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MC Hammer
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MC Hammer

Stanley Burrell, who performed as MC Hammer, came out of Oakland, California. In the late 1980s, his solo album 'Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em' took off,...

album41 lyric pages photo_library2 photos groups25 listeners here now Editor's note live
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
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Break Em Off Somethin Video on page · 8 visits arrow_forward Do Not Pass Me By Video on page · 8 visits arrow_forward Here Comes The Hammer 8 visits arrow_forward They Put Me In The Mix Video on page · 8 visits arrow_forward Let's Get It Started Video on page · 7 visits arrow_forward Pump It Up Video on page · 7 visits arrow_forward
Editor's note

MC Hammer, the Oakland rapper who defined Hammer Time

From 'U Can't Touch This' to financial troubles, his story captures a specific moment in pop culture.

For the full picture, start with 'U Can't Touch This' and then maybe 'Pray' from his top songs. The contrast tells you something.

You can't talk about late 80s and early 90s pop without 'U Can't Touch This.' That Rick James sample became the soundtrack for a whole dance craze. The 'Hammer Time' move and those parachute pants turned a hit song into a cultural moment that's still instantly recognizable.

He came out of Oakland with 'Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em' and that massive single. The follow-ups like 'Too Legit To Quit' kept him in the spotlight through the early 90s. Then the lavish spending caught up, leading to bankruptcy in 1996.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 20
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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41 lyric pages live 2 photos available Editor's note live Video on page
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MC Hammer MC Hammer
Background notes

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Stanley Burrell, who performed as MC Hammer, came out of Oakland, California. In the late 1980s, his solo album 'Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em' took off, anchored by the single 'U Can't Touch This.' That track, built on a Rick James sample, became a massive pop hit and defined a moment.

Hammer's success wasn't just about the music. The 'Hammer Time' dance move and his flashy stage costumes turned him into a broader entertainment figure. He followed up with songs like 'Too Legit To Quit' and 'Addams' Groove,' maintaining a high profile in the early 1990s.

Behind the scenes, his lavish spending led to financial trouble. He filed for bankruptcy in 1996. There was also a copyright dispute with Prince over the sample in 'U Can't Touch This,' though the song's place in pop culture was already secure.

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Where should I start with MC Hammer on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Break Em Off Somethin, Do Not Pass Me By, and Here Comes The Hammer so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for MC Hammer?

LyroVerse currently has 41 visible lyric pages for MC Hammer.

Does MC Hammer have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 2 photos available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for MC Hammer?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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