Hammer

About Hammer

One of the most memorable American hip hop artists of all time is the one and only MC Hammer ? after all, who could forget Hammer Time? Born Stanley Kirk Burrell, MC Hammer is known for his sense of style as much for his music. MC Hammer took to wearing parachute (or aptly re-named Hammer) pants, puffy shirts and vests with loads of flair and performing his own trademark moves on the dance floor. He inspired an entire generation to try out his tricky dance moves but fortunately not too many people went out and bought the parachute pants and purple silk shirts! Even well into the future, people all over the world will still remember the overall look, style and attitude of MC Hammer. The great MC has released a stunning ten full length records since his debut album in 1987, Feel My Power: 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), Family Affair (1998), Active Duty (2001), Full Blast (2003) and Look Look Look (2006). Most people don't realize that so many records were released, especially right up until the last couple of years. This might be because most of them failed to even chart on the Billboard. Hammer hit his peak in 1988 and 1990 when he reached no. 1 on the US R&B/Rap charts and went double platinum. He also reached no. 1 on the pop charts and Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em went diamond for sales. No other hip hop album had ever reached diamond status. MC Hammer brought a very funky vibe to hip hop during his early career and influenced a many artists, including young Will Smith (during the time when he was the Fresh Prince). Integrating dance and style into an overall persona is a combination that is almost necessary for success in today's hip hop circuit.