MC Hammer

MC Hammer (later Hammer), real name Stanley Kirk Burrell, (born March 30, 1962) was a mainstream American rapper during the 1980s and early 1990s, known for his baggy pants and catchy hooks on songs like "U Can't Touch This".

Early career

His debut album was Feel My Power (1987), produced by Felton Pilate (of Con Funk Shun). The album sold over 60,000 copies, which led to several offers from major labels.

Related Topics:
Feel My Power - 1987 - Produced - Felton Pilate - Con Funk Shun

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Burrell initially refused to sign a contract from Capitol Records, but he eventually did after a substantial signing bonus was added to his contract. His debut album was then re-released as Let's Get It Started. The album eventually went triple-platinum (more than 3 million units sold). The title song, "Turn This Mutha Out", and "Feel My Power" saw heavy rotation on R&B/Hip-Hop radio stations.

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His second album, 1990's Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em included the highly successful single "U Can't Touch This", which sampled "Superfreak" (Rick James); "Have You Seen Her" (cover of the Chi-Lites); and "Pray" (sampled from Prince's "When Doves Cry"). The album eventually went on to become the first hip-hop album to reach diamond status (more than 10 million units sold). During 1990 Hammer toured extensively in Europe which included a sell out concert at NEC Birmingham.

Related Topics:
1990 - Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em - U Can't Touch This - Sampled - Rick James - Cover - The Chi-Lites - Prince - 1990 - Europe - NEC - Birmingham

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A critical backlash began brewing over the repetitive nature of his lyrics, his clean cut image, and his perceived over-reliance on sampling others' hooks for the basis of his singles. He was mocked in music videos by 3rd Bass and Ice Cube. Despite the criticisms, MC Hammer's career remained highly successful. Soon, MC Hammer dolls, lunchboxes, clothing, and other apparrel were marketed. He was even given his own Saturday morning cartoon in 1990 on the ABC network.

Related Topics:
Sampling - Music video - 3rd Bass - Ice Cube - Saturday morning cartoon - ABC

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After dropping the MC from his stage name, Burrell released Too Legit to Quit in 1991. Burrell took the opportunity to answer his critics on certain songs on the album. Though the album was, by and large, no more critically accepted than his first, sales were strong and the title track was yet another hit. Another hit came soon after, with "Addams Groove" (which appeared on both The Addams Family motion picture soundtrack and the vinyl version of Too Legit to Quit).

Related Topics:
Too Legit to Quit - 1991 - The Addams Family

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