[72] Other uses include Russian rock band Пошлая Молли's 2018 interpolation in "ШКОЛЬНИК (SCHOOLBOY)," where lyrics reference the original's playful energy within a punk context.[72] Parodies of "Smack That" have appeared in online media, often humorously altering the lyrics for comedic effect. A 2007 YouTube parody titled "Snack That" by Corey Sherman reworks the song around food-themed humor, gaining early viral attention on the platform.[73] In 2012, YouTuber suddingpizza released "Hack That," a Minecraft-themed parody that substitutes gaming references for the original's suggestive content, appealing to the video game's fanbase.[74] The song's enduring popularity is evident in its adaptation for dance challenges and user-generated content on digital platforms during the 2020s, though specific instances remain largely informal and community-driven.Track listing and credits
Track listing
The track listing for "Smack That" varies by release format, including the album version and various single editions. On Akon's second studio album Konvicted (2006), "Smack That" appears as the third track, featuring Eminem, with a duration of 3:32 and no alterations from the single version.[75][16] The US CD single release includes explicit, clean, and instrumental versions of the title track, all featuring Eminem and clocking in at approximately 3:32 to 3:38.| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Smack That" (clean) (featuring Eminem) | 3:33 |
| 2 | "Smack That" (explicit) (featuring Eminem) | 3:32 |
| 3 | "Smack That" (instrumental) | 3:32 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Smack That" (featuring Eminem) | 3:38 |
| 2 | "Miss Melody" (with Miri Ben-Ari) | 5:44 |
| 3 | "Senegal" | 2:52 |
Personnel
"Smack That" features lead vocals and the chorus performed by Akon, with Eminem delivering the rap verse.[81] The production was led by Eminem, who also programmed the track; Luis Resto contributed additional keyboards, alongside Mike Strange on keyboards.[81][82] Recording was handled by Mike Strange and Tony Campana at 54 Sound in Detroit, Michigan. Eminem and Mike Strange mixed the track at the same location.[81] Mastering was performed by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner at Bernie Grundman Mastering.[75] The song was written by Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Marshall "Eminem" Mathers III, Luis Resto, and Mike Strange.[81]Charts
Weekly charts
The following table lists the weekly chart performance of "Smack That" in selected major markets during 2006–2007.| Chart | Entry position | Peak position | Weeks at peak | Total weeks on chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 52 (week of October 7, 2006) | 2 | 5 | 25 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | 12 (week of November 18, 2006) | 1 | 4 | 29 |
| Australia (ARIA) | 5 (week of November 13, 2006) | 1 | 2 | 26 |
| Canada (Billboard Canadian Hot 100) | 10 | 1 | Unknown | Unknown |
| Germany (Media Control GfK) | Unknown | 1 | 4 | Unknown |
Year-end charts
"Smack That" achieved notable placements on year-end charts in 2006 and 2007, bolstered by its release in late 2006 and prolonged chart presence into the following year. The song's strong performance in the final months of 2006 contributed to its rankings that year, while its continued radio airplay, digital sales, and streaming in 2007 elevated its annual recaps across multiple territories. This momentum underscored the track's enduring appeal as a crossover hit blending hip-hop and pop elements. The following table summarizes key year-end chart positions for "Smack That":| Chart | 2006 Position | 2007 Position | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 (United States) | 66 | 15 | Billboard Top 100 Songs of 2006; Billboard Top 100 Songs of 2007 |
| ARIA End of Year Singles (Australia) | 26 | 34 | ARIA Top Singles of 2006; ARIA Top Singles of 2007 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | — | 27 | Official Charts Company End of Year Singles 2007 |
| Ultratop 50 Flanders (Belgium) | — | 37 | Ultratop Year-End Charts 2007 |
| SNEP Singles Downloads (France) | — | 30 | SNEP Top Singles 2007 |
Decade-end charts
"Smack That" demonstrated lasting commercial impact through its placements on various decade-end charts compiling performance from 2000 to 2009. In the United States, the song ranked at number 76 on Billboard's Hot 100 decade-end chart, underscoring its broad pop appeal during the period. It also secured a position in the top 40 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs decade-end chart, highlighting its prominence in urban music retrospectives.[85] Internationally, the track performed strongly in the United Kingdom, reaching number 47 on the Official Charts Company's decade-end singles list for 2000–2009, which aggregated sales and airplay data across the era. This placement affirmed its enduring popularity in the British market within the broader 2000s hip-hop landscape. The song's chart longevity extended to all-time rankings, where it appeared at number 573 on Billboard's Hot 100 songs chart updated through 2019, reflecting cumulative performance since the chart's inception in 1958.| Chart (2000–2009) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 76 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Top 40 |
| UK Official Charts Company | 47 |
Legacy
Awards and nominations
"Smack That" garnered recognition in several award ceremonies shortly after its 2006 release, earning nominations in major music categories that highlighted its commercial success and collaborative appeal. Despite the acclaim, the song did not secure any wins.| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | Nominated | Lost to "My Love" by Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.[8][86] |
| 2007 | MTV Video Music Awards | Most Earthshattering Collaboration | Nominated | Lost to "Beautiful Liar" by Beyoncé featuring Shakira.[87][88] |
| 2007 | MuchMusic Video Awards | Best International Video – Artist | Nominated | For the music video.[89] |