MC Hammer

Who Is MC Hammer?

MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California, is a renowned rapper, dancer, and entrepreneur. He began his performance career at a young age, captivating audiences with his dance routines outside the Oakland Coliseum during Oakland A’s games. Hammer rose to global fame with the release of his 1990 album Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em, which is credited with bringing rap music into the mainstream. Despite facing financial difficulties later in his career, he has successfully reinvented himself as both a musician and businessman.

Early Years

MC Hammer’s upbringing was marked by both hardship and opportunity. His father, Lewis Burrell, was a warehouse supervisor whose struggles with gambling nearly led to financial ruin for the family. Unlike his father, Hammer channeled his energies into music, sports, and dance. By age 11, he was performing for tips at Oakland A’s games, a talent that garnered the attention of the team’s owner, Chuck Finley, who later hired him as a batboy.

While excelling in baseball as a high school second baseman, Hammer pursued a professional baseball career and even earned a tryout with the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, he did not make the final roster, prompting him to redirect his focus toward music.

Commercial Success

Although baseball was a dream, music remained Hammer’s true passion. Working with the A’s, he adopted the stage name “MC” (Master of Ceremonies) and began performing at various venues while the team was on the road. His nickname “Hammer” was inspired by his resemblance to legendary home-run hitter Hank “The Hammer” Aaron.

After a brief stint in college and three years of service in the Navy as an aviation storekeeper, Hammer returned to Oakland and revitalized his music career. With financial support from former A’s players Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy, he established his record label, Bust It Productions. He released his debut albums, Feel My Power (1987) and Let’s Get It Started (1988), which set the stage for a deal with Capitol Records.

Hammer’s third album, Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em (1990), became a monumental success, selling over 10 million copies and securing his place as a rap icon. The lead single “U Can’t Touch This,” which sampled Rick James’ “Super Freak,” along with hits like “Have You Seen Her” and “Pray,” propelled Hammer into international stardom. Clad in his signature parachute pants, he became a household name, and Forbes estimated his net worth at $33 million in 1990.

In addition to his music, Hammer produced and starred in a film based on the album’s title, which narrates the story of a rapper overcoming adversity to confront a drug kingpin. His subsequent album, Too Legit to Quit (1991), aimed to capitalize on his earlier success but did not achieve the same commercial impact.

Downfall

The rapid rise to fame came with equally swift consequences. Just six years after the peak of his career, Hammer filed for bankruptcy, declaring assets of $9.6 million against debts nearing $14 million. His extravagant lifestyle included hiring 40 employees, purchasing a $30 million home (later sold), acquiring at least 17 cars, and owning several racehorses. He owed substantial sums to various creditors, including football star Deion Sanders, who had lent him $500,000.

Recent Years

As hip-hop continued to evolve, Hammer sought to adapt. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he released over ten albums, but none matched the immense popularity of his early works. Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, he explored diverse business ventures spanning fashion, technology, and mixed martial arts. Additionally, he made appearances in various commercials and television shows.

In February 2013, Hammer faced legal trouble when he was arrested following a verbal altercation with a police officer in northern California. The incident arose after he was stopped while driving a car not registered in his name, but the charges were eventually dropped.

Personal Life

MC Hammer has been married to Stephanie Fuller since 1985, and the couple has five children. They currently reside in Tracy, California. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Hammer remains a significant figure in music and business, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.