Performance

MC Hammer

MC Hammer is a legendary rapper, dancer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his catchy hits and flashy style. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of pop-rap and hip-hop dance, influencing many artists and performers who came after him. In this blog post, I will explore some of the aspects of MC Hammer’s career and legacy that make him an icon of the music industry.

One of the most distinctive features of MC Hammer’s music is his use of sampling, which is the technique of taking a portion of a sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound effect in a new song. MC Hammer was one of the first rap artists to sample extensively from funk, soul, disco, and rock songs, creating a unique blend of genres that appealed to a wide audience. Some of his most famous samples include Rick James’ “Super Freak” in “U Can’t Touch This”, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” in “Pray”, and The Chi-Lites’ “Have You Seen Her” in “Have You Seen Her”. MC Hammer’s sampling also sparked some controversy and legal disputes, as some of the original artists sued him for copyright infringement or demanded royalties.

Stanley Burrell poses with slugger Hank Aaron in the Milwaukee Brewer dressing room. Stanley was working as an Oakland A’s “clubhouse” boy and the players nicknamed him “Hammer” because of his resemblance to the legionary slugger Hank Aaron who was called “The Hammer”

Another aspect of MC Hammer’s music that made him stand out was his dance skills, which he showcased in his energetic and choreographed performances and music videos. MC Hammer was influenced by various dance styles, such as breakdancing, popping, locking, and the Running Man. He also created his own signature moves, such as the Hammer Dance and the Typewriter. MC Hammer’s dance moves were so popular that they inspired a dance craze in the early 1990s, with millions of fans trying to imitate him. MC Hammer also collaborated with other dancers and choreographers, such as Paula Abdul, who directed some of his music videos.

Finally, MC Hammer’s music was also marked by his positive and uplifting messages, which reflected his Christian faith and his social awareness. MC Hammer often rapped about topics such as love, peace, hope, gratitude, and spirituality, avoiding the use of profanity or violence in his lyrics. He also addressed issues such as racism, poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse in some of his songs, such as “Help the Children”, “Do Not Pass Me By”, and “Pray”. MC Hammer also used his fame and fortune to support various charitable causes and organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, and the Special Olympics.

Tupac Shakur, M.C. Hammer, and Snoop Dogg at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

In conclusion, MC Hammer is a remarkable artist who has left a lasting impact on the music industry and culture. His music is a testament to his creativity, talent, and vision, as well as his values and beliefs. He is a true legend who deserves respect and recognition for his achievements and contributions.

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