In the realm of pop music, Rihanna’s “S&M” stands out as one of the most provocative tracks to ever grace the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond its catchy beat and risqué lyrics, the song holds a deeper story, especially for one of its writers, Ester Dean. Dean, an accomplished songwriter responsible for a myriad of hits, has revealed an unexpected sense of guilt tied to the creation of “S&M.”

The Origins of ‘S&M’ on a Holy Day

Ester Dean, whose impressive portfolio includes chart-toppers like Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” has had a significant influence on Rihanna’s musical career. Her contributions to hits such as “Rude Boy,” “Where Have You Been,” and “What’s My Name?” have solidified her reputation in the industry. However, it is the backstory of “S&M” that adds a unique twist to her narrative.

In a 2011 interview with Billboard, Dean confessed that she penned “S&M” on a Sunday, a day considered sacred in Christianity. She recalled, “I wrote it, Father forgive me, on a Sunday. The track was already there. The first thing that came to me was ‘Come on, come on.’ I’m thinking, ‘I don’t know what in the hell this is about to be.’” This candid revelation highlights her internal conflict, juxtaposing the creation of such a provocative song with the sanctity of the day.

Dean drew inspiration from the well-known phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones” and transformed it into the now-iconic line “But chains and whips excite me.” She admitted to feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, frequently seeking validation from the studio engineer. “Is that OK?” she would ask, to which he reassuringly responded, “I like it.” For Dean, the process felt like uncovering a story already embedded within the track.

The Role of Women in the Music Industry

Beyond her songwriting prowess, Dean has also been vocal about the challenges women face in the music industry. Addressing the scarcity of female professional songwriters, she emphasized the need for women to break free from imposed limitations. “A woman has to step out and take away the limitations,” Dean asserted. She champions equality, insisting on equal splits and collaboration with like-minded individuals.

Dean acknowledged the contributions of female songwriters who have made significant strides in the pop world, such as Cri$tyle, Priscilla Renea, Makeba Riddick, Traci Hale, and Ericka Coulter. Additionally, she praised artists like Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga, who not only perform but also write and produce their own music.

The Success of ‘S&M’ and Its Remix

The provocative nature of “S&M” did not hinder its success. The song’s remix, featuring pop icon Britney Spears, soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, maintaining its position for a week and remaining on the chart for 26 weeks. This collaboration marked Rihanna’s only No. 1 hit with another pop star, further cementing her status in the industry.

The original version of “S&M” was a part of Rihanna’s album Loud, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and lingered on the chart for an impressive 78 weeks. Loud also produced other No. 1 singles, including “Only Girl (In the World)” and “What’s My Name.” Despite not receiving the critical acclaim of her other works like Rated R or Anti, Loud represented a pinnacle in Rihanna’s career as a singles artist.

While “S&M” remains a testament to Rihanna’s bold artistic vision and Dean’s songwriting brilliance, it also serves as a reminder of the complex emotions and stories that lie behind the creation of a hit song. For Dean, every play of “S&M” might just call for a quiet moment of reflection and perhaps a whispered prayer of forgiveness.

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