"S&M" is a song by the Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was released on January 23, 2011, as the fourth single from the album. American songwriter Ester Dean wrote "S&M" in collaboration with the producers Stargate and Sandy Vee. Backed by bass beats, a keyboard and guitars, it is an uptempo Hi-NRG and Eurodance track with lyrics about sexual intercourse, sadomasochism, bondage, and fetishes.
Rihanna's vocals on "S&M" were recorded and produced by Kuk Harrell.
Britney Spears performing the remix of "S&M" on the Femme Fatale Tour in 2011
"S&M" became Rihanna's tenth number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 and tied her in fourth place with Janet Jackson (pictured) for female soloists who have topped the chart.
Rihanna, in a scene from the video. The "pink room" scene was the subject of a US copyright infringement case
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress, one of the most prominent recording artists of the 21st century. Rihanna signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2005 and found mainstream recognition following the release of her first two studio albums, Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl Like Me (2006). Both influenced by Caribbean music, the albums quickly earned commercial success and peaked within the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. Her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), incorporated elements of dance-pop, and established her status as a prominent music industry icon. Its lead single "Umbrella" peaked atop the US Billboard Hot 100, won her first Grammy Award from three nominations, and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Rihanna performing at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball, December 2005
Rihanna performing during Good Girl Gone Bad Tour in Brisbane, 2008
Rihanna performing during the Loud Tour in 2011
Rihanna has cited Madonna (pictured) as her idol and biggest influence