MC Hammer

MC Hammer
MC Hammer
Born	Stanley Kirk Burrell; March 30, 1962 (age 64); Oakland, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Rapper, dancer, entrepreneur, record producer, minister
Years active	1986–present
Known for	"U Can't Touch This", "2 Legit 2 Quit", Hammer pants

Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), widely known by his stage names MC Hammer and Hammer, is an American rapper famous for chart-topping tracks such as "U Can't Touch This", "2 Legit 2 Quit", and "Pumps and a Bump". He gained rapid popularity in the early 1990s, distinguished by his dynamic dance moves, innovative choreography, and iconic Hammer pants. Hammer is also recognized as an entrepreneur and celebrity endorser, credited with pioneering the pop rap style by merging hip hop with freestyle rhythms.

Raised in Oakland, California, Hammer spent three years serving in the United States Navy before independently launching his first album, Feel My Power (1986). Upon signing with Capitol Records, his 1988 release Let's Get It Started achieved multi-platinum status. He made history as the first hip hop artist to receive diamond certification for his 1990 album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, cementing his position as a prominent figure in media. Nevertheless, evolving hip hop trends resulted in reduced sales for his fourth album, Too Legit To Quit (1991), and his commercial comeback attempt with The Funky Headhunter (1994) fell short. His widespread exposure contributed to a decline in popularity and a highly publicized bankruptcy filing in 1996. Since that time, Hammer has released seven more albums and continued producing music beyond 2010.

Hammer broadened his brand through merchandise like a Mattel action figure and the 1991 Saturday morning animated series Hammerman. In the late 1990s, he was ordained as a preacher and hosted the Christian-themed program MC Hammer and Friends on Trinity Broadcasting Network. In 2003, he appeared as a dance judge on Dance Fever, co-founded the dance platform DanceJam.com, and served as executive producer of the 2009 A&E reality show Hammertime.

As the head of his own record company, Hammer nurtured talents including Ho Frat Hoo!, Oaktown's 3.5.7, Special Generation, Analise, DRS, B Angie B, Gentry Kozia, and Oakland Fight Club. His collaborations span artists like Psy, Tupac Shakur, Teddy Riley, Tha Dogg Pound, Deion Sanders, Big Daddy Kane, among others. In 1995, he signed a contract with Suge Knight's Death Row Records.

BET honored him as the No. 7 "Best Dancer of All Time," while Vibe ranked him as the 17th favorite rapper. Hammer remains active performing live shows and appearing in television commercials. He continues engaging audiences through social media platforms, ministry efforts, community projects, and sports-related events, frequently participating in interviews at both local and national levels.

Early life and education

Stanley Kirk Burrell was born on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California. His father worked professionally as a poker player, managed the Oaks Card Club casino, and supervised warehouse operations. Growing up with his mother—who was employed as a secretary—and eight siblings in a modest East Oakland apartment, Burrell’s family eventually became owners and winners of multiple graded stakes horse races.

During childhood, Burrell sold baseballs and danced in parking lots near the Oakland Coliseum. Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley took note of his energetic demeanor and employed him as a clubhouse assistant and batboy from 1973 until 1980. Burrell’s brother Louis Burrell Jr. later assumed the role of his business manager. Finley relied on Burrell as his "eyes and ears," entrusting him with communication tasks during games. Players such as Reggie Jackson and Pedro García nicknamed him "Hammer" due to his resemblance to Hank Aaron.

The "MC" title was earned by Burrell for his skills as a master of ceremonies while performing at clubs during travels with the A's and later during military service. Although aspiring to pursue professional baseball—playing second base in high school—he did not secure a spot after trying out for the San Francisco Giants. He has since participated in celebrity softball events representing Oakland.

After graduating from McClymonds High School in 1980, Burrell enrolled in communications courses but left college feeling discouraged. Subsequently, he enlisted in the United States Navy, completing three years of service as an aviation storekeeper (AK3) with Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN (VP-47) stationed at NAS Moffett Field before receiving an honorable discharge.

Music and entertainment career

Prior to Hammer's prominent music achievements and his well-known "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back" narrative, Burrell collaborated with singer Jon Gibson to establish a Christian rap ensemble named the Holy Ghost Boy(s). Alongside Tramaine Hawkins, Hammer performed with Gibson's band at venues such as the Beverly Theatre in Beverly Hills. Initial tracks produced during this time included "Word," "B-Boy Chill," and "Stupid Def Yal" (1987). Hammer also contributed production to "Son of the King" on his debut project Feel My Power (1986) and its subsequent reissue Let's Get It Started (1988). He appeared on Gibson’s song "The Wall" from the album Change of Heart (1988), which became the first rap hit within CCM by a blue-eyed soul artist.

Hammer created numerous unreleased rap tracks that have since surfaced online. Through his labels Bust It Records, Oaktown Records, and Full Blast, he signed and produced various artists including Oaktown's 3.5.7, Ho Frat Hoo!, vocal group Special Generation, Analise, James Greer, One Cause One Effect, B Angie B, The Stooge Playaz, DASIT (noted from Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show), Teabag, Common Unity, Geeman, and Pleasure Ellis. Many of these acts either collaborated with or were produced by Hammer over his career span. Oakland native Keyshia Cole worked with Hammer during her youth and sought his guidance for her career path.

Feel My Power (1986)

In the mid-1980s, following an unsuccessful record contract, Hammer secured $20,000 loans from former Oakland A's players Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy to found an independent label. As the head of Bust It Productions, he maintained operations by selling records directly from his basement and vehicle. Bust It Records later transformed into Bustin' Records, eventually employing more than 100 individuals. Hammer aggressively promoted singles by blending his distinctive rap delivery with energetic dance moves.

Adopting the stage name "MC Hammer," he launched his debut album Feel My Power in 1986 under his independent label Bustin' Records (distributed via Oaktown Records), with production by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. The album sold in excess of 60,000 units and was distributed through City Hall Records. Tracks like "Ring 'Em" gained popularity through persistent grassroots promotion and radio airplay, particularly within San Francisco Bay Area dance venues. By 1988, DJ Tony Valera played a key role in popularizing "Let's Get It Started" during nightclub mix shows. Hammer’s lyrical content positioned him as a competitive force against East Coast rappers.

Motivated by increasing traction, Hammer dedicated himself to daily rehearsals alongside dancers, musicians, and backup singers. His compelling live performances culminated in a pivotal moment in 1988 when an executive from Capitol Records noticed him during a club show in Oakland. Having previously declined major label offers, Hammer ultimately signed a multi-album contract with Capitol Records that included a $1.75 million advance—an amount that was swiftly recovered.

Let's Get It Started (1988)

Following the Capitol Records deal, Hammer re-released an updated version of Feel My Power titled Let's Get It Started, incorporating additional tracks and achieving sales surpassing two million copies. Successful singles such as "Pump It Up," "Turn This Mutha Out," "Let's Get It Started," and "They Put Me in the Mix" all charted well. Striving for musical growth beyond traditional rap boundaries, Hammer sought to broaden his audience despite facing criticism from genre purists.

Hammer fostered strong connections with Arsenio Hall and Vanilla Ice; these relationships facilitated early high-profile appearances including performing "U Can't Touch This" on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989. He also performed "Dancing Machine," which was later included in Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990).

Using earnings from the album, Hammer equipped his tour bus with a mobile recording studio to work on much of his sophomore album while on the road. In 1989, he appeared on Glen Goldsmith’s single "You've Got Me Dancing," marking his initial UK single release although it did not chart there. During this timeframe, Hammer established the rap group Oaktown's 3.5.7., who achieved a No. 9 hit with their song "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" from the album Wild & Loose (1989).

Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990)

Hammer's third studio album and second major-label project, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, was released on February 12, 1990. It included the chart-topping single "U Can't Touch This", which famously sampled Rick James' track "Super Freak". The song was produced and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley on a customized tour bus during Hammer’s 1989 tour. Despite limited radio airplay, the single reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself dominated the charts for an unprecedented 21 weeks, a first for any hip-hop release. "U Can't Touch This" continues to be widely featured in movies, television programs, and music compilations.

Additional singles from the album incorporated covers and samples, such as "Have You Seen Her" and "Pray", which drew from Prince's "When Doves Cry" and Faith No More's "We Care a Lot". "Pray" became Hammer’s highest-charting single in the US at No. 2 and also reached No. 8 in the UK. This album was the first hip-hop record to earn diamond certification, with global sales exceeding 18 million copies. In 1990, Hammer embarked on an extensive European tour, including a sold-out performance at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre, while PepsiCo International sponsored his 1991 tour under CEO Christopher A. Sinclair.

The album featured prominent samples from artists such as The Jackson 5 on "Dancin' Machine", Marvin Gaye on "Help the Children"—which also lent its name to Hammer’s charitable foundation—and Prince on "She's Soft and Wet". Background vocals by Special Generation contributed to its radio-friendly sound and visual appeal. Several singles charted internationally, helping to elevate hip hop’s mainstream acceptance; it remains the genre’s best-selling album to date.

Videos from this era received substantial rotation on MTV and VH1. The companion film Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990) compiled many of these videos. Hammer also appeared on The West Coast Rap All-Stars' collective track "We're All in the Same Gang" and contributed songs to prominent soundtracks such as those for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Rocky V.

Despite its commercial triumphs, Hammer encountered criticism for repetitive lyricism, a sanitized public image, and heavy sampling—similar to critiques directed at contemporaries like Vanilla Ice. He was satirized by artists including 3rd Bass, The D.O.C., Ice Cube, Digital Underground, Q-Tip, and LL Cool J. Nonetheless, figures like Ice-T defended him by distinguishing genuine pop rap performers from those who altered their style purely for commercial gain. Hammer maintained his career momentum with international tours spanning Asia, Europe, Australia, and Russia.

Leveraging his popularity, Hammer expanded into merchandising with products such as dolls and lunchboxes and hosted his own Saturday morning animated series titled Hammerman.

Too Legit to Quit (1991)

After dropping "MC" from his stage name, Hammer released Too Legit to Quit in 1991 with production led by Felton Pilate. The album served as a response to critics and achieved sales exceeding five million copies. Its title track emerged as the most successful single from the record, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard 200. Another notable single, "Addams Groove", included on both The Addams Family soundtrack and select album editions, peaked at No. 7 in the US and No. 4 in the UK charts.

Hammer embarked on a high-profile tour promoting this album that featured vocalists, dancers, and musicians. In 1992, Boyz II Men joined as an opening act. Tragically, their manager Khalil Roundtree was murdered in Chicago during this period; subsequent renditions of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" were dedicated to his memory. Despite heavy promotion efforts, the expensive production led to an early termination of the tour.

Four singles from Too Legit to Quit charted successfully with music videos produced for each track, including "Do Not Pass Me By" and "This Is The Way We Roll". The "2 Legit 2 Quit" video featured numerous celebrity cameos and is considered one of the most costly videos ever produced. Its signature hand gestures gained widespread popularity. The single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, although overall album sales amounted to roughly one-third of those achieved by Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em.

At the conclusion of the video, a Michael Jackson impersonator wearing a sequined glove performed the "2 Legit 2 Quit" gesture. In a 2009 appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Hammer revealed that Michael Jackson personally approved this portrayal after viewing the video; both artists shared mutual respect. The two also appeared together at James Brown’s funeral in 2006.

In addition, in 1991 Hammer was featured on "The Blood" from BeBe & CeCe Winans' album Different Lifestyles, which attained No. 8 on Christian music charts in 1992.

Collaboration with Oaktown/Giant Records (1992–1993)

After a four-year break, in 1992, Doug E. Fresh joined Hammer’s Bust It Records and released the album Doin' What I Gotta Do. Although the single "Bustin' Out (On Funk)," which sampled Rick James, received some attention, the album did not perform well commercially. Around this time, alongside Hammer’s subsequent release The Funky Headhunter, speculation arose suggesting Hammer had exited the music scene or was experiencing financial difficulties—claims he refuted. He explained that these rumors stemmed from transferring control of Bust It Records to his brother and manager Louis Burrell Jr., as well as delegating his horse racing ventures to family members.

During this timeframe, Hammer secured a lucrative multi-million-dollar contract with Giant Records, a Warner Bros. subsidiary, bringing his Oaktown label under their umbrella. He ended his partnership with Felton Pilate, which later resulted in legal disputes. Additionally, Hammer founded Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, representing notable athletes such as Evander Holyfield, Deion Sanders, and Reggie Brooks. In 1993, his production company released the successful rap track "Gangsta Lean" by DRS.

Hammer also concluded his professional association with Linda Lou McCall, a pivotal executive and songwriter instrumental in establishing Bust It Management & Productions Inc. in Oakland and managing artists including Heavy D, B Angie B, and Ralph Tresvant. McCall was influential in introducing artist Keith Martin to Felton Pilate for Hammer’s international tours.

Amidst a new residence, fatherhood, an upcoming album, and expanding business interests, Hammer conveyed optimism during a mansion tour for Ebony. He described his artistic direction as increasingly assertive to suit the '90s music landscape but emphasized he was not adopting a gangsta rap identity: "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 recorded his fifth studio album, The Funky Headhunter, embracing a more forceful sound to resonate with the changing hip-hop scene. The project was co-produced alongside rapper Stefan Adamek and showcased a harder-edged persona aimed at gangsta rap audiences. Nonetheless, Hammer’s lyrics remained comparatively clean with only limited use of profanity. Although street themes persisted, this stylistic pivot led to diminished popularity among some fans. The album reached number two on the R&B charts and earned platinum status.

The lead single "Pumps and a Bump" stirred controversy due to its explicit music video, which was removed from heavy rotation on MTV because of graphic visuals. A replacement video directed by Bay Area native Craig S. Brooks was subsequently released. The follow-up single was "It's All Good."

On December 20, 1994, Deion Sanders launched his rap album Prime Time via Hammer's Bust It Records. The album included the modest hit "Must Be the Money" and the single "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'." Sanders had previously made appearances in Hammer’s "Too Legit to Quit" video and was mentioned in "Pumps and a Bump." Additionally, Sanders’ track "Help Lord (Won't You Come)" featured in the movie Kingdom Come.

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

In 1995, Hammer released Inside Out, an album that did not match the commercial success of his previous records, reaching only number 119 on the Billboard Charts. Consequently, Giant Records ended their contracts with both him and Oaktown Records. Tracks such as "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" garnered limited radio exposure. Hammer disclosed that financial setbacks were largely due to betrayals by individuals he had supported, a theme explored in the song "Keep On" and detailed in the album’s liner notes. He revisited these topics in various interviews, including a 2009 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

That same year, Hammer teamed up with Deion Sanders to produce "Straight to My Feet" for the Street Fighter movie soundtrack; this single reached number 57 on the UK charts. Hammer’s connection with Suge Knight originated in 1988, and by 1995 he had signed with Death Row Records, which housed prominent artists like Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. Although Hammer completed an album titled Too Tight during his time at Death Row, it was never officially released by the label; however, some tracks surfaced later. Noteworthy collaborations recorded there include "Too Late Playa," featuring Big Daddy Kane and Danny Boy. After the death of Tupac Shakur in 1996, Hammer parted ways with Death Row. He later shared his concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Tupac’s death during an interview on Trinity Broadcasting Network, recalling being with Shakur in Las Vegas on that fateful night.

Return to EMI and the Release of Family Affair (1996–1998)

In October 1996, Burrell and Oaktown secured a deal with EMI, releasing a compilation album titled Greatest Hits, which featured twelve of Hammer’s most popular songs from before The Funky Headhunter. In 1998, CEMA issued another greatest hits collection called Back 2 Back Hits, later re-released by Capitol Records in 2006. As Hammer’s commercial influence waned due to declining album sales and an unsuccessful transition toward a "streetwise/hardcore rap" style, he shifted focus toward engaging a gospel-oriented audience.

Hammer’s seventh studio project, Family Affair, was launched in 1998 through EMI and showcased talent signed under Oaktown Records, including Geeman, Teabag, and Common Unity. The album received significant promotion on Trinity Broadcasting Network, featuring a gospel rendition of "Keep On" originally from Inside Out. Despite this effort, it failed to produce charting singles and sold approximately 1,000 copies worldwide. The collection includes "Unconditional Love," a song penned for Hammer by Tupac, which Hammer performed at the inaugural VH1 Hip Hop Honors event in 2004.

As a double-disc set centered on themes of faith and family values, Family Affair contains tracks such as "Put It Down," "Responsible Father Shout," "He Brought Me Out," and "Pray" (1998). Both discs also featured interactive PC-compatible content. Although there were rumors about upcoming projects like War Chest: Turn of the Century and a soundtrack for Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man, these releases never came to fruition.

The Hits and Active Duty (2000–2001)

In 2000, Hammer unveiled the compilation The Hits. After the events of September 11, he released Active Duty through his World Hit Music Group under Hammertime Holdings Inc., dedicating it to those affected by the tragedy. This album included singles such as "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" and "Pop Yo Collar" (featuring Wee Wee), which highlighted unique dance moves like "The Phat Daddy Pop" and "Pop'n It Up." Despite promotional appearances on programs like The View and music videos for both singles, the album did not enter the charts and recorded lower sales compared to his earlier works.

Initially named The Autobiography Of MC Hammer, Active Duty allocated a portion of its earnings to charities supporting 9/11 victims. The patriotic track "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" featured a video shot in Washington, D.C., showcasing several U.S. Congress members—including J. C. Watts, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Thomas M. Davis, Earl Hilliard, Alcee Hastings, Diane Watson, Corrine Brown, and Jesse Jackson Jr.—who joined in singing and dancing.

Full Blast (2004)

Following his second departure from Capitol Records and EMI, Hammer transitioned his Oaktown imprint to an independent distributor and completed his ninth studio album, Full Blast, by late 2003, releasing it in early 2004. The project did not produce any charting singles nor achieve RIAA certification. A music video for the title track was created, which contained lyrical jabs aimed at Eminem and Busta Rhymes for previous slights. Collaborators on the album included The Stooge Playaz, Pleasure, Rain, JD Greer, and DasIt.

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

Embracing independence, Hammer established a digital label to launch his tenth studio album, Look Look Look, in February 2006, featuring production work by Scott Storch. The title track was issued as a single accompanied by a music video and achieved sales around 300,000 copies globally, surpassing his prior release’s performance.

Key songs on the album included "YAY," produced by Lil Jon; "What Happened to Our Hood?" featuring Sam Logan from the earlier album Active Duty; and "I Got It From The Town," which appeared in the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

In June 2007, Hammer released "Bring Our Brothers Home," a politically charged military-themed rap urging President George W. Bush to withdraw American forces. The accompanying video was filmed at Santa Monica Pier.

EMI Records issued Platinum MC Hammer in 2008—a collection of twelve tracks drawn from previous albums similar to earlier greatest hits compilations but including a remixed version of "Hammer Hammer, They Put Me In A Mix" with added rap verses. Capitol Records also released an import edition.

DanceJamtheMusic (2008–2009)

Following his 2006 release, Hammer continued creating music distributed via platforms such as Myspace and Dancejam.com alongside commercial placements. He announced plans for a new album set for late 2008 under his Fullblast Playhouse label, along with intentions for touring and additional releases throughout 2009.

The 2008 digital single "Getting Back to Hetton" illustrated a stylistic evolution by fusing deep soul elements with house music influences. Released through Whippet Digital Recordings, it received mixed critical reception. Meanwhile, the track "I Got Gigs" gained prominence through its inclusion in a 2009 ESPN commercial and performances on both Hammertime and YouTube Live alongside Soulja Boy.

Additional notable tracks comprised "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, Hammer teamed up with Vanilla Ice for a co-headlining concert at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah, promoting Hammer’s new music alongside his television series. This event marked their first joint headline performance in nearly two decades since their peak touring era. Hammer highlighted their long-standing friendship predating their record deals, while Vanilla Ice emphasized the enduring rapport stemming from their earlier successes.

"Better Run Run" (2010)

MC Hammer addressed a diss track from Jay-Z on "So Appalled" (featuring Swizz Beatz and RZA), which referenced Hammer’s financial difficulties in the 1990s. Jay-Z’s lyrics included: "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 expressed his dissatisfaction on Twitter, promising a response by Halloween 2010.

Under the alias 'King Hammer,' he released a preview titled "Better Run Run," suggesting that his reply might take the form of a film, a music video, or both. He also claimed to possess evidence indicating Jay-Z’s alleged "devil worship," escalating the conflict. This followed an earlier comparison Hammer made in reaction to Jay-Z's "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" track.

On November 1, 2010, Hammer published the full "Better Run Run!" video online as a rebuttal. The video portrays Hammer accusing Jay-Z of Satanic ties, defeating the devil, and compelling Jay-Z to undergo baptism. Observers interpreted this dispute as a lesson on preserving reputation within hip-hop culture.

In an interview with the BBC, Jay-Z clarified that his verses were not meant as a personal attack and that he was unaware that Hammer’s financial past was off-limits. He also mentioned praising Hammer in his upcoming book Decoded and expressed surprise at Hammer’s reaction.

"See Her Face" (2011)

On February 3, 2011, MC Hammer debuted the song "See Her Face" on The Oprah Winfrey Show, premiering it through Flipboard, marking Flipboard’s initial inclusion of music within its application.

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

Towards the end of 2013, Hammer released "Raider Nation (Oakland Raiders Anthem)" accompanied by a music video, followed by "All in My Mind" in early 2014. The latter track samples The Isley Brothers' "Summer Breeze" and features his newly formed collective Oakland Fight Club, which includes Mistah F.A.B.

Full Blast Music (2013–2018)

Between 2013 and 2018, Hammer utilized his Full Blast Music label to release numerous hip-hop, R&B, and soul songs. Key releases include Gentry Kozia’s "Better Man" (2013), "Say It Isn't So" (2016), and "Perfect Night" (2017); Pleasure Ellis’s remix of "Don't Stop" (2017); and BIG HAMM’s "22 Pills" (2017) from the mixtape The Chronicles of Big Hamm (BMI Publishing). Other tracks such as "Here We Go Again," "Kalifornia Git Down," "Best Life," and "Lit Up" feature collaborations with artists like Booby Hammer and Ace Kayo.

"We Gotta Do Better" (2015)

On April 22, 2015, Hammer released a visualizer video for the track "We Gotta Do Better," featuring Gentry Kozia, which was posted on his personal blogspot via Vimeo.

"Help the Children" (2017)

In late 2017, Hammer revisited his 1990 hit by releasing an updated version accompanied by a short film-style video.

"U R Everything" (2024)

In December 2024, Hammer unveiled the song "U R Everything," along with its music video, which samples The Stylistics’ classic track "You Are Everything."

Additional Business Ventures

In 1991, Hammer established Oaktown Stable and eventually became the owner of nineteen Thoroughbred racehorses. His filly Lite Light secured multiple Grade I stakes victories including the Kentucky Oaks. The Lukas-trained colt Dance Floor achieved several stakes wins and finished third in the 1992 Kentucky Derby. Hammer continues to attend sports events alongside fellow celebrities.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he launched a clothing brand named J Slick and created MC Hammer USA, an interactive web portal.

In 2002, Hammer signed a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster for Enemies of the Father: Messages from the Heart on Being a Family Man, but failed to deliver the manuscript. This resulted in a lawsuit filed in 2009 seeking repayment of a $61,000 advance.

As both a tech entrepreneur and activist, Hammer participated in various Internet initiatives including TechCrunch40 conferences. In 2007, he co-founded DanceJam.com based in Menlo Park—a social platform focused on dance video competitions valued at $4.5 million—where he also occasionally served as a judge.

In July 2010, he launched Alchemist Management, an MMA management firm representing fighters such as Nate Marquardt and Tim Kennedy. Simultaneously, he introduced Alchemist Clothing, a vibrant lifestyle apparel line debuted at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event.

Hammer was the headline performer at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference after-party in September 2010. In February 2011, he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss his involvement in tech-media ventures and social media since 1994, including collaborations with YouTube and Twitter. He also highlighted his experience managing numerous employees without incurring personal financial loss.

In October 2011, Hammer announced WireDoo, described as a "deep search engine" designed to rival Google and Bing. Although there were plans for selective beta testing, WireDoo never advanced beyond its beta phase.

Television and film career

Hammer both produced and starred in Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990), which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video. He also produced the video compilation MC Hammer: 2 Legit (The Videos), featuring appearances by various actors and athletes. At the height of his career, Hammer was featured in prominent advertising campaigns for brands such as Pepsi, KFC, Toshiba, British Knights, and Taco Bell.

In 1991, he lent his voice and hosted the animated series Hammerman and performed with Bust It Productions on BET. Hammer made guest appearances on television programs including Saturday Night Live, Amen, and Martin, and acted in films like Last Action Hero (1993) and 1040 (2010). As a producer, he financed filmmaker Justin Lin’s first feature, Better Luck Tomorrow (2002), which was later acquired by MTV Films following its Sundance screening.

At age 39, Hammer co-produced the VH1 biographical film Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story (2001), which became the network’s second highest-rated original movie. He participated in reality television with appearances on shows such as The Surreal Life (2003) and served as a dance judge on ABC Family's Dance Fever. His music has been featured in commercials for ESPN’s Monday Night Football as well as brands like Lay's, Hallmark, Purell, Nationwide, Citibank, and Cash4Gold.

Hammer’s tracks have been extensively licensed for use in television and movies, most notably "U Can't Touch This" appearing in productions such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hot Shots!, and Glee. Additionally, he has contributed voice performances to series like Glenn Martin, DDS and appeared on game shows including Beat Shazam. More recently, he has endorsed products such as 3M Command Strips and Starburst. In 2020, he took part in The Greatest AtHome Videos via a Zoom appearance.

Dancer, choreographer and entertainer

Hammer’s energetic dance style played a significant role in bringing hip-hop to prominence within the San Francisco Bay Area and introducing hip-hop choreography to wider audiences. Recognizable for his signature "Hammer pants," his vigorous routines drew inspiration from performers like James Brown and the Nicholas Brothers. Among his hallmark moves were the "Hammer dance," "running man," and "butterfly." His elaborate live performances incorporated numerous dancers, vocalists, musicians, and DJs, pioneering choreographed rap shows that received extensive airplay on MTV.

He is famously credited with discovering Jennifer Lopez during one of his auditions. Despite a knee injury that temporarily halted his dancing career, BET ranked him as the seventh greatest dancer of all time. Financial difficulties later arose partly due to the high expenses associated with his extensive touring.

Hammer co-founded DanceJam.com to provide an online platform for dance competitions before eventually selling it to Grind Networks. He has showcased his dancing abilities on various talk shows including The Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Although frequently compared to Michael Jackson during their respective careers, they shared a friendship; Hammer publicly honored Jackson following his passing. In 2022, Bobby Brown acknowledged Hammer’s role in popularizing "diaper pants," although Brown himself wore earlier versions during the late 1980s.

Personal life

Early in his career, Hammer established a music management company. After the commercial success of Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, he accumulated an estimated $33 million but filed for bankruptcy in 1996 due to extravagant spending on personnel and lifestyle choices. In 1997, he sold his Fremont residence for $5.3 million and subsequently lived with his wife Stephanie in Tracy, California. The couple married in 1985 and are parents to five children.

As an early adopter of social media platforms, Hammer invested in technology ventures and maintained an active online presence by 2012. He is recognized for sharing philosophical insights through his social media channels. In 2012, Hammer supported the SAFE California Act aimed at abolishing the death penalty; however, the measure did not pass.

Bankruptcy, legal disputes, and media coverage

Despite Hammer’s assertions that he was never entirely "down-and-out," his financial difficulties received widespread attention. Mounting debts exceeding $13 million, driven by inflated payroll expenses and falling sales, culminated in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1996, which was later converted to Chapter 7 liquidation in 1998. His residence was sold for significantly less than its original market value.

Hammer resolved copyright infringement claims brought by Rick James concerning "U Can't Touch This" by acknowledging James as a co-writer. He also reached an agreement with songwriter Kevin Christian over accusations of song resemblance.

Television programs such as VH1’s Behind the Music chronicled his financial decline. Although public interviews often highlighted his bankruptcy, Hammer consistently projected optimism.

In 2011, the federal government initiated a lawsuit against him for unpaid taxes from 1996 to 1997 amounting to $779,585. Hammer insisted he had settled these obligations with evidence from the IRS but ultimately lost in subsequent appeals. By 2017, reports suggested the matter was resolved and noted a net worth estimated at approximately $1.5 million.

Charges of obstruction

Hammer faced arrest in Dublin, California, in 2013 on allegations of obstructing a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop related to expired vehicle registration. He asserted that racial profiling was involved; however, the charges were dismissed several months afterward. Hammer referred to the episode as a "teachable moment."

Religious faith and ministry efforts

Raised within the Pentecostal tradition, Hammer began producing gospel rap alongside Jon Gibson in the mid-1980s prior to achieving mainstream fame. After distancing himself from his faith during his career peak, he recommitted to ministry by the late 1990s, becoming an ordained minister and hosting religious television programs on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

He pledged to dedicate at least one track per album to God and contributed to Christian music successes such as BeBe & CeCe Winans' "The Blood." Hammer also officiated high-profile weddings including those of Corey Feldman in 2002 and Vince Neil in 2005.

Reclaiming “MC” as an acronym for "Man of Christ," he continues to preach while balancing music production and business interests, supporting prison ministries and youth outreach on a global scale.

Cultural impact and enduring recognition

Acknowledged by BET as hip-hop’s pioneering mainstream artist, Hammer achieved iconic status through extensive music licensing deals and lucrative brand endorsements—most notably a $138 million contract with British Knights shoes—though some critics labeled him a commercial sellout.

His visually striking videos such as "2 Legit 2 Quit" established performance benchmarks that influenced subsequent performers. Alongside hype man Too Bigg MC, he helped popularize hip-hop fashion trends like shiny suits and hammer pants.

He launched the Help The Children foundation inspired by his song of the same name. His signature phrase “Stop! Hammer Time!” remains widely recognized worldwide.

In 2005, Nationwide Insurance aired an advertisement playfully referencing his financial downturn. The following year, Evergreen/BMG purchased his music catalog for close to $3 million to capitalize on licensing opportunities.

Early adoption of social media platforms allowed Hammer to connect with audiences; Ellen DeGeneres featured him after he reached out via Twitter in 2009. Collaborations include Rick Ross sampling him on "MC Hammer" (2010) and Psy performing a mashup at the 2012 American Music Awards.

In January 2024, an auctioned storage locker reportedly contained unreleased master recordings from his time with Death Row Records; verification of their authenticity is ongoing.

Influences and Impact

Hammer's musical approach drew inspiration from a range of artists such as Kool Moe Dee, James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, Rick James, and Run-DMC, among others. His work, in turn, shaped the careers of artists like Will Smith, Diddy, Kris Kross, Mystikal, Bell Biv DeVoe, Ho Frat Hoo!, and Oaktown's 357, while also leaving a mark on popular culture slang.

Early critiques highlighted a lack of innovation in his production style; for example, "U Can't Touch This" incorporates a sample from Rick James' "Super Freak." Throughout his career, Hammer engaged in notable rap rivalries with figures including LL Cool J, Vanilla Ice, Too Short, Redman, Jay-Z, Eminem, A Tribe Called Quest, and Run-DMC. Several of these conflicts were expressed through diss tracks featured on his albums.

Awards, Appearances, and Honors

With over 50 million records sold globally, Hammer has earned three Grammy Awards—one for Best R&B Song—and eight American Music Awards. His accolades also include NAACP Image Awards and the Billboard Diamond Award, making him the first hip hop artist to receive this honor.

Internationally, he was recognized with the Juno Award for International Album of the Year and named Soul Train Music’s Entertainer of the Year in 1991. Hammer has frequently participated as both presenter and performer at various Soul Train Awards ceremonies.

In 2008, he was honored with the Living Legends of Hip Hop Award at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship. Additionally, his achievements in social media marketing were acknowledged with the Gravity Summit Social Media Marketer of the Year Award in 2011.

Hammer's performances include appearances at events such as the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2010 alongside Rick Ross and Diddy. At the American Music Awards in November 2012, he performed a dance collaboration with Psy while wearing his iconic hammer pants; they subsequently released a digital mashup.

In May 2013, UCLA bestowed upon him the George and Ira Gershwin Award recognizing Lifetime Musical Achievement.

Tours and Live Performances

Among Hammer’s prominent tours are the Spring Affair Tour (1989), Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em World Tour (1990–91), Too Legit to Quit World Tour (1992), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival appearances (2008–13), Kool & the Gang Superjam at Outside Lands (2014), and the All-Star House Party Tour (2019). These tours spanned numerous festivals and venues across the United States.

Discography

Feel My Power (1986)
Let's Get It Started (1988)
Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990)
Too Legit to Quit (1991)
The Funky Headhunter (1994)
Inside Out (1995)
Family Affair (1998)
Active Duty (2001)
Full Blast (2004)
Look Look Look (2006)
DanceJamtheMusic (2009)
The Chronicles of Big Hamm (2017)

External links

Official MC Hammer blog