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Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. He is known for hit songs such as "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
", "
2 Legit 2 Quit "2 Legit 2 Quit" is a song by Hammer featuring Saja (a.k.a. Sonia Moore), released on September 5, 1991 as the first single from his fourth studio album, ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991). Music video The music video was directed by Rupert Wainwrigh ...
" and "
Pumps and a Bump "Pumps and a Bump" is a song by Hammer from his 1994 album ''The Funky Headhunter''. The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and No. 26 on the Hot 100, making it the final Top 40 hit of Hammer's career. Release and recep ...
", flashy dance movements, extravagant
choreography Choreography is the art or practice of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies (or their depictions) in which Motion (physics), motion or Visual appearance, form or both are specified. ''Choreography'' may also refer to the design ...
and his eponymous Hammer pants. Remembered for a rapid rise to fame, Hammer has also been an
entrepreneur Entrepreneurship is the creation or extraction of economic value. With this definition, entrepreneurship is viewed as change, generally entailing risk beyond what is normally encountered in starting a business, which may include other values th ...
and celebrity
spokesperson A spokesperson, spokesman, or spokeswoman, is someone engaged or elected to speak on behalf of others. Duties and function In the present media-sensitive world, many organizations are increasingly likely to employ professionals who have receiv ...
. A multi-award winner, Hammer is considered a "forefather" and pioneering innovator of
pop rap Pop rap (also known as pop hip-hop, hip pop, melodic hip-hop or melodic rap) is a genre of music fusing the rhythm-based lyricism of hip hop music with pop music's preference for melodious vocals and catchy tunes. This genre gained mainstrea ...
(incorporating elements of
freestyle music Freestyle music, also called Latin freestyle or Latin hip-hop ''( sic)'' is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the New York metropolitan area and Philadelphia, primarily among Hispanic Americans and Italian Americans in the 1980s. ...
), and is the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album. After being labeled a
sellout "Selling out", or "sold out" in the past tense, is a common expression for the compromising of a person's integrity, morality, authenticity, or principles by forgoing the long-term benefits of the collective or group in exchange for personal ga ...
, and with the changing landscape of hip hop music, Hammer attempted to appeal to the rise of gangsta rap. However, due to overexposure and critical backlash, his popularity waned by the mid-1990s (which led to a highly publicized bankruptcy beginning in 1996). Along with a
Mattel Mattel, Inc. ( ) is an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company founded in January 1945 and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company has presence in 35 countries and territories and sells products in more ...
doll and other merchandise, Hammer starred in a
Saturday-morning cartoon "Saturday-morning cartoon" is a colloquial term for the original animated series programming that was typically scheduled on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the United States on the "Big Three" television networks. The genre's popularity had a br ...
called '' Hammerman'' in 1991. He became an
ordained Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform va ...
preacher A preacher is a person who delivers sermons or homilies on religious topics to an assembly of people. Less common are preachers who preach on the street, or those whose message is not necessarily religious, but who preach components such as ...
during the late 1990s and hosted ''M.C. Hammer and Friends'', a
Christian ministry In Christianity, ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith, the prototype being the Great Commission. The '' Encyclopedia of Christianity'' defines it as "carrying forth Christ's mission in the world", in ...
program on TBN. Hammer was also a dance judge on ''
Dance Fever ''Dance Fever'' is an American musical variety television series that aired weekly in syndication from January 1979 to September 1987. The series was technically created by Merv Griffin but his agent Murray Schwartz actually conceived the idea o ...
'' in 2003, was the co-creator of the dance website DanceJam.com, and was executive producer of his own
reality show Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...
titled ''
Hammertime ''Hammertime'' is a 2009 American reality TV series that chronicles the daily life of rapper MC Hammer. The show debuted June 14, 2009 on the A&E Network and was produced by 3Ball Productions. The title is derived from a lyric in Hammer's 1990 hit ...
'' (which aired on the A&E Network during the summer of 2009). Throughout his career, Hammer has managed his own recording business as a record label CEO. As a result, he has created and produced his own acts/music including: Ho Frat Hoo!, Oaktown's 3.5.7, Special Generation, Analise, DRS,
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
, Gentry Kozia and Oakland Fight Club. A part of additional record labels, he has associated, collaborated and recorded with:
Psy Park Jae-sang (, ; born December 31, 1977), known professionally as Psy (stylized in all caps as PSY) (; ; ), is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Psy is known domestically for his humorous videos and stage per ...
, VMF,
Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur ( ; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. Shakur is among the b ...
,
Teddy Riley Edward Theodore Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.Hogan, Paul. "Tedd ...
,
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
,
Tha Dogg Pound Tha Dogg Pound is an American Hip hop music, hip hop duo made up of rappers Kurupt and Daz Dillinger. They were signed to Death Row Records in their early careers and were key to the label's success. Kurupt and Daz went on to release solo albu ...
, The Whole 9, The Hines Brother, Deion Sanders, Big Daddy Kane,
BeBe & CeCe Winans BeBe & CeCe Winans are an American gospel music brother and sister duo. BeBe and CeCe Winans are the seventh and eighth of the Winans family's ten children, most of whom have had gospel music careers. Together, they have received several awards ...
and Jon Gibson. Hammer signed with Suge Knight's Death Row Records in 1995.
BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los ...
ranked Hammer as the No. 7 "Best Dancer of All Time". ''
Vibe ''Vibe'' is an American music and entertainment magazine founded by producers David Salzman and Quincy Jones. The publication predominantly features R&B and hip hop music artists, actors and other entertainers. After shutting down producti ...
''s "The Best Rapper Ever Tournament" declared him the 17th favorite of all-time during the first round. He continues to perform concerts at music venues and appears in
television advertisement A television advertisement (also called a television commercial, TV commercial, commercial, spot, television spot, TV spot, advert, television advert, TV advert, television ad, TV ad or simply an ad) is a span of television programming produce ...
s, along with participating in social media and ministry/outreach functions. He is also active in community and sports activities, being interviewed locally and nationally.


Early life and education

Stanley Kirk Burrell was born in
Oakland, California Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. A major West Coast of the United States, West Coast port, Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third ...
, on March 30, 1962. His father was a professional poker player and gambling casino manager (at Oaks Card Club's
cardroom A cardroom or card room is a gaming establishment that exclusively offers card games for play by the public. The term poker room is used to describe a dedicated room in casinos that is dedicated to playing poker and in function is similar to a ca ...
), as well as a warehouse supervisor. He grew up poor with his mother (a secretary) and eight siblings in a small apartment in
East Oakland East Oakland is a geographical region of Oakland, California, United States, that stretches between Lake Merritt in the northwest and San Leandro in the southeast. As the southeastern portion of the city, East Oakland takes up the largest portio ...
. He recalled that six children were crammed into a three-bedroom housing project apartment. The Burrells would frequent thoroughbred horse races, eventually becoming owners and winners of several graded stakes. In the
Oakland Coliseum Oakland Coliseum, currently branded as RingCentral Coliseum, is a stadium in Oakland, California. It is part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, with the adjacent Oakland Arena, near Interstate 880. The Coliseum is the home b ...
parking lot the young Burrell would sell stray baseballs and dance accompanied by a
beatboxer Beatboxing (also beat boxing) is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines (typically a TR-808), using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice.
.
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (often referred to as the A's) are an American professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. The te ...
team owner
Charlie Finley Charles Oscar Finley (February 22, 1918 – February 19, 1996), nicknamed Charlie O or Charley O, was an American businessman who owned Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. Finley purchased the franchise while it was located in Kansas C ...
saw the 11-year-old doing splits and hired him as a clubhouse assistant and
batboy In baseball, a batboy or batgirl is an individual who carries baseball bats to the players on a baseball team. Duties of a batboy may also include handling and preparing players’ equipment and bringing baseballs to the umpire during the game. ...
as a result of his energy and flair. Burrell served as a "batboy" with the team from 1973 to 1980. In 2010, Hammer discussed his lifelong involvement with athletes on
ESPN ESPN (originally an initialism for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., owned jointly by The Walt Disney Company (80%) and Hearst Communications (20%). The ...
's '' First Take'' as well as explained that his brother Louis Burrell Jr. (who would later become Hammer's business manager) was actually the batboy while his job was to take calls and do "play-by-plays" for the A's absentee owner during every summer game. The colorful Finley, who lived in Chicago, used the child as his "eyes and ears".
Reggie Jackson Reginald Martinez Jackson (born May 18, 1946) is an American former professional baseball right fielder who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City / Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Cali ...
, in describing Burrell's role for Finley, took credit for his nickname: Team players, including Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Pedro García, also dubbed Burrell "Little Hammer" due to his resemblance to Aaron. Ron Bergman, at the time an ''
Oakland Tribune The ''Oakland Tribune'' is a weekly newspaper published in Oakland, California, by the Bay Area News Group (BANG), a subsidiary of MediaNews Group. Founded in 1874, the ''Tribune'' rose to become an influential daily newspaper. With the declin ...
'' writer who covered the A's, recalled that: He was an informant in the clubhouse, an informant for Charlie, and he got the nickname "Pipeline". According to Hammer: He acquired the nickname "M.C." for being a " master of ceremonies" which he used when he began performing at various clubs while on the road with the A's, and eventually in the military. Hammer, who played second base in high school, dreamed of being a professional baseball player but did not make the final cut at a
San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1883 as the New Yor ...
tryout. However, he has been a participant/player in the annual Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game wearing an A's cap to represent Oakland (
American League The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the American League (AL), is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league ...
). Burrell went on to graduate from
McClymonds High School McClymonds High School is a public high school in the West Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, California, United States. In addition to being the third oldest high school in Oakland, it is the only comprehensive high school in West Oakland, opera ...
in Oakland in 1980 and took undergraduate classes in communications. Discouraged by his studies at a local college, and failing to win a place in a professional baseball organization, he joined the
United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...
for three years. He served with PATRON (Patrol Squadron) FOUR SEVEN (
VP-47 Patrol Squadron 47 (VP-47), also known as "The Golden Swordsmen", is a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington (USA), attached to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10. The squadron curr ...
) of
NAS Moffett Field Moffett Federal Airfield , also known as Moffett Field, is a joint civil-military airport located in an unincorporated part of Santa Clara County, California, United States, between northern Mountain View and northern Sunnyvale. On November 10, ...
in
Mountain View, California Mountain View is a city in Santa Clara County, California, United States. Named for its views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, it has a population of 82,376. Mountain View was integral to the early history and growth of Silicon Valley, and is the ...
, as a petty officer third class aviation store keeper (AK3), until his honorable discharge.


Music and entertainment career

Before Hammer's successful music career and "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back saga", Burrell formed a Christian rap group with singer and musician Jon Gibson (or J.G.) known as the
Holy Ghost For the majority of Christian denominations, the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, is believed to be the third person of the Trinity, a Triune God manifested as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each entity itself being God.Gru ...
Boy(s). Hammer and
Tramaine Hawkins Tramaine Aunzola Richardson , (nee’ Davis) known professionally as Tramaine Hawkins (born October 11, 1951), is an American award–winning Gospel singer whose career spans over five decades. Since beginning her career in 1966, Hawkins has won ...
performed with Gibson's band, in concerts at various venues such as the Beverly Theatre in
Beverly Hills Beverly Hills is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. A notable and historic suburb of Greater Los Angeles, it is in a wealthy area immediately southwest of the Hollywood Hills, approximately northwest of downtown Los Angeles. ...
. Some early songs produced were "Word", "B-Boy Chill" (a live audio performance is on
YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...
) and " Stupid Def Yal" (1987). Hammer also produced "Son of the King" during this time, releasing it on his debut album ''
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
'' (1986), as well as the re-released version '' Let's Get It Started'' (1988). Additionally, "The Wall" featured Hammer (a song Stanley Kirk Burrell – or K.B. – originally identified himself as M.C. Hammer), which was later released on Gibson's album '' Change of Heart'' (1988). This was CCM's first rap hit by a blue-eyed soul singer and/or duo. In addition to later remixes of early releases, Hammer produced and recorded many rap songs that were never made public, yet are now available on the Internet. Via his record labels such as Bust It Records, Oaktown Records and Full Blast – Hammer has introduced, signed and/or produced new talent including: Oaktown's 3.5.7, Ho Frat Hoo!, the vocal
quintet A quintet is a group containing five members. It is commonly associated with musical groups, such as a string quintet, or a group of five singers, but can be applied to any situation where five similar or related objects are considered a single ...
Special Generation, Analise, James Greer, One Cause One Effect,
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
, The Stooge Playaz, DASIT as seen on ''
Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show ''Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show'' is an American reality television series created by '' Ego Trip'' magazine that first aired on VH1. In the show, ten white rappers compete with each other for the chance at a $100,000 grand prize. The show ...
'', Teabag, Common Unity, Geeman and Pleasure Ellis (all collaborating with him and/or producing music of their own during his career). At about the age of 12, Oakland native
Keyshia Cole Keyshia Myeshia Cole Johnson; born October 15, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Cole began her career as a backing vocalist for MC Hammer. After signing with A&M Records ...
recorded with Hammer and sought career advice from him.


''Feel My Power'' (1986)

In the mid-1980s, while rapping in small venues and after a record deal went sour, Hammer borrowed US$20,000 each from former
Oakland A's The Oakland Athletics (often referred to as the A's) are an American professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. The te ...
players Mike Davis and
Dwayne Murphy Dwayne Keith Murphy (born March 18, 1955) is an American former player who spent most of his career playing for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder. During much of his time in Oakland, Murphy batted second in th ...
to start an
independent record label An independent record label (or indie label) is a record label that operates without the funding or distribution of major record labels; they are a type of small- to medium-sized enterprise, or SME. The labels and artists are often represented ...
business. As the CEO of Bust It Productions, Hammer kept the company going by selling records from his basement and car. Bust It Records spawned Bustin' Records, and collectively the companies had more than 100 employees. Recording singles and selling them out of the trunk of his car, he marketed himself relentlessly. Coupled with his dance abilities, Hammer's style was unique at the time. Now billing himself as "M.C. Hammer", he recorded songs for his debut album ''
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
'' in 1986. It was originally released on his independent label, Bustin' Records (via Oaktown Records), and produced by
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
of
Con Funk Shun Con Funk Shun (formerly known as Project Soul) is an American R&B and funk band whose popularity began in the mid-1970s and ran through the 1980s. They were influenced by funk legend James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. Signed to Mercury ...
. It sold over 60,000 copies, and was distributed by City Hall Records. Hammer released singles from the album, including "Ring 'Em" in 1987. Largely on the strength of tireless
street marketing Street marketing is a form of guerrilla marketing that uses nontraditional or unconventional methods to promote a product or service.Saucet, Marcel; Cova, Bernard (2015). "The secret lives of unconventional campaigns: Street marketing on the fringe" ...
by Hammer and his wife, in addition to continuous radio play, it achieved considerable popularity at dance clubs in the
San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco Bay Area, often referred to as simply the Bay Area, is a populous region surrounding the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bay estuaries in Northern California. The Bay Area is defined by the Association of Bay Area Go ...
. In the spring of 1988, Tony Valera (a 107.7
KSOL KSOL (98.9 FM "Que Buena 98.9 y 99.1") is a Spanish language radio station in San Francisco, California. KSQL (99.1 FM) simulcasts the station in Santa Cruz. KSOL and KSQL program a format consisting of regional Mexican music and talk shows. ...
Radio DJ), played the track "Let's Get It Started" in his mix-shows. The track also gained popularity in
nightclub A nightclub (music club, discothèque, disco club, or simply club) is an entertainment venue during nighttime comprising a dance floor, lightshow, and a stage for live music or a disc jockey (DJ) who plays recorded music. Nightclubs gener ...
s. Hammer declared he was "second to none from
Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh (born September 17, 1966) is a Barbados-born American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the "Human Beat Box". The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines an ...
, LL Cool J or DJ Run" within the song. He would continue to call out other East Coast rappers in future projects as well. Heartened by his rising prospects, Hammer launched into seven-day-a-week rehearsals with the growing troupe of dancers, musicians and backup vocalists he had hired. It was Hammer's stage show, and his infectious stage presence, that led to his big break in 1988 while performing in an Oakland club. There he impressed a record executive who "didn't know who he was, but knew he was somebody", according to the ''New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll''. Though Hammer had previously received and declined offers from major record labels before, he agreed to a multi-album contract with
Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...
with a $1,750,000 advance. It did not take long for Capitol to recoup its investment.


''Let's Get It Started'' (1988)

Once signed to
Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...
, Hammer re-issued his first record (a revised version of ''
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
'') with additional tracks added, which sold over 2 million copies. "Pump It Up" (also performed during ''
Showtime at the Apollo ''Showtime at the Apollo'' (formerly ''It's Showtime at the Apollo'' and ''Apollo Live'') is an American variety show that first aired in syndication from September 12, 1987 to May 24, 2008. In 2018, the series returned on Fox with Steve Harvey ...
'' on September 16, 1989), "Turn This Mutha Out", "Let's Get It Started" and "They Put Me in the Mix" were the most popular singles from this album (which all charted). Not entirely satisfied with this first
multi-platinum Music recording certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped, sold, or streamed a certain number of units. The threshold quantity varies by type (such as album, single, music video) and by nation or territory (see ...
success, Hammer's music underwent a metamorphosis, shifting from the standard rap format. "I decided the next album would be more musical," he said at the time. Purists chastised him for being more dancer than rapper. Sitting in a leopard-print bodysuit before a concert, he defended his style: "People were ready for something different from the traditional rap style. The fact that the record has reached this level indicates the genre is growing." Hammer was very good friends with
Arsenio Hall Arsenio Hall (born February 12, 1956) is an American comedian, actor and talk show host. He hosted the late-night talk show, ''The Arsenio Hall Show'', from 1989 until 1994, and again from 2013 to 2014. He has appeared in ''Martial Law'', '' Com ...
(as well as a then-unknown teen named Robert Van Winkle, aka
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
, despite later rumors that there was a "beef" between the two rappers which was addressed during the height of both their careers on Hall's show, and whom he would later reunite with in a 2009 concert in
Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (often shortened to Salt Lake and abbreviated as SLC) is the Capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Utah, most populous city of Utah, United States. It is the county seat, seat of Salt Lake County, Utah, Sal ...
, Utah), and as such, Hammer was first invited to perform the song "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
", prior to its release, on ''
The Arsenio Hall Show ''The Arsenio Hall Show'' is an American syndicated late-night talk show created by and starring comedian Arsenio Hall. There have been two different incarnations of ''The Arsenio Hall Show''. The original series premiered on January 3, 1989, ...
'' in 1989. He also performed "
Dancing Machine "Dancing Machine" is a song recorded by American R&B outfit the Jackson 5, and was the title track of their ninth studio album. The song was originally recorded for the group's 1973 album '' G.I.T.: Get It Together'' and was released as a remix ...
" which later appeared in the '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie'' (1990). Hammer used some of the proceeds from this album to install a rolling recording studio in the back of his
tour bus A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions. Information Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for provid ...
, where he recorded much of his second album. In 1989, Hammer was featured on "You've Got Me Dancing" with
Glen Goldsmith Glen Goldsmith (born 17 August 1965) is a British singer and songwriter. His own hit songs have included "I Won't Cry", "Dreaming", "Save a Little Bit" and "What You See Is What You Get", which feature on his album ''What You See Is What You Ge ...
, which appeared on Goldsmith's album ''Don't Turn This Groove Around'' via
RCA Records RCA Records is an American record label currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside RCA's former long-time rival Columbia Records; also A ...
. The track was Hammer's first release in the UK. Hammer also appeared in Glen Goldsmith's
music video A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
for this song. The single failed to chart. During this period, Hammer formed the rap group Oaktown's 3.5.7, releasing the No. 9 single " Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" from the album '' Wild & Loose'' (1989).


''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990)

Hammer's third album (and second major-label release) ''
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley. The album ...
'', which was released February 12, 1990 (with an original release date of January 1, 1990). It included the successful single "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
" (which
sampled Sample or samples may refer to: Base meaning * Sample (statistics), a subset of a population – complete data set * Sample (signal), a digital discrete sample of a continuous analog signal * Sample (material), a specimen or small quantity of so ...
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
' "
Super Freak "Super Freak" is a 1981 single produced and performed by American singer Rick James. The song, co-written by James and Alonzo Miller, was first released on James' fifth album, '' Street Songs'' (1981) and became one of James' signature songs. "F ...
"). It was produced, recorded and mixed by
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
and James Earley on a modified tour bus while on tour in 1989. Despite heavy airplay and a No. 27 chart debut, "U Can't Touch This" stopped at No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart because it was released only as a twelve-inch single. However, the album was a No. 1 success for 21 weeks due primarily to this single, the first time ever for a recording on the pop charts. The song has been and continues to be used in many films and television shows, and appears on
soundtrack A soundtrack is recorded music accompanying and synchronised to the images of a motion picture, drama, book, television program, radio program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack o ...
and
compilation album A compilation album comprises Album#Tracks, tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one or several Performing arts#Performers, performers. If by one artist, then generally the tr ...
s as well (such as '' Man of the House'' and ''
Back 2 Back Hits ''Back 2 Back Hits'' is a compilation album by rappers M.C. Hammer and Vanilla Ice. The album was released in 1997 for CEMA Special Markets and was re-released in 2006 for Capitol Records. The first five songs on the album are by M.C. Hammer; t ...
''). Follow-up successes included a cover of
the Chi-Lites The Chi-Lites (, ) are an American R&B/soul vocal quartet from Chicago, Illinois, United States. Forming at Chicago's Hyde Park High School in 1959, The group's original lineup consisted of singers Robert Lester, Eugene Record, Creadel Jones, ...
' "
Have You Seen Her "Have You Seen Her" is a song by American soul music, soul vocal group the Chi-Lites, released on Brunswick Records in 1971. Composed by the lead singer Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin, the song was included on the group's 1971 album ''(For God's ...
" and "
Pray Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a deity or a deified a ...
" (a beat sampled from Prince's "
When Doves Cry "When Doves Cry" is a song by American musician Prince, and the lead single from his sixth studio album '' Purple Rain''. According to the DVD commentary of the film '' Purple Rain'' (1984), Prince was asked by director Albert Magnoli to write a ...
" and Faith No More's "
We Care a Lot ''We Care a Lot'' is the debut studio album by American rock band Faith No More, originally released in 1985 and distributed through Mordam Records. On the original vinyl release, the band is credited as Faith. No More. on the album's liner no ...
"), which was his biggest hit in the US, peaking at No. 2. "Pray" was also a major UK success, peaking at No. 8. The album went on to become the first hip-hop album to earn diamond status, selling more than 18 million units to date. During 1990, Hammer toured extensively in Europe which included a sold-out concert at the
National Exhibition Centre The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is an exhibition centre located in Marston Green, Solihull, West Midlands, England. It is near junction 6 of the M42 motorway, and is adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway sta ...
in
Birmingham Birmingham ( ) is a city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands in England. It is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom with a population of 1.145 million in the city proper, 2.92 million in the West ...
. With the sponsorship of PepsiCo International,
Pepsi Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink manufactured by PepsiCo. Originally created and developed in 1893 by Caleb Bradham and introduced as Brad's Drink, it was renamed as Pepsi-Cola in 1898, and then shortened to Pepsi in 1961. History Pepsi wa ...
CEO Christopher A. Sinclair went on tour with him during 1991. The album was notable for sampling other high-profile artists and gave some of these artists a new fan base. " Dancin' Machine" sampled
The Jackson 5 The Jackson 5 (sometimes stylized as the Jackson 5ive, also known as the Jacksons) are an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was founded in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, and for most o ...
, "Help the Children" (also the name of an
outreach Outreach is the activity of providing services to any population that might not otherwise have access to those services. A key component of outreach is that the group providing it is not stationary, but mobile; in other words, it involves meetin ...
foundation Foundation may refer to: * Foundation (nonprofit), a type of charitable organization ** Foundation (United States law), a type of charitable organization in the U.S. ** Private foundation, a charitable organization that, while serving a good cause ...
Hammer started) interpolates Marvin Gaye's "
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is the second single from Marvin Gaye's 1971 album, '' What's Going On''. Following the breakthrough of the title track's success, the song, written solely by Gaye, became regarded as one of popular music's most poi ...
", and "She's Soft and Wet" also sampled Prince's "
Soft and Wet "Soft and Wet" is a song performed by American musician Prince. It was his first solo single, released on June 7, 1978, his 20th birthday, from his debut album, '' For You''. The track contains drums, bass guitar and synthesizers. The lyrics wer ...
". All of these songs proved to be successful on radio and video television, with "U Can't Touch This," "Pray" (most successful), "Have You Seen Her", "Here Comes the Hammer" and "Yo!! Sweetness" ( UK only) all charting. The album increased the popularity of hip hop music. It remains the genre's all-time best-selling album. Music videos from this and previous albums began to receive much airplay on
MTV MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...
and VH1. A movie also accompanied the album, and was produced in 1990, entitled '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie'' (with portions of his
music video A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
s included within the movie). During this same time, Hammer also appeared in The West Coast Rap All-Stars posse cut "
We're All in the Same Gang "We're All in the Same Gang" is a 1990 Grammy nominated single by the West Coast Rap All-Stars, a collaboration of West Coast hip-hop artists who assembled for this song, which promoted an anti-violence message. Production Produced by Dr. Dre, ...
". Additionally, Hammer released the tracks "This is What We Do" on the ''
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' is an American media franchise created by the comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It follows Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael, four anthropomorphic turtle brothers (named after It ...
''
movie soundtrack A soundtrack is recorded music accompanying and synchronised to the images of a motion picture, drama, book, television program, radio program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of ...
(1990), and "That's What I Said" on the ''
Rocky V ''Rocky V'' is a 1990 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen (the first time since the first film of the franchise), written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the sequel to ''Rocky IV'' (1985) and is the fifth install ...
''
soundtrack A soundtrack is recorded music accompanying and synchronised to the images of a motion picture, drama, book, television program, radio program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack o ...
(1990). A critical backlash began over the repetitive nature of his lyrics, his clean-cut image, and his perceived over-reliance on sampling entire hooks by others for the basis of his singles (criticisms also directed to his contemporary
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
). He was mocked in music videos by 3rd Bass (including a
rap battle Battle rap (also known as rap battling)Edwards, Paul, 2009, p. 25. is a type of rapping performed between two or more performers that incorporates boasts, insults and wordplay. Battle rap is often performed or freestyled spontaneously in live ...
with
MC Serch Michael Berrin (born May 6, 1967), best known by his stage name MC Serch, is an American rapper and music executive. He is a former member of 3rd Bass and Non Phixion. Early life and education Serch grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York ...
),
The D.O.C. Tracy Lynn Curry (born June 10, 1968), better known as The D.O.C., is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. In addition to a solo career, he was a member of the Southern hip hop group Fila Fresh Crew and later collaborated with ga ...
, DJ Debranz and
Ice Cube An ice cube is a small piece of ice, which is typically rectangular as viewed from above and trapezoidal as viewed from the side. Ice cubes are products of mechanical refrigeration and are usually produced to cool beverages. They may be produc ...
. Oakland hip-hop group
Digital Underground Digital Underground was an American alternative hip hop group from Oakland, California. Their personnel changed and rotated with each album and tour. Digital Underground's leader and mainstay was Gregory " Shock G" Jacobs (also known as Humpty H ...
criticized him in the CD insert of their ''
Sex Packets Sex is the phenotypic trait, trait that determines whether a sexual reproduction, sexually reproducing animal or plant produces male or female gametes. Male plants and animals produce smaller mobile gametes (spermatozoa, sperm, pollen), while ...
'' album, by placing Hammer's picture in it and referring to him as an unknown derelict. Q Tip criticized him in "Check the Rhyme", saying: "What you say Hammer? Proper. Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop." LL Cool J dissed him in "
To da Break of Dawn "To da Break of Dawn" is a single from both LL Cool J's fourth album, ''Mama Said Knock You Out'', and the soundtrack to the Kid 'n Play movie ''House Party''. The song was released on June 17, 1990 by Motown Records and Def Jam Recordings. B ...
" (from his ''
Mama Said Knock You Out ''Mama Said Knock You Out'' is the fourth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was produced mostly by Marley Marl and recorded at his "House of Hits" home studio in Chestnut Ridge and at Chung King House of Metal in New York City. Afte ...
'' album), calling Hammer an "amateur, swinging a Hammer from a body bag is pants and stated: "my old gym teacher ain't supposed to rap." However, it could have been a response to Hammer calling him out in "Let's Get it Started", when he was mentioned along with Run-DMC and
Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh (born September 17, 1966) is a Barbados-born American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the "Human Beat Box". The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines an ...
as rappers that Hammer claimed to be better than. LL Cool J would later compliment and commend Hammer's abilities/talents on
VH-1 VH1 (originally an initialism of Video Hits One) is an American basic cable television network based in New York City and owned by Paramount Global. It was created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, at the time a division of Warner Communi ...
's'' 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop'', which aired in 2008. Ice-T came to Hammer's defense on his 1991 album '' O.G. Original Gangster'': "A special shout out to my man M.C. Hammer. A lot of people diss you man, but they just jealous." Ice-T later explained that he had nothing against people who were
pop rap Pop rap (also known as pop hip-hop, hip pop, melodic hip-hop or melodic rap) is a genre of music fusing the rhythm-based lyricism of hip hop music with pop music's preference for melodious vocals and catchy tunes. This genre gained mainstrea ...
from the start, but rather emcees who switch from being hardcore or "dirty" to pop rap, in order to sell more records. Despite the criticisms, Hammer's career continued to be highly successful including tours in Asia, Europe, Australia and Russia. Soon after, M.C. Hammer
Mattel Mattel, Inc. ( ) is an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company founded in January 1945 and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company has presence in 35 countries and territories and sells products in more ...
dolls, lunchboxes and other merchandise were marketed. He was also given his own
Saturday-morning cartoon "Saturday-morning cartoon" is a colloquial term for the original animated series programming that was typically scheduled on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the United States on the "Big Three" television networks. The genre's popularity had a br ...
, called '' Hammerman'', which he hosted and voiced. SB-Nation


''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991)

After publicly dropping the "M.C." from his stage name, Hammer released ''
Too Legit to Quit ''Too Legit to Quit'' is the fourth studio album by Hammer (after removing M.C. from his name), released on October 29, 1991. Produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate, the album was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records. ''Too Legit to Q ...
'' (also produced by
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
) in 1991. Hammer answered his critics within certain songs from the album. Sales were strong (over five million copies), with the
title track A title track is a song that has the same name as the album or film in which it appears. In the Korean music industry, the term is used to describe a promoted song on an album, akin to a single, regardless of the song's title. Title track may a ...
being the biggest hit single from this record. The album peaked in the Top 5 of the ''Billboard'' 200. Another hit came soon after, with "
Addams Groove "Addams Groove" is a single performed by hip-hop artist Hammer that was released as the theme song to the 1991 film ''The Addams Family''. It was the second single from his 1991 album, ''Too Legit to Quit'', included in the track list for the cass ...
" (which appeared on both ''
The Addams Family ''The Addams Family'' is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 unrelated single-panel cartoons, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' over ...
'' motion picture soundtrack and the vinyl and cassette versions of ''2 Legit 2 Quit''), reaching No. 7 in the U.S. and No. 4 in the UK. His video for the song appeared after the movie. Hammer set out on a high-profile tour promoting the album which included a stage show ⁠loaded with singers, dancers and backup musicians. In 1992,
Boyz II Men Boyz II Men (pronounced ''boys to men''), also known as B2M, is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are currently a trio composed of baritone Nathan M ...
joined the tour as an opening act. While traveling the country, their tour manager Khalil Roundtree was murdered in
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...
, and the group's future performances of "
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" is an R&B song written by Motown husband-and-wife songwriting team Freddie Perren and Christine Yarian for the 1975 film '' Cooley High''. In the film, the song is performed by Motown artist G.C. Camer ...
" were dedicated to him. As a result of this unfortunate experience, the song would help advance their success. Ultimately, however, the lavish show proved too expensive to support through album sales and it was cancelled partway through its scheduled run. Music videos were produced for all four singles released from this album (including " Do Not Pass Me By" and " This Is The Way We Roll"), all which charted. The "2 Legit 2 Quit" video featured many celebrity appearances. It's been ranked as one of the most expensive videos ever made. The hand motions used within the song and video also became very popular. The song proved to be successful in the U.S., peaking in the Top 10 at No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Despite the album's multi-platinum certification, the sales were one-third of ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em''. At the end of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video, after James Brown enlists Hammer to get the famous glove of
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
, a silver-white sequined glove is shown on the hand of a Michael Jackson look-alike doing the "2 Legit 2 Quit" hand gesture. In a related story, M.C. Hammer appeared on ''
The Wendy Williams Show ''The Wendy Williams Show'' (often shortened to ''Wendy'') is an American syndicated talk show created and hosted by Wendy Williams, and produced by Wendy Williams Productions, along with Perler Productions. The show is distributed by Debmar- ...
'' (July 27, 2009) and talked about his hit reality show ''
Hammertime ''Hammertime'' is a 2009 American reality TV series that chronicles the daily life of rapper MC Hammer. The show debuted June 14, 2009 on the A&E Network and was produced by 3Ball Productions. The title is derived from a lyric in Hammer's 1990 hit ...
'' on A&E, his marriage, his role as a dad and the reasons he eventually went bankrupt. He told an amusing story about a phone call he received from "M.J.", regarding the portion of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video that included a fake Michael Jackson, giving his approval and inclusion of it. He explained how Michael had seen the video and liked it, and both expressed they were fans of one another. Hammer and Jackson would later appear, speak and/or perform at the funeral service for James Brown in 2006. The artwork featured in the album was created by James B. Young and accompanying studios. During 1991, Hammer was featured on the single "The Blood" from the
BeBe & CeCe Winans BeBe & CeCe Winans are an American gospel music brother and sister duo. BeBe and CeCe Winans are the seventh and eighth of the Winans family's ten children, most of whom have had gospel music careers. Together, they have received several awards ...
album, '' Different Lifestyles''. In 1992, the song peaked at No. 8 on the Christian charts.


New venture with Oaktown/Giant Records (1992–1993)

In 1992, after a four-year hiatus,
Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh (born September 17, 1966) is a Barbados-born American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the "Human Beat Box". The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines an ...
signed with Hammer's label, Bust It Records and issued one album, ''
Doin' What I Gotta Do ''Doin' What I Gotta Do'' is the third album by Doug E. Fresh. It was released May 5, 1992, on Bust It Records, a sub-label of Capitol Records set up by MC Hammer, and was produced by Doug E. Fresh. Compared to his previous two albums, both of whi ...
'', which (despite some minor acclaim for his single "Bustin' Out (On Funk)" which sampled the
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
1979 single "Bustin' Out") was a commercial failure. Prior to Hammer's next album, ''
The Funky Headhunter ''The Funky Headhunter'' is the fifth studio album by Hammer, released on March 1, 1994, via Giant Records and Reprise Records. The album at the time was hailed as Hammer's comeback album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the ...
'',
rumor A rumor (American English), or rumour (British English; see spelling differences; derived from Latin:rumorem - noise), is "a tall tale of explanations of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in p ...
s from critics and fans began claiming Hammer had quit the music/entertainment business or had suffered a financial downfall (since a couple of years were passing between his two records), which Hammer denied. Hammer claimed rumors falsely heralded his downfall were most likely a result of the fact he turned over his "trimmed-down" Bust It Records to his brother and manager Louis Burrell Jr., and his
horse racing Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic p ...
interests to his brother Chris and their father, Louis Burrell Sr. During his hiatus between albums, Hammer consequently signed a multi-million dollar deal with a new record company. He said there were a lot of bidders, but "not too many of them could afford Hammer". Therefore, Hammer parted ways with
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
(who had previously worked with the successful vocal group
Con Funk Shun Con Funk Shun (formerly known as Project Soul) is an American R&B and funk band whose popularity began in the mid-1970s and ran through the 1980s. They were influenced by funk legend James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. Signed to Mercury ...
) and switched record labels to
Giant Records In folklore, giants (from Ancient Greek: '' gigas'', cognate giga-) are beings of human-like appearance, but are at times prodigious in size and strength or bear an otherwise notable appearance. The word ''giant'' is first attested in 1297 fr ...
, taking his Oaktown label with him. Hammer was eventually sued by Pilate. Additionally, Hammer launched a new enterprise, called Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, with clients such as Evander Holyfield, Deion Sanders and
Reggie Brooks Reginald Arthur Brooks (born January 19, 1971) is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the uncle to Minnesota Vikings Linebacker Anthon ...
. In 1993, his production company released the hit rap song "
Gangsta Lean ''Gangsta Lean'' is the only studio album by American contemporary R&B/ hip hop group DRS, released October 25, 1993 via Hammer's Roll Wit It Entertainment (which was distributed by Capitol Records). The album peaked at No. 34 on the ''Bil ...
" by DRS (from their debut album ''
Gangsta Lean ''Gangsta Lean'' is the only studio album by American contemporary R&B/ hip hop group DRS, released October 25, 1993 via Hammer's Roll Wit It Entertainment (which was distributed by Capitol Records). The album peaked at No. 34 on the ''Bil ...
''). By this time, he also parted ways with his only female executive music business administration consultant and songwriter, Linda Lou McCall (who previously worked with
the Delfonics The Delfonics were an American R&B/soul vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Delfonics were most popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their most notable hits include " La-La (Means I Love You)", " Didn't I (Blow Your Mind Thi ...
and her husband Louis A. McCall, Sr.'s band
Con Funk Shun Con Funk Shun (formerly known as Project Soul) is an American R&B and funk band whose popularity began in the mid-1970s and ran through the 1980s. They were influenced by funk legend James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. Signed to Mercury ...
). A music industry vet, McCall was hired by Hammer's brother and manager Louis K. Burrell, in 1990. She helped set up his corporate operations and administration, at Bust It Management & Productions Inc. in
Oakland, California Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. A major West Coast of the United States, West Coast port, Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third ...
. She later became Vice President of Hammer's talent management company, overseeing artists like
Heavy D Dwight Arrington MyersCuda, Heidi Sigmund Keeping it reel. '' Vibe'' ("born Dwight Arrington Myers")Samuels, Anita M. (January 12' 1996)Heavy D, the C.E.O. ''New York Times'' (May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011), known professionally as Hea ...
,
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
and
Ralph Tresvant Ralph Edward Tresvant (born May 16, 1968) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer, best known as the lead singer of R&B group New Edition. As a solo artist, Tresvant released the album '' Ralph Tresvant'' (1990). In 2008, he ...
. While at Bust It, she and her husband brought their artist Keith Martin to Felton's attention, who hired him as a backup musician and vocalist for Hammer's ''
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley. The album ...
'' and ''
Too Legit to Quit ''Too Legit to Quit'' is the fourth studio album by Hammer (after removing M.C. from his name), released on October 29, 1991. Produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate, the album was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records. ''Too Legit to Q ...
'' world tours. In 1993 and 1994, McCall was also involved in several lawsuits against Hammer, which were eventually settled out of court. With a new home and daughter, a new record soon to be released and his new business, Hammer claimed he was happy and far from being broke during a tour of his mansion for ''
Ebony Ebony is a dense black/brown hardwood, coming from several species in the genus '' Diospyros'', which also contains the persimmons. Unlike most woods, ebony is dense enough to sink in water. It is finely textured and has a mirror finish when ...
''. "Today there is a more aggressive Hammer, because the '90s require you to be more aggressive", Hammer said of his music style. "There is a harder edge, but I'm no ''gangsta''. Hammer in the '90s is on the offense, on the move, on the attack. And it's all good".


''The Funky Headhunter'' and ''Prime Time'' (1994)

In 1993, Hammer began recording his fifth official album. To adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop, this album was a more aggressive sounding album entitled ''
The Funky Headhunter ''The Funky Headhunter'' is the fifth studio album by Hammer, released on March 1, 1994, via Giant Records and Reprise Records. The album at the time was hailed as Hammer's comeback album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the ...
.'' He co-produced this record with funky rapper and producer, Stefan Adamek. While Hammer's appearance changed to keep up with the gangsta rap audience, his lyrics still remained honest and somewhat clean with minor profanity. Yet, as with previous records, Hammer would continue to call out and
disrespect Contempt is a pattern of attitudes and behaviour, often towards an individual or a group, but sometimes towards an ideology, which has the characteristics of disgust and anger. The word originated in 1393 in Old French contempt, contemps, ...
other rappers on this album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the album ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em''), the content and reality about "street life" remained somewhat the same, but the sound was different, resulting in Hammer losing favor with fans. This album peaked at number two on the
R&B charts The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by '' Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 ...
and remained in the Top 30 midway through the year. The album was eventually certified
platinum Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, silverish-white transition metal. Its name originates from Spanish , a diminutive of "silver". Platinu ...
. Within this album, Hammer disses rappers such as
A Tribe Called Quest A Tribe Called Quest was an American hip hop group formed in Queens, New York City, in 1985,Q-Tip
( Q-Tip), Redman and
Run DMC Run-DMC (also spelled Run-D.M.C.) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York City, founded in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history ...
for previous attacks they made against him. Hammer debuted the video for "
Pumps and a Bump "Pumps and a Bump" is a song by Hammer from his 1994 album ''The Funky Headhunter''. The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and No. 26 on the Hot 100, making it the final Top 40 hit of Hammer's career. Release and recep ...
" during another appearance on ''
The Arsenio Hall Show ''The Arsenio Hall Show'' is an American syndicated late-night talk show created by and starring comedian Arsenio Hall. There have been two different incarnations of ''The Arsenio Hall Show''. The original series premiered on January 3, 1989, ...
'' during the mid-1990s. Host
Arsenio Hall Arsenio Hall (born February 12, 1956) is an American comedian, actor and talk show host. He hosted the late-night talk show, ''The Arsenio Hall Show'', from 1989 until 1994, and again from 2013 to 2014. He has appeared in ''Martial Law'', '' Com ...
said to M.C. Hammer, "Women in the audience want to know, what's in your speedos in the 'Pumps and a Bump' video?" A clip from the video was then shown, to much approval from the audience. Hammer didn't give a direct answer, but instead laughed. Arsenio then said, "I guess that's why they call you 'Hammer.' It ain't got nothin' to do with
Hank Aaron Henry Louis Aaron (February 5, 1934 – January 22, 2021), nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. One of the gre ...
." The video to the album's first single, "Pumps and a Bump", was banned from heavy rotation on
MTV MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...
with censors claiming that the depiction of Hammer in
Speedos A swim brief or racing brief is any briefs-style male swimsuit such as those worn in competitive swimming, diving and water polo. The popularity of the Australian ''Speedo'' brand racing brief has led to the use of its name in many countries a ...
(and with what appeared to be an erection) was too graphic. This led to an alternative video being filmed (with Hammer fully clothed) that was directed by Bay Area native Craig S. Brooks. " It's All Good" was the second single released from the album. On December 20, 1994, Deion Sanders released '' Prime Time'', a rap album on Hammer's Bust It Records label which featured the minor hit "Must Be the Money". "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'" was also released as a single. Sanders, a friend of Hammer's, had previously appeared in his "
Too Legit to Quit ''Too Legit to Quit'' is the fourth studio album by Hammer (after removing M.C. from his name), released on October 29, 1991. Produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate, the album was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records. ''Too Legit to Q ...
" music video, and his alter-ego "Prime Time" is also used in Hammer's "
Pumps and a Bump "Pumps and a Bump" is a song by Hammer from his 1994 album ''The Funky Headhunter''. The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and No. 26 on the Hot 100, making it the final Top 40 hit of Hammer's career. Release and recep ...
" video. The song "Help Lord (Won't You Come)" appeared in '' Kingdom Come''.


''Inside Out'', Death Row Records and ''Too Tight'' (1995–1996)

In 1995, Hammer released the album '' Inside Out'' (or ''inside out V''). The album sold poorly compared to previous records (peaking at 119 on the Billboard Charts) and
Giant Records In folklore, giants (from Ancient Greek: '' gigas'', cognate giga-) are beings of human-like appearance, but are at times prodigious in size and strength or bear an otherwise notable appearance. The word ''giant'' is first attested in 1297 fr ...
dropped him and Oaktown Records from their roster. Songs "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" managed to get moderate radio play (even charting on national radio station countdowns). Along with a fickle public, Hammer would go on to explain in this album that he felt many of his so-called friends he helped staff, used and betrayed him which contributed to a majority of his financial loss (best explained in the song "Keep On" and the bio from this album). He would also hint about this again in interviews, including ''
The Ellen DeGeneres Show ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' (often shortened to ''Ellen'' or ''The Ellen Show'') is an American daytime television variety comedy talk show that was created and hosted by its namesake Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it was prod ...
'' in 2009. In 1995, Hammer released "Straight to My Feet" (with Deion Sanders) from the ''
Street Fighter , commonly abbreviated as ''SF'' or スト (''Suto''), is a Japanese media franchise centered on a series of fighting video and arcade games developed and published by Capcom. The first game in the series was released in 1987, followed by six ...
''
soundtrack A soundtrack is recorded music accompanying and synchronised to the images of a motion picture, drama, book, television program, radio program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack o ...
(released in December 1994). The song charted No. 57 in the UK. Hammer's relationship with Suge Knight dates back to 1988. Hammer signed with Death Row Records by 1995, then home to
Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...
and his close friend,
Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur ( ; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. Shakur is among the b ...
. The label did not release the album of Hammer's music (titled ''Too Tight'') while he had a career with them, although he did release versions of some tracks on his next album. However, Burrell did record tracks with Shakur and others, most notably the song " Too Late Playa" (along with Big Daddy Kane and Danny Boy). After the death of Shakur in 1996, Burrell left the record company. He later explained his concern about this circumstance in an interview on
Trinity Broadcasting Network The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is an international Christian-based broadcast television network and the world's largest religious television network. TBN was headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, until March 3, 2017, when it sold its ...
since he was in
Las Vegas Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
with Tupac the night of his death.


Return to EMI and ''Family Affair'' (1996–1998)

In October 1996, Burrell and Oaktown signed with
EMI EMI Group Limited (originally an initialism for Electric and Musical Industries, also referred to as EMI Records Ltd. or simply EMI) was a British Transnational corporation, transnational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate founded in March 1 ...
, which saw the release of a
compilation album A compilation album comprises Album#Tracks, tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one or several Performing arts#Performers, performers. If by one artist, then generally the tr ...
of Hammer's hit singles prior to ''The Funky Headhunter''. The album, titled ''
Greatest Hits A greatest hits album or best-of album is a type of compilation album that collects popular and commercially successful songs by a particular artist or band. While greatest hits albums are typically supported by the artist, they can also be crea ...
'', featured 12 former hits. In 1998, another "greatest hits" album, called ''
Back 2 Back Hits ''Back 2 Back Hits'' is a compilation album by rappers M.C. Hammer and Vanilla Ice. The album was released in 1997 for CEMA Special Markets and was re-released in 2006 for Capitol Records. The first five songs on the album are by M.C. Hammer; t ...
'', was produced and released by CEMA. (Another compilation version of ''Back 2 Back'' was later released by
Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...
in 2006.) As Hammer's empire began to collapse when his last album failed to match the sales of its predecessors, and since he unsuccessfully attempted to recast himself in the " streetwise/hardcore rap" mold of the day, Hammer turned to a
gospel Gospel originally meant the Christian message ("the gospel"), but in the 2nd century it came to be used also for the books in which the message was set out. In this sense a gospel can be defined as a loose-knit, episodic narrative of the words an ...
-friendly audience. In 1998, M.C. Hammer released his first album in his new deal with EMI, titled ''Family Affair'', because it was to introduce the world to the artists he had signed to his Oaktown Records (Geeman, Teabag, and Common Unity) as they made their recording debut. Technically his seventh album since his debut EP, this record was highly promoted on
Trinity Broadcasting Network The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is an international Christian-based broadcast television network and the world's largest religious television network. TBN was headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, until March 3, 2017, when it sold its ...
(performing a more gospel version of "Keep On" from his album '' Inside Out V''), yet featured no
charting singles Charting may refer to: *Chart, graphical representation of data *Nautical chart, process of building a chart of water bodies *Technical analysis, term used in finance *Music chart, ordered list of music sales See also *Chart (disambiguation) A ...
and selling about 1,000 copies worldwide. The album also features a song written for Hammer by
Tupac Tupac Amaru Shakur ( ; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. Shakur is among the b ...
called "
Unconditional Love Unconditional love is known as affection without any limitations, or love without conditions. This term is sometimes associated with other terms such as true altruism or complete love. Each area of expertise has a certain way of describing uncon ...
". Hammer would later dance and read the lyrics to this song on the first ''
VH1 Hip Hop Honors The Hip Hop Honors is an annual event that airs on VH1. The television special honors old school and golden age hip hop rappers and contributors for their long-term influence and importance in the history of hip hop culture. It features live p ...
'' in 2004. A double album mostly about
faith Faith, derived from Latin ''fides'' and Old French ''feid'', is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or In the context of religion, one can define faith as "belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". Religious people often ...
and
family values Family values, sometimes referred to as familial values, are traditional or cultural values that pertain to the family's structure, function, roles, beliefs, attitudes, and ideals. In the social sciences and U.S. political discourse, the conventi ...
, additional tracks from ''Family Affair'' are: "Put It Down", "Put Some Stop in Your Game", "Big Man", "Set Me Free", "Our God", "Responsible Father Shout", "He Brought Me Out", (Geeman Intro), "Eye's Like Mine", "Never Without You", "Praise Dance Theme Song", "Shame of the Name", (Smoothout Intro), (Teabag Intro), "Silly Heart", "I Wish U Were Free", (Common Unity Intro), "Someone to Hold to You", "Pray" (1998), "Let's Get It Started" (1998), and with "Hammer Music/Shouts/Tour Info" announcements between songs. The compact disks are also "Personal computer, PC Ready" with Interactive media, interactive features. After this album, new projects were rumored to be in the works, including an album (''War Chest: Turn of the Century'') and a
soundtrack A soundtrack is recorded music accompanying and synchronised to the images of a motion picture, drama, book, television program, radio program, or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack o ...
to the film ''Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man'', but neither appeared.


''The Hits'' and ''Active Duty'' (2000–2001)

In 2000, another compilation album was released, titled ''The Hits (MC Hammer album), The Hits''. It contains 17 tracks from his first four albums. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, M.C. Hammer released his 8th studio album, ''Active Duty (album), Active Duty'', on his own World Hit Music Group label (the musical enterprise under his Hammertime Holdings Inc. umbrella) to pay homage to the ones lost in the terrorist attacks. The album followed that theme, and featured two singles (with accompanying videos), "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" and "Pop Ya Collar, Pop Yo Collar" (featuring Wee Wee) which demonstrates "The Phat Daddy Pop", "In Pop Nito", "River Pop", "Deliver The Pop" and "Pop'n It Up" dance moves. The album, like its predecessor, failed to chart and would not sell as many copies as previous projects. Hammer did however promote it on such shows as ''The View (talk show), The View'' and produced a video for both singles. This patriotic album, originally planned to be titled ''The Autobiography Of M.C. Hammer'', donated portions of the proceeds to Financial assistance following the September 11 attacks, 9/11 charities. Hammer shot a video for the anthem "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" in Washington, D.C., with several members of the United States Congress, who sang in the song and danced in the video. Present members of the United States House of Representatives included J. C. Watts, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Thomas M. Davis, Earl Hilliard, Alcee Hastings, Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.), Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) and Jesse Jackson, Jr.


''Full Blast'' (2004)

After leaving Capitol Records and EMI for the second time in his career, M.C. Hammer decided to move his Oaktown imprint to an independent distributor and released his ninth studio album, ''Full Blast'' (which was completed in late 2003 and released as a complete album in early 2004). The album would feature no charting singles and was not certified by the RIAA. A video was produced for "Full Blast", a song that attacks Eminem and Busta Rhymes for previous disrespect towards him. Some of the original songs didn't end up making the final album release. Guest artists included The Stooge Playaz, Pleasure, Rain, JD Greer and DasIt.


''Look Look Look'' and ''Platinum MC Hammer'' (2006–2008)

After going Independent record label, independent, Hammer decided to create a Digital distribution, digital label to release his tenth studio album, ''Look Look Look.'' The album was released in February 2006 and featured production from Scott Storch. The album featured the title-track single (''Look Look Look'') and a
music video A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
. It would sell much better than his previous release (300,000 copies worldwide). "YAY" was produced by Lil Jon. "What Happened to Our Hood?" (featuring Sam Logan) was originally from ''Active Duty (album), Active Duty''. "I Got It From The Town" was used in the The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, movie but is only present in one scene instead of the originally planned two on ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift#Music, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (soundtrack)''. Between 2006 and 2007, Hammer released a military-inspired rap song with a political message to President George W. Bush about sending American troops back home from war, called "Bring Our Brothers Home". The video was filmed at the Santa Monica Pier. In 2008, ''MC Hammer discography#Compilation albums, Platinum MC Hammer'' was released by EMI Records. The compilation consists of 12 tracks from Hammer's previous albums, with a similar playlist as former "greatest hits" records (with the exception of including a remix of "MC Hammer discography#Singles, Hammer Hammer, They Put Me In A Mix" which includes rap lyrics that "Let's Get It Started (album), They Put Me In A Mix" originally did not). An import was released by
Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...
.


''DanceJamtheMusic'' (2008–2009)

Since his 2006 album, Hammer continued to produce music and released several other raps that appeared on his Social networking service, social websites (such as Myspace and Dancejam.com) or in commercials, with another album announced to be launched in late 2008 (via his own record label Fullblast Playhouse). Talks of the tour and a new album were expected in 2009. "MC Hammer discography#Singles, Getting Back to Hetton" was made public in 2008 as a Music download, digital single. It was a departure for Hammer, bringing in funky deep Soul music, soul and mixing it with a more House music, house style. Released through licence on Whippet Digital Recordings, media reviews were said to be "disappointing". However, the song "I Got Gigs" from this album was used in a 2009 ESPN commercial and performed during ''
Hammertime ''Hammertime'' is a 2009 American reality TV series that chronicles the daily life of rapper MC Hammer. The show debuted June 14, 2009 on the A&E Network and was produced by 3Ball Productions. The title is derived from a lyric in Hammer's 1990 hit ...
'' (as well as played while he danced just prior to introducing Soulja Boy#2007–08: Souljaboytellem.com and iSouljaBoyTellem, Soulja Boy during YouTube Live on November 22, 2008). Other tracks and videos from the album included: "I Go" (produced by Lil Jon), "Keep It In Vegas", "Lookin' Out The Window", "Dem Jeans" (by DASIT), "Stooge Karma Sutra" (by The Stooge Playaz) and "Tried to Luv U" (by DASIT featuring Pleasure Ellis). In February 2009, M.C. Hammer and
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
had a one-off concert at the UCCU Center, McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah. This concert aided in the promotion of Hammer's new music and television show. During the concert (as shown during an episode of ''Hammertime''), it was mentioned between the two rappers that this was their first headline show together in nearly 20 years, since the time when they were touring together at the peak of their hip-hop careers. Hammer said: "Contrary to popular belief, Ice and I are not only cool with each other, we are like long lost friends. I've known him since he was 16, before he had a record contract and before I had a record contract. It is a great reunion." Vanilla Ice said: "It's like no time has passed at all. We set the world on fire back in the day ... I'm so happy right now, the magic is here."


Most recent releases (2010–present)

Hammer has occasionally released singles over the past few years. Below are the most publicized:


"Better Run Run" (2010)

M.C. Hammer promised to release a diss track, track (expected on October 31, 2010) responding to a song by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z which attacked him. On the "So Appalled" track, which features Swizz Beatz and RZA, Jay-Z raps a verse targeting Hammer about his #Bankruptcy, lawsuits and media reaction, financial dilemma in the 1990s. On it Jay says: 'Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused / I lost 30 mil' so I spent another 30 / 'Cause unlike Hammer 30 million can't hurt me'. Hammer addressed his displeasure about the diss on Twitter, claiming he would react to Jay-Z on Halloween. Hammer released a sample of his "beef" with Jay-Z (aka 'Hell Boy' according to Hammer) in a brief teaser trailer called "Better Run Run" by 'King Hammer'. At one point, it was uncertain if his reaction would be a film video, a
music video A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
or a combination of both. Regardless, he claimed he would show evidence that 'Jigga worships the devil'. It's possible that Jay-Z was offended by an analogy Hammer was conveying in an earlier interview in response to "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" on AllHipHop. On November 1, Hammer's song with video called "Better Run Run!" hit the Internet, web in retaliation to Jay-Z's September 2010 diss towards him. M.C. accuses Jigga of being in league (and in the studio) with Satan—and then Hammer defeats the devil and forces Jay to be baptized. Speaking on the video, Jacob O'Gara of ''Ethos Magazine'' wrote: "What's more likely is that this feud is the last chapter in the tragic cautionary tale of M.C. Hammer, a tale that serves as a warning to all present and future kings of hip-hop. Keep your balance on the pedestal and wear the crown strong or you'll have the Devil to pay." In an interview with BBC's DJ Semtex, Jay said he didn't mean the verses as a personal attack. "I didn't know that [Hammer's financial status] wasn't on the table for discussion!" he said. "I didn't know I was the first person ever to say that..." He continued, "When I say things, I think people believe me so much that they take it a different way — it's, like, not rap anymore at that point. I say some great things about him in the book I have coming out [''Decoded''] — that wasn't a cheap plug," he laughed. "He's gonna be embarrassed, I said some really great things about him and people's perception of him. But it is what it is, he took it that wrong way, and I didn't know I said anything wrong!"


"See Her Face" (2011)

On February 3, 2011, M.C. Hammer appeared on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'' premiering the track "See Her Face" via Flipboard. It was the first time Flipboard included music in the application.


"Raider Nation" and "All in My Mind" (2013–2014)

Among other songs, Hammer released "Raider Nation (Oakland Raiders Anthem)" along with a video in late 2013 and "All in My Mind" (which samples "Summer Breeze (song)#Isley Brothers version, Summer Breeze" by The Isley Brothers) in early 2014, with his newly formed group Oakland Fight Club (featuring Mistah F.A.B.).


"Help the Children" (2017)

Hammer released an updated version of his Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, 1990 charting song with a short film video in late 2017.


Additional business ventures

In 1991, M.C. Hammer established Oaktown Stable that would eventually have nineteen Horse racing#Thoroughbred racing in the United States, Thoroughbred racehorses. That year, his outstanding filly Lite Light won several Grade I stakes races including the prestigious Kentucky Oaks. His D. Wayne Lukas-trained colt Dance Floor (horse), Dance Floor won the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and the Breeders' Futurity Stakes in 1991, then the following year won the Fountain of Youth Stakes and finished 3rd in the 1992 Kentucky Derby. He continues to attend shows as well as many sporting events alongside celebrities. In the late 1990s into the early 2000s, along with a new clothing line called J Slick, Hammer began creating and working on M.C. Hammer USA, an interactive online portal. In 2002, Hammer signed a book contract with publishing company Simon & Schuster which called for a release the following year. However, a manuscript for an inspirational book called ''Enemies of the Father: Messages from the Heart on Being a Family Man'' (addressing the situation of African American men), for which Hammer received advance money to write, was never submitted in 2003. This resulted in Hammer being sued by the book company over claims that he never finished the book as promised. The company's March 2009 lawsuit sought return of the US$61,000 advance given to Hammer for the unwritten book about fatherhood. Hammer was a popular Business magnate, web mogul and activism, activist, becoming involved in several Internet projects (including TechCrunch40 conferences). In 2007, Hammer was co-founder and chief strategy officer of Menlo Park, California, Menlo Park-based (Silicon Valley) DanceJam.com along with Geoffrey Arone. The community site (valued at $4.5 million) was exclusively dedicated to dancing video competitions, techniques and styles which Hammer sometimes judged or rated. After receiving $4.5 million in total equity funding, the site closed on January 1, 2011. In July 2010, Hammer started a mixed martial arts management company to manage, market, promote and brand-build for fighters. Artists included Nate Marquardt, Tim Kennedy (fighter), Tim F. Kennedy and Vladimir Matyushenko, among others. According to MMAWeekly.com and American City Business Journals, Bizjournals, his new company was Alchemist Management based in Los Angeles, managing at least ten fighters. That same month, Hammer also announced an apparel line called Alchemist Clothing. The brand described as colorful lifestyle clothing debuted during an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight in Austin, Texas, Austin. Middleweight fighter Nate "The Great" Marquardt wore an Alchemist shirt as he walked out to the boxing ring. Hammer had shown an interest in boxing throughout his career. On September 28, 2010, M.C. Hammer headlined at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference for an official after-hours party.MC Hammer Rocks A Perfect Day At TechCrunch Disrupt
techcrunch.com
Hammer appeared on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'' in February 2011 to discuss his tech-media-mogul status, as well as his creation, demonstration and consulting of social applications/sites/media (such as having an involvement with the Internet since 1994 including
YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...
and Twitter), and devices such as iPad and ZAGGmate by Zagg. He also explained how employing/helping so many people in the past never really caused him to be broke in terms of the average person, as the media made it seem, nor would he have changed any experiences that has led him to where he is today. During the "Whatever Happened to M.C. Hammer" episode, he discussed his current home, family and work life as well. In October 2011, Hammer announced a new internet venture called WireDoo, a "deep search engine" that planned to compete with the major search engines, Google and Microsoft Bing, Bing. With the motto, "Search once and see what's related", Hammer's team planned to eventually open up the site to a select number of Beta version#Beta, beta testers. However, WireDoo never left beta mode.


Television and film career

M.C. Hammer Film producer, produced and starred in his own movie, '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie'' (1990). The film is about a rapper returning to his hometown who defeats a drug lord using kids to Illegal drug trade, traffic his product. For this project, Hammer earned a Grammy Award for Best Music Film, Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards#Music video, 33rd Grammy Awards (having been nominated for two). He later produced ''MC Hammer: 2 Legit (The Videos)'', which included many actors and athletes. Hammer appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies such as
Pepsi Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink manufactured by PepsiCo. Originally created and developed in 1893 by Caleb Bradham and introduced as Brad's Drink, it was renamed as Pepsi-Cola in 1898, and then shortened to Pepsi in 1961. History Pepsi wa ...
, KFC, Toshiba, British Knights and Taco Bell during the height of his career. In 1991, Hammer hosted, sang/rapped and Voice acting, voiced a
Saturday-morning cartoon "Saturday-morning cartoon" is a colloquial term for the original animated series programming that was typically scheduled on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the United States on the "Big Three" television networks. The genre's popularity had a br ...
called '' Hammerman''. That same year, he and Bust It Productions (including
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
, Special Generation and Ho Frat Hoo!) appeared in concert from New Orleans on
BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los ...
. Hammer has made Cameo appearance, cameos and/or performed on many television shows such as ''Saturday Night Live'' (as host and musical guest), ''Amen (TV series), Amen'' and ''Martin (TV series), Martin''. He also made a cameo in the 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger film ''Last Action Hero''. Hammer would also go on to appear as himself on ''The History of Rock 'N' Roll, Vol. 5'' (1995). Additionally, he has been involved in movies as an actor such as, ''One Tough Bastard'' (1996), ''Reggie's Prayer'' (1996), the Showtime (TV network), Showtime film ''The Right Connections'' (1997), ''Deadly Rhapsody'' (2001), ''Finishing the Game'' (2007) and ''1040 (film), 1040'' (2010), as well as a television and movie producer. Despite his financial status being publicly attacked, after meeting at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas in April 2001, Hammer (credited as a producer) provided the much needed funding to filmmaker Justin Lin for ''Better Luck Tomorrow'' (2002). In its first ever film acquisition, MTV Films eventually acquired ''Better Luck Tomorrow'' after it debuted at The Sundance Film Festival. The director said, "Out of desperation, I called up MC Hammer because he had read the script and liked it. Two hours later, he wired the money we needed into a bank account and saved us." Hammer appeared in two cable television movies. At the age of 39, he was one of the producers for the VH1 movie ''Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story'', starring Romany Malco and Tangi Miller as his wife, which aired on December 19, 2001. The film is a biopic which chronicles the rise and fall of the artist. ''2 Legit To Quit: The Life Story of M.C. Hammer'' became the second highest-rated original movie in the history of VH1 and broadcast simultaneously on BET. "The whole script came from me," says Hammer, "I sat down with a writer and gave him all the information." In 2003, Hammer appeared on The WB's first season of ''The Surreal Life'', a reality show known for assembling an eclectic mix of celebrities to live together. He was also a Competitive dance#Judging, dance judge on the 2003 ABC family, ABC Family TV series ''
Dance Fever ''Dance Fever'' is an American musical variety television series that aired weekly in syndication from January 1979 to September 1987. The series was technically created by Merv Griffin but his agent Murray Schwartz actually conceived the idea o ...
''. Additionally, he appeared on VH1's ''And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop'' (2004) as well as in ''100 Greatest Songs of the 90s'' (2008), a countdown which he was also commentator on. His eldest child, A'Keiba Burrell, was a contestant on MTV's ''Rock the Cradle'' in April 2008 (which Hammer also made appearances on). Hammer had shown an interest in having his own reality show with specific television networks at one point. Already being a part of shows for VH1 and The WB (''I Married... M.C. Hammer'' and ''The Surreal Life''), it was later confirmed he would appear in ''
Hammertime ''Hammertime'' is a 2009 American reality TV series that chronicles the daily life of rapper MC Hammer. The show debuted June 14, 2009 on the A&E Network and was produced by 3Ball Productions. The title is derived from a lyric in Hammer's 1990 hit ...
'' on A&E (TV network), A&E in the summer of 2009. This reality show was about his personal, business and family life. The following year, Hammer appeared on ''Live with Kelly and Ryan#2001–11: Live! with Regis and Kelly, Live with Regis and Kelly'' June 3, 2009, to promote his show which began June 14, 2009, at 10 PM Eastern Time Zone (EST). In August 2008, a new
ESPN ESPN (originally an initialism for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., owned jointly by The Walt Disney Company (80%) and Hearst Communications (20%). The ...
ad featured Hammer in it, showcasing his single "I Got Gigs'" (from his ''#DanceJamtheMusic (2008–2009), DanceJamtheMusic'' album). The commercial was for ''Monday Night Footballs upcoming football season. This is not the first commercial in more recent years that Hammer has been in, or his songs/raps/dancing was used for and included in such as Lay's, Hallmark Cards, Purell, Lysol, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Citibank, etc. On February 1, 2009, Hammer and Ed McMahon were featured in a Super Bowl XLIII commercial for Cash4Gold. In addition to appearing in television commercials, M.C. Hammer's music has also been used in television shows and movies, especially "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
" during: ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' (1990), ''Hot Shots!'' (1990), ''The Super (1991 film), The Super'' (1991), ''Doogie Howser, M.D.'' (1992), ''Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood'' (1996), ''Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle'' (2003), ''Into the Wild (film), Into the Wild'' (2007), ''Tropic Thunder'' (2008), ''Dancing with the Stars'' (2009), ''Glee (TV series), Glee'' (2010) and many more. Additionally, "This Is What We Do" was a 1990 track by Hammer (featuring
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
) for the ''
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' is an American media franchise created by the comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It follows Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael, four anthropomorphic turtle brothers (named after It ...
'' film and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, soundtrack. Tracks "That's What I Said" and "
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
" were used for the ''
Rocky V ''Rocky V'' is a 1990 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen (the first time since the first film of the franchise), written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the sequel to ''Rocky IV'' (1985) and is the fifth install ...
'' film and Rocky V (album), soundtrack. Some examples of other raps by Hammer used in movies and television were: "
Addams Groove "Addams Groove" is a single performed by hip-hop artist Hammer that was released as the theme song to the 1991 film ''The Addams Family''. It was the second single from his 1991 album, ''Too Legit to Quit'', included in the track list for the cass ...
" (''
The Addams Family ''The Addams Family'' is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 unrelated single-panel cartoons, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' over ...
''), "
Pray Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a deity or a deified a ...
" (''License to Wed''), "
2 Legit 2 Quit "2 Legit 2 Quit" is a song by Hammer featuring Saja (a.k.a. Sonia Moore), released on September 5, 1991 as the first single from his fourth studio album, ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991). Music video The music video was directed by Rupert Wainwrigh ...
" (''Hot Rod (2007 film), Hot Rod''), "I Got It From The Town" (''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift''), "Help Lord, Won't You Come" ('' Kingdom Come''), "Let's Go Deeper" (''Beverly Hills, 90210'') and "Straight to My Feet" (''
Street Fighter , commonly abbreviated as ''SF'' or スト (''Suto''), is a Japanese media franchise centered on a series of fighting video and arcade games developed and published by Capcom. The first game in the series was released in 1987, followed by six ...
''), among others. Along with Betty White, Hammer was a voice actor on the September 17, 2010 episode of ''Glenn Martin, DDS'' called "List of Glenn Martin, DDS episodes, Step-Brother". In 2016, MC Hammer appeared as himself in an episode of ''Uncle Grandpa'' on Cartoon Network. In June 2017, Hammer appeared during ''Beat Shazam'' on Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox. Hammer has most recently been a spokesman for 3M, 3M Command Strips and Starburst (candy), Starburst. In September 2020, Hammer appeared on ''The Greatest AtHome Videos'' via Zoom (software), Zoom.


Dancer, choreographer and entertainer

M.C. Hammer's History of hip hop dance#Social dancing, dance style not only helped pave the way for the
San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco Bay Area, often referred to as simply the Bay Area, is a populous region surrounding the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bay estuaries in Northern California. The Bay Area is defined by the Association of Bay Area Go ...
movement called hyphy, but also helped to bring hip-hop and rap to the Bay Area. His dancing skills are still taught to this day. With his popular trademark Hammer pants, one phenomenal difference from Hammer versus other performers during his heyday was that he was an entertainer, both during live shows and in music videos. His flamboyant dancing was as much a part of his performances as rapping and musical instruments were. With high-energy dance routines, he is often considered one of the greatest dancers. While adding his own techniques, Hammer adopted styles from James Brown and Nicholas Brothers such as the Split (gymnastics), splits, as well as feverishly choreographed dance routines including Split leap, leaps and slide (dance), slides. His creation of such dances as the "Hammer dance" (or the "typewriter dance") and "the bump" from "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
", as well as the "Running man (dance), running man" and the "butterfly", made his flashy and creative dance skills unlike any others at the time. Hammer's Showmanship (performing), showmanship and elaborate stage Choreography (dance), choreography (involving fifteen dancers, twelve backup singers, seven live musicians and two disc jockeys), gave him a powerful visual appeal. Hammer was the first rap artist to put together a choreographed show of this type, and his visual flair attracted heavy airplay for his videos on MTV, which at the time had a predominantly white viewership that had aired little rap music before Hammer. During a 1990 visit from Hammer (accompanied by his friend Fab Five Freddy) on ''Yo! MTV Raps'', one of the dancers whom Hammer was holding auditions for was then-unknown Jennifer Lopez. At the height of his career, Hammer had his legs insured for a substantial amount of money (into the millions), as mentioned in an interview by Maria Shriver in 1990. He later suffered an injury to his knee that halted his dancing career for a period of time. Eventually,
BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los ...
ranked Hammer as the 7th Best Dancer of All Time. Some of Hammer's entourage, or "posse" as he called them, were also trained/skilled dancers (including Tiffany Patterson). They participated in videos and at concerts, yet too many dancers and band members eventually contributed to Hammer's downfall, proving to be too much for him to finance. Hammer stayed active in the dance media/genre, both on television shows and as co-founder of DanceJam.com (which showcased dance competitions and instructional videos on all the latest dance styles) until he and his partner Geoffrey Arone sold it to Grind Networks. Well known for bringing choreography to hip-hop, many of his dancing skills can still be seen on dance-focused and social networking sites. "Dance is unlike any other social medium. It's the core of our culture", Burrell told ''Wired (magazine), Wired''. In addition to his websites and Internet presence, Hammer has also appeared demonstrating much of his dancing abilities on talk shows such as ''
The Arsenio Hall Show ''The Arsenio Hall Show'' is an American syndicated late-night talk show created by and starring comedian Arsenio Hall. There have been two different incarnations of ''The Arsenio Hall Show''. The original series premiered on January 3, 1989, ...
'', ''Soul Train'', ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' (performing List of Late Night with Conan O'Brien sketches#Celebrity Secrets, O'Brien's famous "String dance#Monologue digressions, string dance" together as well), ''
The Ellen DeGeneres Show ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' (often shortened to ''Ellen'' or ''The Ellen Show'') is an American daytime television variety comedy talk show that was created and hosted by its namesake Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it was prod ...
'' and ''The View (talk show), The View''. Hammer was also a Competitive dance#Judging, dance judge on ''
Dance Fever ''Dance Fever'' is an American musical variety television series that aired weekly in syndication from January 1979 to September 1987. The series was technically created by Merv Griffin but his agent Murray Schwartz actually conceived the idea o ...
''. On June 3, 2009, he performed his "Hammer dance" on ''Live with Kelly and Ryan#2001–11: Live! with Regis and Kelly, Live with Regis and Kelly'' with Will Ferrell as co-host. While Hammer may have challenged and competed with
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
during the height of his career, they were friends, proven by a phone call Hammer had with Jackson about his "Too Legit to Quit" video which he shared on ''
The Wendy Williams Show ''The Wendy Williams Show'' (often shortened to ''Wendy'') is an American syndicated talk show created and hosted by Wendy Williams, and produced by Wendy Williams Productions, along with Perler Productions. The show is distributed by Debmar- ...
'' in July 2009. Hammer wanted to ensure he was not offended by the ending of the video where a purported Michael Jackson (seen only from behind) does the "2 Legit 2 Quit" hand gesture with his famous glove. They also appeared together at the funeral service for James Brown in 2006, where Hammer danced in honor of the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Godfather of Soul". After Jackson's death, Hammer posted his remembrance and sympathy of the superstar on Twitter. Michael's friend and fellow pop culture icon Hammer told Spinner (website), Spinner that, "now that the "King of Pop" has passed, it's the duty of his fans and loved ones to carry Jackson's creative torch." He went on to say, "Michael Jackson lit the fuse that ignited the spirit of dance in us all. He gave us a song and a sweet melody that will never die. Now we all carry his legacy with joy and pride." In 2022, Bobby Brown claimed he started wearing the "Hammer pants, diaper pants" that Hammer altered and made famous, on his A&E (TV network), A&E show ''Bobby Brown#Acting and television career, Bobby Brown: Every Little Step''. However, Brown wore a less sagging variation during some concerts and in music videos, such as "My Prerogative" (1988) and "Every Little Step" (1989).


Personal life

At the time of his first album, M.C. Hammer opened his own music management firm. As a result of the success of his third album, ''
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley. The album ...
'', Hammer had amassed approximately US$33 million. In 1997, Hammer sold his Fremont, California estate and mansion for US$5.3 million, after filing for bankruptcy in 1996. Hammer most recently resided in a large Ranch-style house, ranch-style abode home, situated on a two-acre corner lot in Tracy, California, with his wife Stephanie. They met at a church revival meeting and married December 21, 1985. They have three sons and two daughters, and also raised Hammer's nephew. It was reported in July 2012 that Hammer was encouraged to marry Whitney Houston by her father at the Super Bowl in 1991. Hammer frequently posted about his life and activities on his blog "Look Look Look", as well as other Social networking service, social websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter (being one of the earliest celebrities to contribute and join). A self-described "super geek" who consulted for or investing in eight technology companies, Hammer claimed to spend 10–12 hours daily working on his technology projects, and tweeted 30-40 times a day as of 2012. He has been noted as a popularizer and defender of philosophy in his social media posts. Hammer was an Testimonial, endorser of the California Proposition 34 (2012), SAFE California Act, which, if passed in November 2012, would have replaced the Capital punishment, death penalty. However, the proposition was defeated.


Bankruptcy, lawsuits, and media reaction

Contrary to public rumor, Hammer claimed he was really never "down-and-out" as reported by the media (eventually expressed on ''Opie and Anthony, The Opie & Anthony Show'' and ''
The Ellen DeGeneres Show ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' (often shortened to ''Ellen'' or ''The Ellen Show'') is an American daytime television variety comedy talk show that was created and hosted by its namesake Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it was prod ...
'' in 2009). Originally having an estimated net worth of over $33 million according to ''Forbes'' magazine, speculations about Hammer's status first emerged during delays between albums ''
Too Legit to Quit ''Too Legit to Quit'' is the fourth studio album by Hammer (after removing M.C. from his name), released on October 29, 1991. Produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate, the album was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records. ''Too Legit to Q ...
'' and ''
The Funky Headhunter ''The Funky Headhunter'' is the fifth studio album by Hammer, released on March 1, 1994, via Giant Records and Reprise Records. The album at the time was hailed as Hammer's comeback album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the ...
'', with Hammer having spent much of his money on staff and personal luxuries. In addition to excessive spending while supporting friends and family, Hammer ultimately became over $13 million in debt – due to dwindling album sales, unpaid loans, a large payroll and a lavish lifestyle. Therefore, Hammer eventually filed for Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code, Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Oakland, California, on April 1, 1996. The case was converted to Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code, Chapter 7 on September 23, 1998. However, Hammer was denied a bankruptcy discharge on April 23, 2002. Hammer's Mansion#Size, mansion was sold for a fraction of its former price. "My priorities were out of order," he told ''
Ebony Ebony is a dense black/brown hardwood, coming from several species in the genus '' Diospyros'', which also contains the persimmons. Unlike most woods, ebony is dense enough to sink in water. It is finely textured and has a mirror finish when ...
''. He said: "My priorities should have always been God, family, community and then business. Instead they had been business, business and business." Along with
Felton Pilate Felton C. Pilate II (born November 5, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as a member of the 1970s and 1980s funk- R&B band, Con Funk Shun. Pilate is also notable for the songs and ...
and other group members,
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
sued Hammer for infringement of copyright on "U Can't Touch This", but the suit was settled out of court when Hammer agreed to credit James as co-composer, effectively cutting James in on the millions of dollars the record was earning. By the late 1990s, Hammer seemed to stabilize himself and made himself ready to undertake new projects. In 1992, Hammer had admitted in depositions and court documents to getting the idea for the song "Here Comes the Hammer" from a Contemporary Christian music, Christian recording artist in Dallas, Texas, Dallas named Kevin Christian. Christian had filed a 16-million-dollar lawsuit against Hammer for copyright infringement of his song entitled "Oh-Oh, You Got the Shing". This fact, compounded with witness testimony from both Hammer's and Christian's entourages, and other evidence (including photos), brought about a settlement with
Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...
in 1994. The terms of the settlement remain sealed. Hammer settled with Christian the following year. In 1997, just prior to beginning his ministry, Hammer (who by that time had re-adopted "M.C.") was the subject of an episode of ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'' and the VH1 series ''Behind the Music'' (music from his album '' Inside Out'' was featured in this documentary). In these appearances, Burrell admitted "that [he] had already used up most of [his] fortune of over $20 million, proving that money is nothing if it doesn't bring peace and if priorities are wrong". He would go on to express a similar point in other interviews as well. During numerous interviews on radio stations and television channels throughout the years, Hammer was constantly questioned about his bankruptcy. During an interview by WKQI-FM (95.5) for the promotion of his "Pioneers Of Hip Hop 2009" gig at the Fox Theatre (Detroit, Michigan), Fox Theatre in Detroit (which featured 2 Live Crew, Naughty by Nature, Too Short, Biz Markie and Roxanne Shanté), Hammer was asked about his finances by the ''Mojo in the Morning'' host. Hammer responded on Twitter, saying that Mojo was a "coward" and threatened to cancel commercials for his upcoming show. On November 21, 2011, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in California against Hammer to obtain a court judgment on his unpaid taxes for years 1996 and 1997. In December 2011, this litigation was reported in the media. Hammer owed $779,585 in back taxes from his earnings dating back to 1996–1997; during the years, Hammer was believed to be facing his worst financial problems. After years of public and media ridicule regarding his financial problem, Hammer tried to assure fans and "naysayers" via Twitter, saying that he had proof he had already taken care of his debt with the IRS. "700k – Don't get too excited .. I paid them already and kept my receipt. Stamped by a US Federal Judge", Hammer tweeted from his account @MCHammer. However, the District Court ruled against Hammer. He appealed, but, on December 17, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected Hammer's argument that because the government had not listed those taxes in the government's proof of claim filed with the Bankruptcy Court, the government should be stopped from collecting the taxes. According to a 2017 episode of the Reelz TV series ''Broke & Famous'', the situation was eventually resolved."MC Hammer: Broke & Famous". ''Broke & Famous''. Exec. Prod. Joe Houlihan and Simon Lloyd. Reelz, September 29, 2017. Television. As of the making of the aforementioned ''Broke & Famous'' episode, Hammer had a reported net worth of $1.5 million.


Obstruction charges

M.C. Hammer was arrested in 2013 in Dublin, California, for allegedly Obstruction of justice, obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties and resisting an officer (according to Stop and identify statutes, "stop and identify" statutes). Hammer claims he was a victim of racial profiling by the police, stating an officer pulled out his gun and randomly asked him: "Are you on parole or probation?" Hammer stated that as he handed over his Identity document, ID, the officer reached inside the car and tried to pull him out. Police in Dublin, east of Oakland, said Hammer was "blasting music" in a vehicle with expired Vehicle registration, registration and he was not the registered owner. "After asking Hammer who the registered owner was, he became very argumentative and refused to answer the officer's questions," police spokesman Herb Walters typed in an e-mail to CNN. Hammer was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. A court date was scheduled, however, all charges were dropped in early March. Hammer tweeted that he was not bitter and considered what happened "a teachable moment."


Christian beliefs and ministry

In 1984, Burrell began attending Bible study (Christianity), Bible studies, joined a street ministry, and formed a Gospel music, gospel rap group with Jon Gibson (or J.G.) known as the #Music and entertainment career, Holy Ghost Boy(s). In 1986, Burrell and
Tramaine Hawkins Tramaine Aunzola Richardson , (nee’ Davis) known professionally as Tramaine Hawkins (born October 11, 1951), is an American award–winning Gospel singer whose career spans over five decades. Since beginning her career in 1966, Hawkins has won ...
performed with Gibson's band in concerts at various venues, such as the Beverly Theatre in
Beverly Hills Beverly Hills is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. A notable and historic suburb of Greater Los Angeles, it is in a wealthy area immediately southwest of the Hollywood Hills, approximately northwest of downtown Los Angeles. ...
. Several MC Hammer discography#Additional tracks, songs were recorded together, Musical collaboration, collaborating on "The Wall" from Gibson's album ''Change of Heart'' (1988), prior to Hammer's mainstream success. This was CCM's first rap hit by a blue-eyed soul singer and/or duo. Burrell also produced "Son of the King" at that time, releasing it on his debut album ''
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
'' (1986). Raised Pentecostal, Hammer strayed from his Christianity, Christian faith during his success, before returning to ministry. His awareness of this can be found in a film he wrote and starred in called '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie'' (1990), in which he also plays the charismatic preacher character named "Reverend Pressure". Nonetheless, as a tribute to his faith, Hammer vowed/promised to dedicate at least one song on each album to God. During 1991, Hammer was featured on the single "The Blood" from the
BeBe & CeCe Winans BeBe & CeCe Winans are an American gospel music brother and sister duo. BeBe and CeCe Winans are the seventh and eighth of the Winans family's ten children, most of whom have had gospel music careers. Together, they have received several awards ...
album, '' Different Lifestyles''. In 1992, the song peaked at No. 8 on the Christian charts. Hammer later reaffirmed his beliefs in October 1997, and began a Televangelism, television ministry called ''M.C. Hammer and Friends'' on the
Trinity Broadcasting Network The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is an international Christian-based broadcast television network and the world's largest religious television network. TBN was headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, until March 3, 2017, when it sold its ...
, as well as appearing on ''Praise (TV program), Praise the Lord'' programs where he went public about his devotion to ministry as an
ordained Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform va ...
Minister (Christianity), minister. Hammer Officiant, officiated at the celebrity weddings of actor Corey Feldman and Susie Sprague on October 30, 2002 (as seen on VH1's ''The Surreal Life''), and also at Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil and Lia Gerardini's wedding in January 2005. During an interview on TBN (between 1997 and 1998), Hammer claimed he adopted the "M.C." back into his name which now stood for 'Man of Christ'. Hammer continued to preach while still making music, running a social media business and Hammertime, television show, and devotes time to prison and youth ministries. From 2009 to 2010, Hammer joined Jaeson Ma at a Revival meeting, crusade in Asia. Minister and mentor to Ma for more than a decade, Hammer assisted and co-starred in his documentary film ''1040 (film), 1040'', which explores the spread of Christianity in Asia, Christianity throughout Asia.


Legacy and pop culture fame

Widely considered the first "mainstream" rapper, Hammer continues to entertain while sharing his legacy with other rappers (as cited on BET, BET.com). Hammer became a fixture of the television airwaves and the big screen, with his music being used in many popular shows, movies and commercials still to this day. Hammer appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies to the point that he was criticized as a "
sellout "Selling out", or "sold out" in the past tense, is a common expression for the compromising of a person's integrity, morality, authenticity, or principles by forgoing the long-term benefits of the collective or group in exchange for personal ga ...
", including commercials for British Knights during the height of his career. The shoe company signed him to a $138 million deal. Hammer's impression on the music industry appeared almost as instantaneously as
Digital Underground Digital Underground was an American alternative hip hop group from Oakland, California. Their personnel changed and rotated with each album and tour. Digital Underground's leader and mainstay was Gregory " Shock G" Jacobs (also known as Humpty H ...
's rap "The Humpty Dance," which was released when Hammer was still early in his career and included the lyrics "People say ya look like M.C. Hammer on Crack cocaine, crack, Humpty!", boasting about Hammer's showmanship (performing), showmanship versus Humpty Hump (Shock G)'s inability to match it in dance. Additionally, Hammer had several List of most expensive music videos, costly videos, two in particular were "Too Legit to Quit" or "
2 Legit 2 Quit "2 Legit 2 Quit" is a song by Hammer featuring Saja (a.k.a. Sonia Moore), released on September 5, 1991 as the first single from his fourth studio album, ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991). Music video The music video was directed by Rupert Wainwrigh ...
" (in which many celebrities appeared) and "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, Here Comes the Hammer". Hammer is well known for his Hip hop fashion#Late 1980s to early 1990s, fashion style during the late 80s and early 90s. Hammer would tour, perform and record with his hype man 2 Bigg MC or Too Big (releasing a song in which he claimed "He's the King of the Hype"). This duo introduced the "shiny suit" and popularized Hammer pants to mainstream America, as seen in videos such as "(Hammer Hammer) They Put Me In A Mix", in which Hammer also claimed Too Big was the "King of Hype" and in an unspoken competition with Flavor Flav (hype man for Public Enemy (band), Public Enemy) during the height of their careers. Hammer also established a children's foundation, which first started in Hammer's own community, called Help The Children (HTC was named after and based on his Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em#Album details, song by the same name which included a music video with a storyline from his film '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie''). A Sesame Street segment features Elmo taking on the persona of M.C. Hammer; nicknaming himself "MC Elmo" and along with two backup singers they rap a song about the number five called "Five Jive". In 1994, British TV presenter Mark Lamarr interrupted Hammer repeatedly with Hammer's catch phrase ("Stop! Hammer Time!") in an interview filmed for ''The Word (TV series), The Word'', which he took in good humor. He claimed Hammer was a "living legend". It was also within this interview that Hammer explained the truth about his relationship with "gangsta rap" and that he was merely changing with the times, not holding onto his old image nor becoming a "hardcore gangsta". By some accounts, this change contributed to his decline in popularity. In 2005, Hammer appeared in a commercial for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company which made a humorous reference to his career. First he is shown in his distinctive clothing with his dance troupe performing "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
" in front of a mansion representative of his former house with a monogram H on the gable. Then there is silence and a screen card saying "Fifteen Minutes Later" appears with a view of Hammer sadly sitting on the curb in front of the same house as a crane removes the monogram H and tow trucks pull away sports cars that were parked in front. After a large "Foreclosed" sign appears, the voice-over said "Life comes at you fast. Be ready with Nationwide!" In 2006, M.C. Hammer's music catalog (approximately 40,000 songs) was sold to the music company BMG Rights Management, Evergreen/BMG for nearly $3 million. Evergreen explained that the collection was "some of the best-selling and most popular rap songs of all time." Speaking for David Schulhof#Evergreen Copyrights, Evergreen Copyrights, David Schulhof stated the songs "will emerge as a perfect fit for licensing in movies, television shows, and corporate advertising." According to VH1, "Hammer was on the money. Hit singles and videos like "U Can't Touch This" and "Too Legit To Quit" created a template of lavish performance values that many rap artists still follow today." In March 2009, Ellen DeGeneres made plans for Hammer to be on her show (''
The Ellen DeGeneres Show ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' (often shortened to ''Ellen'' or ''The Ellen Show'') is an American daytime television variety comedy talk show that was created and hosted by its namesake Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it was prod ...
'') after he contacted her via Twitter. Hammer continued to give media interviews, such as being a guest on ''Chelsea Lately'' on June 16, 2009. There he discussed his relationship with
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
, his stint on ''The Surreal Life#Season 1, The Surreal Life'', his show ''
Hammertime ''Hammertime'' is a 2009 American reality TV series that chronicles the daily life of rapper MC Hammer. The show debuted June 14, 2009 on the A&E Network and was produced by 3Ball Productions. The title is derived from a lyric in Hammer's 1990 hit ...
'', his family, his mansion, about him being in shape, his positive financial status and other "colorful topics" (subliminal message, subliminal jokes) regarding his baggy pants. In 2010, Rick Ross released "MC Hammer" from the ''Teflon Don (album), Teflon Don'' album which Teflon Don (album)#Track listing, samples Hammer's "
2 Legit 2 Quit "2 Legit 2 Quit" is a song by Hammer featuring Saja (a.k.a. Sonia Moore), released on September 5, 1991 as the first single from his fourth studio album, ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991). Music video The music video was directed by Rupert Wainwrigh ...
". To celebrate Hammer's 50th birthday, San Francisco game maker Zynga offered up some recent player's ''Draw Something'' drawings from his fans. Other sources/services offered "props" on behalf of his special occasion and to show appreciation for his memorable persona/gimmicks used during the peak of his career. In 2012, Slaughterhouse (group), Slaughterhouse released a Slaughterhouse discography#Singles, single called "Hammer Dance", along with a Slaughterhouse discography#Music videos, video. "Hammer Dance" was the Welcome to: Our House#Singles, lead single from the ''Welcome to: Our House'' album. During the 2013 Oakland Athletics season, the "2 Legit 2 Quit" music video played on the Diamond Vision in between innings, usually during the middle of the 8th inning. The video featured prominent players from the
San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco Bay Area, often referred to as simply the Bay Area, is a populous region surrounding the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bay estuaries in Northern California. The Bay Area is defined by the Association of Bay Area Go ...
's sports championships, such as former Oakland Athletics, A's players Jose Canseco and National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, hall of fame inductee Rickey Henderson. Hammer appeared in a Cheetos commercial during the Super Bowl in 2020, the 30th anniversary of "U Can't Touch This".


Influences and effect

M.C. Hammer's career in rap and entertainment has influenced and been influenced by such artists as: Kool Moe Dee; Big Daddy Kane; James Brown; Prince (musician), Prince;
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
; Kurtis Blow; Earth, Wind & Fire;
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
;
Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh (born September 17, 1966) is a Barbados-born American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the "Human Beat Box". The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines an ...
, who joined Hammer's Bust It Records label in 1992 and issued the album ''
Doin' What I Gotta Do ''Doin' What I Gotta Do'' is the third album by Doug E. Fresh. It was released May 5, 1992, on Bust It Records, a sub-label of Capitol Records set up by MC Hammer, and was produced by Doug E. Fresh. Compared to his previous two albums, both of whi ...
'' with the track "Bustin' Out (On Funk)" sampling the
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
single "Bustin' Out"; Run-DMC; and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Hammer was followed by related musicians such as Will Smith, dc Talk, BB Jay, Sean Combs, Diddy (aka "Puffy" or "Puff Daddy"), Young MC,
B Angie B Angela Roxanna Boyd (born March 9, 1968), known by the stage name B Angie B, is a rhythm and blues vocalist and dancer. Boyd was notable as a backing vocalist and protégé for MC Hammer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, she recorde ...
, M.C. Brains, MC Breed, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, C+C Music Factory, Mystikal, Bell Biv DeVoe, Kris Kross, Ho Frat Hoo!, and Oaktown's 357. Hammer also influenced the music industry with popular culture, pop culture catchphrases and slang. Some critics complained of a lack of originality in Hammer's early productions. ''Entertainment Weekly'' described "
U Can't Touch This "U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Alon ...
" as 'shamelessly copying its propulsive riff from Rick James ("Super Freak"). Hammer admits, "When I look at Puffy with a choir, I say, 'Sure that's a take-off of what I do." Notable battle rap, feuds and beefs Hammer had with other rappers included: LL Cool J,
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
, Too Short, Redman, 3rd Bass, Jay-Z, Eminem,
A Tribe Called Quest A Tribe Called Quest was an American hip hop group formed in Queens, New York City, in 1985,Q-Tip
, and Run-DMC. Several Diss (music), diss tracks were featured on his albums, including '' Let's Get It Started'' and ''The Funky Headhunter#Track listing, The Funky Headhunter''.


Award recipient, appearances and recognition

Throughout the years, Hammer has been awarded for his music, videos and
choreography Choreography is the art or practice of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies (or their depictions) in which Motion (physics), motion or Visual appearance, form or both are specified. ''Choreography'' may also refer to the design ...
. He has sold more than List of best-selling music artists#10 million to 74 million records, 50 million records worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards (one with
Rick James James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in ...
and Alonzo Miller) for Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, Best Rhythm and Blues Song (1990), Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Solo (1990) and Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video, Best Music Video: Long Form (1990) taken from '' Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie''. He also received eight American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, an NAACP Image Awards and the ''Billboard Music Award, Billboard'' Music recording sales certification, Diamond Award (the first for a hip hop artist). The Juno Award for International Album of the Year, International Album of the Year validated Hammer's talent as a world-class entertainer. Additionally, Hammer was also honored with a Soul Train Music Award (Sammy Davis, Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year) in 1991. He has also been a presenter/performer at Soul Train's Music Awards several times, including The 5th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1991), The 9th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1995) and Soul Train's 25th Anniversary (1995). Hammer appeared on gospel music's Stellar Awards show in 1997 and spoke of his renewed commitment to God. In the same interview, he promised to unveil the "second leg" of his career. During the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, Hammer made a surprise appearance in the middle of the show with best friend Jermaine Jackson. Hammer gave his support to Warren Beatty by attending the 36th AFI Life Achievement Awards on June 12, 2008. In August 2008, at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship, Hammer won a Living Legends of Hip Hop Award from Hip Hop International in
Las Vegas Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
. Hammer, Gary Vaynerchuk, Shaquille O'Neal and Rick Sanchez (journalist), Rick Sanchez (host) celebrated the Best of Twitter in Brooklyn at the first Shorty Awards on February 11, 2009, which honored the top short-form content creators on Twitter. In September 2009, Hammer made the "accomplishment appearance" in ''Zombie Apocalypse (video game), Zombie Apocalypse'' for the downloadable ''Smash TV''/''Left 4 Dead'' Hybrid (biology), hybrid for the Xbox 360. Hammer attended the 2009 Soul Train Music Awards which aired on Black Entertainment Television, BET November 29, 2009. Hammer (along with Alyssa Milano and others) was a member of panel judges for the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences at the Shorty Awards#Second Annual Awards, Second Annual Shorty Awards on January 5, 2010. Hammer opened the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards performing "
2 Legit 2 Quit "2 Legit 2 Quit" is a song by Hammer featuring Saja (a.k.a. Sonia Moore), released on September 5, 1991 as the first single from his fourth studio album, ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991). Music video The music video was directed by Rupert Wainwrigh ...
" in Atlanta along with Rick Ross, Sean Combs, Diddy and DJ Khaled (all performing together during "MC Hammer" from the ''Teflon Don (album), Teflon Don'' album as well) on October 2 (televised October 12). With over 2.6 million Twitter followers in 2010, his contribution to social media and as a co-founder of his own Internet businesses (such as Hip hop dance, DanceJam.com), Hammer was announced as the recipient of the first Gravity Summit Social Media Marketer of the Year Award. The award was presented to him at the 3rd Annual Gravity Summit on February 22, 2011 at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Covel Commons. At the American Music Awards of 2012, 40th American Music Awards in November 2012, Hammer danced to a mashup (music), mashup of "Gangnam Style" and "2 Legit 2 Quit" along with South Korean pop star
Psy Park Jae-sang (, ; born December 31, 1977), known professionally as Psy (stylized in all caps as PSY) (; ; ), is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Psy is known domestically for his humorous videos and stage per ...
, both wearing his signature Hammer pants. The Musical collaboration, collaboration was released on iTunes. The performance idea with Hammer came from Psy's management. They both performed it together again during ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'' on December 31, 2012. Hammer received the UCLA Spring Sing The George and Ira Gershwin Award, George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement (not to be mistaken for the Gershwin Prize), presented during the UCLA Spring Sing in Pauley Pavilion on May 17, 2013.


Tours and concerts

Notable tours and concerts include: A Spring Affair Tour (1989), Summer Jam (festival), Summer Jam '89 (1989),
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley. The album ...
World Tour (1990 & 1991), Lawlor Events Center at University of Nevada, Reno (1990-2017), Too Legit to Quit#Promotion and tour, Too Legit World Tour (1992), KMXV#Red, White, And Boom Annual Show, Red, White and Boom (2003), The Bamboozle Festival (2007), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (2008–2013), UCCU Center, McKay Events Center with
Vanilla Ice Robert Matthew Van Winkle (born October 31, 1967), known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, ''Hooked'', ...
(2009), Illinois State Fair with
Boyz II Men Boyz II Men (pronounced ''boys to men''), also known as B2M, is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are currently a trio composed of baritone Nathan M ...
(2011), El Dorado, Arkansas#Annual events, MusicFest (2012), Jack's Seventh Show at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (2012), Kool & the Gang Superjam at Outside Lands (2014) and Hammer's All-star House party, House Party Tour (2019).


Discography

* ''
Feel My Power ''Feel My Power'' is the debut studio album by M.C. Hammer released in 1986 by Bustin’ Records. The album was produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. ''Feel My Power'' sold over 60,000 copies, a considerable success for a small independen ...
'' (1986) * '' Let's Get It Started'' (1988) * ''
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley. The album ...
'' (1990) * ''
Too Legit to Quit ''Too Legit to Quit'' is the fourth studio album by Hammer (after removing M.C. from his name), released on October 29, 1991. Produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate, the album was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records. ''Too Legit to Q ...
'' (1991) * ''
The Funky Headhunter ''The Funky Headhunter'' is the fifth studio album by Hammer, released on March 1, 1994, via Giant Records and Reprise Records. The album at the time was hailed as Hammer's comeback album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the ...
'' (1994) * '' Inside Out'' (1995) * ''#Return to EMI and Family Affair (1996–1998), Family Affair'' (1998) * ''Active Duty (album), Active Duty'' (2001) * ''Full Blast (album), Full Blast'' (2004) * ''Look Look Look'' (2006) * ''#DanceJamtheMusic (2008–2009), DanceJamtheMusic'' (2009)


References


Further reading

* Nancy E. Krulik, E. Krulik, Nancy (1991). ''M.C. Hammer and Vanilla Ice: The Hip-hop Never Stops''. New York: Scholastic Corporation, Scholastic Inc. .


External links


MC Hammer's blog
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Hammer, MC MC Hammer, 1962 births Living people 20th-century American businesspeople 20th-century American rappers 20th-century American singers 21st-century American businesspeople 21st-century American rappers 21st-century American singers African-American businesspeople African-American choreographers African-American Christians African-American investors African-American male dancers African-American male rappers African-American male singers African-American United States Navy personnel American choreographers American computer businesspeople American investors American male dancers American male singers American racehorse owners and breeders American technology chief executives American technology company founders Brit Award winners Businesspeople from the San Francisco Bay Area Capitol Records artists Death Row Records artists Giant Records (Warner) artists Grammy Award winners for rap music Juno Award for International Album of the Year winners Musicians from Oakland, California Oakland Athletics People from Tracy, California Pop rappers Rappers from the San Francisco Bay Area Street ministry United States Navy sailors West Coast hip hop musicians