Don't Matter

Updated on Jan 15, 2024

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Format CD, digital download Genre Reggae R&B		Recorded 2006 Length 4:54
Released January 19, 2007 (2007-01-19) Label Konvict/UpFront/SRC/Universal

"Don't Matter" is a reggae fusion–R&B song recorded by Akon for his second studio album, Konvicted (2006). The song was released as the album's third single in early 2007. In April 2007, it became Akon's first solo U.S. number-one single and second number-one overall. A crucial part of the chorus uses Bob Marley's 1979 classic "Zimbabwe". The verse also borrows the melody from R. Kelly's song "Ignition (Remix)". This song was #31 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. This song was also #81 on MTV Asia's list of Top 100 Hits of 2007.

Chart performance

"Don't Matter" was released in the United States in mid-January 2007. The song made its debut at number seventy-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one after ten weeks on the chart, in large part due to its substantial airplay, the song topping the Hot 100 Airplay chart for two weeks. In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the singles chart at number forty-five, based solely upon downloads, and late peaking at number three following a physical release. Following the song's debut inside the top ten on the singles chart in Canada, it peaked at number one for a period of three weeks. As of January 2008, the song has been certified 3 times platinum for 3,000,000 digital sales. Bizzy Bone made a remix with this song, so did Candace Jones, Jadiel and Nivea. As of 2011, the song has sold 5,600,000 copies both in the United States and internationally.

Covers

Fall Out Boy performed a cover of "Don't Matter" for their live album, **** Live in Phoenix. They also performed the song at their June 12, 2007 concert, the night after their bassist Pete Wentz got in a fight with a fan. Canadian singer Lights often covered the song for her live shows. Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte did a cover of "Don't Matter" live in Festival de Verão Salvador with Akon in January 2010.

Music video

The video was directed by Gil Green and starts with Akon picking up his date which happens to be his cousin (Klari Aniz) at a location. As he leaves with this date, an old man (presumably a relative of the date) is shown both reading a magazine about Akon partying at local clubs and staring at the two with an angry look. The video continues with Akon singing "Don't Matter" throughout the course of his date. It is set in a Caribbean beach style community at social places such as the beach, village market, and a dance. Notably, in the video's final scene, the music becomes much more lively, with a Caribbean style rhythm playing under the songs chorus. It has a cameo appearance by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull.