"S&M" is a song by 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 dance-pop, Hi-NRG and Eurodance track with lyrics about sexual intercourse, sadomasochism, bondage, and fetishes.
Critical response to "S&M" was mixed, some critics praised its sound and composition while others criticized its overtly sexual lyrics. After it reached number two on the United States' Billboard Hot 100 chart, a remix featuring Britney Spears was released. When combined with sales of the solo version, it became Rihanna's tenth and Spears' fifth number-one single on the chart.
It has been certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sextuple platinum in Australia. "S&M" peaked at number one in ten countries in addition to the United States while peaking within the top five in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and the UK.
To promote "S&M", Rihanna performed a shortened version at the 2011 Brit Awards and sang the remix with Spears at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Melina Matsoukas directed the song's music video, which was, in part, Rihanna's response to disparaging critics. It portrays softcore sadomasochist acts and fetishes. The music video was banned in many countries and restricted to nighttime television in others.
Critics complimented Rihanna's sensuality and the vibrant colors. Photographer David LaChapelle filed a lawsuit alleging that the video incorporates ideas from his photographs. Rihanna and LaChapelle settled the case for an undisclosed sum of money.