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