MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell in Oakland, California on March 30, 1962, became the first rapper to truly break into mainstream pop culture. Known for his flamboyant parachute pants, sharp dance skills, and undeniable showmanship, Hammer brought hip-hop to global audiences with his infectious hooks and crossover appeal.
Hammer’s journey began as a bat boy for the Oakland Athletics, where his dance moves earned him the nickname “Hammer,” after Hank Aaron. After high school, he served in the Navy before diving into music. With early financial backing from A’s players, he founded Bustin’ Records, releasing local singles and his 1987 album Feel My Power. Impressive live shows led Capitol Records to sign him, reissuing the record as Let’s Get It Started, which went double platinum and yielded the R&B hit “Turn This Mutha Out.”
His follow-up, Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em (1990), was a cultural earthquake. Powered by “U Can’t Touch This”—sampling Rick James’ “Super Freak”—and hits like “Have You Seen Her” and “Pray,” the album topped charts, sold over ten million copies, and became the best-selling rap album of all time. Hammer won two Grammys for “U Can’t Touch This” and cemented hip-hop’s place in the pop mainstream.
Backlash followed, with critics deriding his heavy sampling, commercialism, and merchandise empire. In 1991, he dropped the “MC” and released Too Legit to Quit. Despite selling over three million copies, its extravagant tour collapsed under costs. He scored one last major hit with “Addams Groove” (1991), but subsequent albums struggled. The Funky Headhunter (1994) shifted toward harder rap but failed to capture hardcore audiences. By 1996, lavish spending led to bankruptcy.
Hammer reemerged spiritually renewed, releasing Active Duty in 2001. Despite commercial decline, his legacy endures as the performer who proved hip-hop could dominate the mainstream.
Can't Touch This
2 Legit To Quit
Have You Seen Her
Addams Groove
Pray
Nicknamed “Hammer” while bat boy for Oakland Athletics baseball team.
Served three years in U.S. Navy before pursuing music.
Founded Bustin’ Records with Oakland A’s players’ financial backing.
Signed Capitol Records contract, launching national career with major support.
Co-founded and produced acts including Oaktown’s 3.5.7 group.
Briefly signed to Suge Knight’s Death Row Records, 1995.
Collaborated with Tupac Shakur, Teddy Riley, Psy, Tha Dogg Pound.
Known for flashy Hammer pants, extravagant choreography, dynamic dancing.
Attempted harder gangsta rap direction with The Funky Headhunter (1994).
Hosted Christian ministry program MC Hammer and Friends on TBN.
Ranked BET’s No. 7 “Best Dancer of All Time.”
Global phenomenon with Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em 1990 tour.
Sold-out stadiums with large backing dancers, singers, live musicians.
Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em became best-selling rap album ever.
Album included hits “U Can’t Touch This” and “Pray.”
“U Can’t Touch This” won two Grammy Awards in 1991.
First hip hop artist achieving diamond album status (RIAA certified).
Let’s Get It Started went multi-platinum with “Turn This Mutha Out.”
“2 Legit 2 Quit” became enduring phrase and massive hit.
Vibe ranked Hammer 17th favorite in “Best Rapper Tournament.”
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