MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California, is an iconic figure in the hip hop world renowned for his energetic performances, distinctive dance moves, and commercial success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Before his rise to fame, Burrell served in the United States Navy and upon discharge, he pursued a career in music. His debut album, "Feel My Power" (1987), caught the attention of Capitol Records, leading to a contract and the release of his groundbreaking record, "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em" in 1990, which featured the international hit "U Can't Touch This". The single, which sampled Rick James's "Super Freak", became a cultural phenomenon, earning him three Grammy Awards and solidifying his place in pop and hip hop history.

Hammer's subsequent albums, including "Too Legit to Quit" (1991) and "The Funky Headhunter" (1994), saw continued commercial success, although they could not replicate the massive impact of his earlier work. Nevertheless, the high-energy single "2 Legit 2 Quit" from the former album became another one of his signatures. Despite facing financial difficulties and a decline in popularity in the mid-90s, Hammer has remained active in the music scene. He's made numerous appearances on television shows, continued to release music including a more gospel-focused work with "Family Affair" (1998), and utilizes social media platforms to connect with fans. His status as a pop culture icon has been cemented by his recognizable hits, particularly "U Can't Touch This", and the lasting influence of his flashy, baggy pants—affectionately known as "Hammer pants".

Genres

Hip Hop

Hip House

Miami Bass

Related Artists

Naughty By Nature

Snoop Dogg

Digital Underground

2Pac

Ice Cube

Coolio

LL COOL J

Salt-N-Pepa

Sir Mix-A-Lot

De La Soul

Public Enemy

Vanilla Ice

Latest Release

Alcoholic

MC Hammer•

Heavy D

Single - Released January 24, 2024