MC Hammer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
MC Hammer
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MC Hammer in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Stanley Kirk Burrell |
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| Born | March 30, 1962 Oakland, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1973–present |
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Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), known as MC Hammer (or just Hammer), is an American rapper. He is famous for his hit songs like "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit". He's also known for his amazing dance moves, fancy choreography, and his special Hammer pants. Hammer became famous very quickly and has also been a successful business person and celebrity spokesperson. He has won many awards and is seen as a pioneer in pop rap, mixing in parts of freestyle music.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Hammer started his music journey while serving in the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, he released his first album, Feel My Power, on his own in 1986. Later, he signed with Capitol Records and released his second album, Let's Get It Started. This album sold millions of copies and won him two American Music Awards. He made history with his next album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), becoming the first hip hop artist to sell over 10 million copies.
Hammer also starred in a Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman in 1991. In the late 1990s, he became an ordained preacher and hosted a Christian TV show. He was a dance judge on Dance Fever in 2003. He also helped create DanceJam.com, a dance website, and had his own reality show called Hammertime in 2009.
Throughout his career, Hammer has managed his own music business as a record label CEO. He has helped create and produce music for other artists. He has also worked with many famous musicians like Tupac Shakur, Teddy Riley, and Big Daddy Kane. BET ranked Hammer as the 7th "Best Dancer of All Time". He still performs concerts, appears in television advertisements, and is active on social media and in his ministry.
Contents
- Early Life and Baseball Dreams
- Music and Entertainment Journey
- Starting His Own Record Label (1986)
- Becoming a Star with Capitol Records (1988–1990)
- The Mega-Hit: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990)
- Too Legit to Quit and New Ventures (1991–1993)
- Changing His Sound (1994–1996)
- Return to EMI and Christian Music (1996–1998)
- Later Albums and Projects (2000–Present)
- Other Business Ventures
- Television and Film Appearances
- Dancer, Choreographer, and Entertainer
- Personal Life
- Legacy and Pop Culture Fame
- Influences and Impact
- Awards and Recognition
- Tours and Concerts
- Discography
- Images for kids
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Stanley Kirk Burrell was born in Oakland, California, on March 30, 1962. He grew up in East Oakland with his mother and eight brothers and sisters. They lived in a small apartment. His family often went to horse races and later even owned some racehorses.
When he was young, Stanley would sell baseballs and dance in the Oakland Coliseum parking lot. The owner of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, Charlie Finley, saw 11-year-old Stanley doing cool dance moves. Finley was so impressed that he hired him as a clubhouse assistant and batboy from 1973 to 1980. Some players called him "Little Hammer" because he looked like a famous baseball player named Aaron. He also got the nickname "M.C." because he was a "master of ceremonies" when he performed at clubs.
Hammer played second base in high school and dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. But he didn't make the team after a tryout with the San Francisco Giants. After high school, he joined the United States Navy for three years before starting his music career.
Music and Entertainment Journey
Before becoming a huge music star, Burrell was part of a Christian rap group called the Holy Ghost Boy(s) with singer Jon Gibson. They performed together and released some early songs.
Hammer also helped other new artists get started through his record labels like Bust It Records and Oaktown Records. He signed and produced music for groups like Oaktown's 3.5.7 and Special Generation. Even a young Keyshia Cole recorded with Hammer and got advice from him when she was about 12 years old.
Starting His Own Record Label (1986)
In the mid-1980s, Hammer decided to start his own music business. He borrowed money from former Oakland A's players Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy. He became the CEO of Bust It Productions and sold records from his basement and car. He worked very hard to promote his music. His dancing skills and unique style made him stand out.
Calling himself "M.C. Hammer," he released his first album, Feel My Power, in 1986. It sold over 60,000 copies and became popular in dance clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. His energetic stage shows helped him get noticed. In 1988, he impressed a record executive at an Oakland club. Even though he had turned down other offers before, he signed a big contract with Capitol Records.
Becoming a Star with Capitol Records (1988–1990)
After signing with Capitol Records, Hammer re-released his first album with new songs, calling it Let's Get It Started. It sold over 2 million copies! Songs like "Pump It Up" and "Turn This Mutha Out" became popular. Hammer wanted his music to be even more "musical" and different from traditional rap.
He was good friends with TV host Arsenio Hall. Hammer was invited to perform his song "U Can't Touch This" on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989, even before it was officially released. This helped make the song a huge hit. He also used some of the money from this album to build a recording studio inside his tour bus.
In 1989, Hammer also formed the rap group Oaktown's 3.5.7, which had a hit song called "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"
The Mega-Hit: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990)
Hammer's third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, came out in 1990. It featured the super-successful song "U Can't Touch This", which used a sample from Rick James' "Super Freak". This album became a number one hit for 21 weeks, thanks mostly to "U Can't Touch This". It was the first time a rap album reached such high success on the pop charts.
Other popular songs from the album included "Have You Seen Her" and "Pray", which was his biggest hit in the U.S., reaching number 2. "Pray" also did very well in the UK. This album made history by becoming the first hip-hop album to sell more than 10 million copies, reaching over 18 million sales to date. Hammer toured all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, and Russia.
The album also used samples from other famous artists like The Jackson 5 and Prince. Music videos from this album and earlier ones were played a lot on MTV and VH1. A movie called Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie was also released in 1990.
Even though some critics said his lyrics were too simple or that he used too many samples, Hammer's career was still very successful. Soon, there were M.C. Hammer dolls, lunchboxes, and other merchandise. He even got his own Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman, where he was the host and voiced his character.
Too Legit to Quit and New Ventures (1991–1993)
In 1991, Hammer dropped "M.C." from his name and released Too Legit to Quit. This album also sold well, with over five million copies. The title track was the biggest hit from this record. Another hit was "Addams Groove", which was on The Addams Family movie soundtrack.
Hammer went on a big tour to promote the album, with many singers, dancers, and musicians. The music video for "2 Legit to Quit" was very expensive and featured many celebrities. The hand motions from the song and video became very popular.
After this album, Hammer signed a new multi-million dollar deal with Giant Records. He also started a new company called Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, working with athletes like Evander Holyfield and Deion Sanders.
Changing His Sound (1994–1996)
In 1994, Hammer released his fifth album, The Funky Headhunter. He tried a more aggressive sound to fit the changing hip-hop scene. While his look changed, his lyrics still talked about real life. This album reached number two on the R&B charts and sold over a million copies.
In 1995, Hammer released Inside Out. This album didn't sell as well as his previous ones, and Giant Records ended their contract with him. Hammer later explained that some people he had helped had used and betrayed him, which led to many of his financial problems.
Hammer also signed with Death Row Records in 1995, which was home to Snoop Dogg and his friend Tupac Shakur. He recorded songs with Tupac, but the label never released an album of Hammer's music. After Tupac's death in 1996, Hammer left the record company.
Return to EMI and Christian Music (1996–1998)
In 1996, Hammer signed with EMI and released a compilation album of his past hits called Greatest Hits. In 1998, he released his first album with EMI, Family Affair. This album was meant to introduce new artists he had signed to his Oaktown Records. It was promoted on Trinity Broadcasting Network and featured songs about faith and family values. The album also included a song written for Hammer by Tupac called "Unconditional Love".
Later Albums and Projects (2000–Present)
In 2000, another collection of his hits, The Hits, was released. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, MC Hammer released his 8th album, Active Duty, to honor those who were lost. This album had a patriotic theme and included songs like "No Stoppin' Us (USA)". He even filmed a video in Washington, D.C., with members of the United States Congress singing and dancing.
In 2004, he released his ninth album, Full Blast, and in 2006, his tenth album, Look Look Look. He also released a military-inspired rap song called "Bring Our Brothers Home" in 2006, asking President George W. Bush to bring troops home from war.
In 2009, MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice had a concert together in Orem, Utah. They said it was their first time headlining a show together in almost 20 years. Hammer said they were like "long lost friends."
More recently, Hammer has continued to release new music. In 2010, he released "Better Run Run!" as a response to a song by Kanye West and Jay-Z. In 2011, he premiered "See Her Face" on The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2013 and 2014, he released "Raider Nation (Oakland Raiders Anthem)" and "All in My Mind" with his group Oakland Fight Club. In 2017, he released an updated version of his song "Help the Children" with a short film.
Other Business Ventures
In 1991, MC Hammer started Oaktown Stable, which owned many Thoroughbred racehorses. His horse Lite Light won several big races. His horse Dance Floor also won races and finished 3rd in the 1992 Kentucky Derby.
Hammer has also been involved in many Internet projects. In 2007, he co-founded DanceJam.com, a website dedicated to dancing videos and competitions. He sometimes judged or rated the videos.
In 2010, Hammer started a mixed martial arts management company called Alchemist Management to help fighters. He also launched a clothing line called Alchemist Clothing.
In 2011, Hammer appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about his work in technology and social media. He explained that he has been involved with the Internet since 1994, including YouTube and Twitter. He also said that helping so many people in the past didn't make him "broke" in the way the media often said.
In 2011, Hammer announced a new internet project called WireDoo, a "deep search engine" that aimed to compete with Google and Bing. However, WireDoo never fully launched.
Television and Film Appearances
Hammer produced and starred in his own movie, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990). He won a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video for this project. He also appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies like Pepsi, KFC, and Taco Bell.
In 1991, Hammer hosted and voiced his own Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman. He has also made guest appearances on many TV shows like Saturday Night Live and Martin. He even had a small role in the 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Last Action Hero.
In 2001, Hammer was a producer for the VH1 movie Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story, which told the story of his rise and fall. He said he gave the writer all the information for the script.
In 2003, Hammer was on the reality show The Surreal Life, where different celebrities lived together. He was also a dance judge on the TV series Dance Fever. His oldest daughter, A'Keiba Burrell, was a contestant on MTV's Rock the Cradle in 2008, and Hammer appeared on the show too.
In 2009, Hammer starred in his own reality show called Hammertime on A&E, which showed his personal, business, and family life.
Hammer's music has been used in many popular TV shows and movies, especially "U Can't Touch This". You might have heard it in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and movies like Tropic Thunder. He has also appeared in commercials for brands like Lay's and Cheetos. In 2020, Hammer appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Cheetos, celebrating the 30th anniversary of "U Can't Touch This".
Dancer, Choreographer, and Entertainer
Hammer's dance style helped bring hip-hop and rap to the San Francisco Bay Area. With his famous Hammer pants, he was a unique entertainer during his live shows and in music videos. His energetic dance routines were a big part of his performances. He is often considered one of the greatest dancers. Hammer added his own moves and adopted styles from James Brown and the Nicholas Brothers, like the splits, leaps, and slides.
He created dances like the "Hammer dance" (or "typewriter dance") and "the bump" from "U Can't Touch This", as well as popularizing the "running man" and the "butterfly". His flashy and creative dance skills were unlike anyone else's at the time. His elaborate stage choreography involved many dancers, singers, musicians, and DJs, which made his shows visually powerful. Hammer was the first rap artist to create such a big choreographed show.
At the peak of his career, Hammer had his legs insured for millions of dollars. He later had a knee injury that stopped his dancing for a while. BET ranked Hammer as the 7th Best Dancer of All Time. He continues to share his dancing skills on talk shows and social media.
Hammer and Michael Jackson were friends. Hammer shared a story about a phone call he had with Jackson about his "Too Legit to Quit" video, where a fake Michael Jackson appeared. Jackson liked the video and both expressed they were fans of each other. They also appeared together at the funeral service for James Brown in 2006, where Hammer danced to honor the "Godfather of Soul".
Personal Life
MC Hammer married Stephanie Burrell on December 21, 1985. They met at a church meeting. They have three sons and two daughters, and they also raised Hammer's nephew. The family lives in Tracy, California.
Hammer is very active on social media like Facebook and Twitter. He was one of the first celebrities to use Twitter a lot. He calls himself a "super geek" and has worked as a consultant or investor for many technology companies. He spends a lot of time on his tech projects and tweets many times a day.
Obstruction Charges
In 2013, Hammer was arrested in Dublin, California, for allegedly obstructing an officer and resisting arrest. Hammer said he was a victim of racial profiling by the police. He claimed an officer pulled out his gun and asked if he was on parole. Police said Hammer was playing loud music in a car with expired registration. All charges against him were later dropped. Hammer tweeted that he was not upset and saw it as a "teachable moment."
Christian Beliefs and Ministry
In 1984, Burrell started attending Bible studies and joined a street ministry. He formed a gospel rap group called the Holy Ghost Boy(s). He recorded songs with Jon Gibson before his mainstream success.
Hammer was raised Pentecostal. He returned to his Christian faith after his time as a music star. He even showed this in a film he wrote and starred in, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990), where he played a preacher. As a tribute to his faith, Hammer promised to include at least one song about God on each album.
In 1997, Hammer started a television ministry called MC Hammer and Friends on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He also appeared on other Christian TV shows, talking about his dedication to ministry as an ordained minister. Hammer has even officiated at celebrity weddings. He continues to preach, make music, run his social media business, and work with prison and youth ministries.
Legacy and Pop Culture Fame
MC Hammer is often seen as the first "mainstream" rapper. His music and image have been used in many popular shows, movies, and commercials, even today. He was known for his fashion style in the late 80s and early 90s, especially his famous Hammer pants.
Hammer also started a children's foundation called Help The Children (HTC), named after his song "Help the Children". The foundation helped kids in his own community.
His famous catchphrase, "Stop! Hammer Time!", is still used today. In 2005, Hammer appeared in a commercial for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company that humorously referenced his career.
In 2006, MC Hammer's music catalog was sold for nearly $3 million. This showed that his songs were still very valuable and popular. VH1 said that Hammer's hit songs and videos like "U Can't Touch This" created a style of lavish performances that many rap artists still follow.
In 2012, at the 40th American Music Awards, Hammer danced to a mix of "Gangnam Style" and "2 Legit 2 Quit" with South Korean pop star Psy. They both wore his signature Hammer pants. They performed together again on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in 2012.
In 2013, during Oakland Athletics baseball games, the "2 Legit 2 Quit" music video was often played between innings.
Influences and Impact
MC Hammer's music and career have influenced many artists, including Will Smith, Diddy, and Mystikal. He was influenced by artists like James Brown, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
Hammer also made an impact on the music industry with popular catchphrases and slang. He had some famous rivalries with other rappers like LL Cool J, Jay-Z, and Eminem.
Awards and Recognition
Hammer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards: one for Best Rhythm and Blues Song (1990), one for Best Rap Solo (1990), and one for Best Music Video: Long Form (1990) for Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie. He also received eight American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, and the Billboard Diamond Award, which was the first for a hip hop artist.
He also won the Juno Award for International Album of the Year, showing his talent as a global entertainer. In 1991, he received a Soul Train Music Award for Entertainer of the Year.
In 2008, Hammer won a Living Legends of Hip Hop Award from Hip Hop International in Las Vegas. In 2009, he was honored at the first Shorty Awards for his contributions to Twitter.
In 2011, Hammer received the first Gravity Summit Social Media Marketer of the Year Award for his work in social media and his Internet businesses. In 2013, he received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement.
Tours and Concerts
MC Hammer has performed in many tours and concerts around the world. Some of his notable tours include the Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em World Tour (1990 & 1991) and the Too Legit to Quit World Tour (1992). He has also performed at major festivals like Summer Jam and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. He continues to perform today, including his Hammer's All-star House Party Tour in 2019.
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)
- Active Duty (2001)
- Full Blast (2004)
- Look Look Look (2006)
- DanceJamtheMusic (2009)
Images for kids
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Even in 2008, people continued to invoke Hammer's catchphrase
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MC Hammer's catchphrase invoked in Helsinki, Finland in 2012
In Spanish: MC Hammer para niños
- List of dancers
