What do you get when a former lightweight boxing contender turns his fists into lyrics and unleashes raw emotion on the music scene? You get Chris ‘C-Smooth’ Smith—a man whose journey from the ring to the stage is as heated as the Grammy Award slap heard ’round the world! Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1952, C-Smooth didn’t just hang up his gloves after an injury; he pivoted to soul music, channeling that competitive spirit into unforgettable tracks. His infamous Grammy moment with Will Rock set the stage for his polarizing 1982 single, “I Feel Like Slapping a N Today,” a track that still sparks conversations today. With themes of frustration and defiance, it blended infectious grooves with an unfiltered narrative that some hailed while others criticized. Curious about the man behind this musical rebellion? You’re in for a ride! LEARN MORE.
Chris ‘C-Smooth’ Smith was born in 1952 in Jacksonville, Florida. Chris Smith was a fierce competitor both in the boxing ring and on the soul music charts. A former lightweaight contender, Smith’s boxing career was cut short in 1975 after an injury during a title fight sidelined him permanently. Seeking a new outlet for his fiery energy and natural charisma, Smith turned to music, bringing his pugilistic passion to the world of 1980s soul. Smith made headlines in 1980 when he famously slapped fellow artist Will Rock during a heated exchange at the Grammy Awards. This unexpected incident became the spark for his controversial 1982 single, “I Feel Like Slapping a N Today.” The song, blending raw emotion with an infectious groove, explored themes of frustration, defiance, and the pressures of fame. Despite its polarizing title, the track became an underground hit, earning Smith both praise and criticism for his unfiltered storytelling. Posted By Ghost