MC Hammer#"Raider Nation" and "All in My Mind" (2013–2014)

Stanley Kirk Burrell was born in Oakland, California, on March 30, 1962.{{cite web|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/mc-hammer|title=MC Hammer|publisher=Encyclopedia.com|access-date=November 29, 2019}} His father was a professional poker player and gambling casino manager (at Oaks Card Club's cardroom), as well as a warehouse supervisor.{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Beyer |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-06-sp-96-story.html |title=Hammer Time : When Big Money Comes Down From His Son, Lewis Burrell's Dream Sees the Light of Day |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 20, 2007 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} Hammer grew up poor with his mother (a secretary) and eight siblings in a small apartment in East Oakland. He recalled that six children were crammed into a three-bedroom housing project apartment. The Burrells would frequent thoroughbred horse races, eventually becoming owners and winners of several graded stakes.

In the Oakland Coliseum parking lot, the young Burrell would sell stray baseballs and dance accompanied by a beatboxer. Oakland Athletics team owner Charlie Finley saw the 11-year-old doing splits and hired Burrell as a clubhouse assistant and batboy as a result of his energy and flair.{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/topic/mc-hammer-1 |title=MC Hammer: Biography from |website=Answers.com |access-date=October 22, 2010}} Burrell served as a "batboy" with the team from 1973 to 1980. In 2010, Hammer discussed his lifelong involvement with athletes on ESPN's First Take as well as explained that his brother Louis Burrell Jr. (who would later become Hammer's business manager){{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v9MDAAAAMBAJ&q=Louis+Burrell+mc+hammer+brother&pg=PA118 |title=Ebony – Google Books |date= October 1990 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852/ | work=Ebony | first=Lynn | last=Norment | title=Hammer's hilltop mansion | year=1994}} was actually the batboy while his job was to take calls and do "play-by-plays" for the A's absentee owner during every summer game.{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5512532 |title=Hammer Time On First Take – ESPN Video |work=ESPN |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226131154/http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5512532 |archive-date=February 26, 2011 }} The colorful Finley, who lived in Chicago, used the child as his "eyes and ears".{{cite video|title = Rebels of Oakland: The A's, the Raiders, the '70s.|publisher = HBO|date = December 10, 2003}} Reggie Jackson, in describing Burrell's role for Finley, took credit for his nickname:

{{blockquote|Hell, our chief executive, the guy that ran our team, uh, that communicated [with] Charlie Finley, the top man there, was a 13-year-old kid. I nicknamed him "Hammer" because he looked like Hank Aaron [whose nickname was "The Hammer"].}}

Team players, including Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Pedro García, also dubbed Burrell "Little Hammer" due to his resemblance to Aaron. Ron Bergman, at the time an Oakland Tribune writer who covered the A's, recalled that: He was an informant in the clubhouse, an informant for Charlie, and he got the nickname "Pipeline". According to Hammer:

{{blockquote|Charlie said, "I'm getting you a new hat. I don't want you to have a hat that says "A's" on it. I'm getting you a hat that says 'Ex VP,' that says 'Executive Vice President.' You're running the joint around here." ... Every time I come down to the clubhouse, you know, Rollie would yell out "Oh, everybody be quiet! Here comes Pipeline!"}}

Burrell acquired the nickname "MC" for being a "master of ceremonies", which he used when he began performing at various clubs while on the road with the A's, and eventually in the military. Hammer, who played second base in high school, dreamed of being a professional baseball player but did not make the final cut at a San Francisco Giants tryout. However, he has been a participant and a player in the annual Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game, wearing an A's cap to represent Oakland (American League).{{cite web|author=Steph |url=http://www.celebritymound.com/2008-mlb-all-star-week-taco-bell-all-star-legends-celebrity-softball-game/ |title=2008 MLB All-Star Week Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game |publisher=Celebrity Mound |date=July 12, 2008 |access-date=October 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708131945/http://www.celebritymound.com/2008-mlb-all-star-week-taco-bell-all-star-legends-celebrity-softball-game/ |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|first=Adam|last=McCalvy|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100711&content_id=12206214&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Legends, celebrities hammer home fun |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 22, 2010 |access-date=October 2, 2010}}{{cite web|last=Palmer |first=Tamara |url=https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/MC-Hammer-oakland-as-prince-reunion-concert-14862365.php |title=MC Hammer reflects on his days as an A's ball boy, Prince and Oakland's musical legacy |publisher=Sfgate.com |date=2019-11-25 |accessdate=2022-05-08}}

Burrell went on to graduate from McClymonds High School in Oakland in 1980 and took undergraduate classes in communications. Discouraged by his studies at a local college and failing to win a place in a professional baseball organization, Burrell joined the United States Navy. He served with PATRON (Patrol Squadron) FOUR SEVEN (VP-47) of NAS Moffett Field in Mountain View, California, as a petty officer third class aviation storekeeper (AK3), until his honorable discharge after three years.{{cite web|url=http://www.military.com/veterans-day/these-guys-served.html?ESRC=airforce-a.nl |title=MC Hammer in the US Navy |website=Military.com |date=December 20, 2006 |access-date=October 22, 2010}}

Before Hammer's successful music career and "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back saga",{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-06-11-hammertime_N.htm?csp=34|title=MC Hammer opens his home to viewers in new reality show|publisher = USA Today|last = Strauss|first = Gary|date = June 11, 2009}} Burrell formed a Christian rap group with singer and musician Jon Gibson known as the Holy Ghost Boy(s).{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26261/mc-hammer|title=MC Hammer {{pipe}} full Official Chart History |website=Official Charts}} Hammer and Tramaine Hawkins performed with Gibson's band, in concerts at various venues such as the Beverly Theatre in Beverly Hills.{{cite web |last=Israel |first=Brian |title=Rap Artist MC Hammer Back in the fold |url=http://www.connectionmagazine.org/archives_old/mchammer.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030501111808/http://connectionmagazine.org/archives_old/mchammer.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 1, 2003 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |website=Connectionmagazine.com}} Some early songs produced were "Word", "B-Boy Chill"{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/b-boy-chill--54942341 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105143315/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/b-boy-chill--54942341 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |website=New.music.yahoo.com |title=MC Hammer: B-Boy Chill }} and "Stupid Def Yal" (1987).{{cite web|url=https://www.sourcerecords.jp/product/6981 |title=MC HAMMER (THE HOLYGHOST BOY) AND THE POSSE / STUPID DEF YAL / RING' EM |website=Source Records |access-date=July 3, 2022}} Hammer also produced "Son of the King" during this time, releasing it on his debut album Feel My Power (1986), as well as the re-released version Let's Get It Started (1988).{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsody.com/mc-hammer/lets-get-it-started|title = MC Hammer 'Let's Get It Started' track listing|publisher = rhapsody.com}} Additionally, "The Wall"{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/change-of-heart-mw0000875286|title=Change of Heart – Jon Gibson – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=March 1, 2018}} featured Hammer{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/change-of-heart/387058441|title = Change of Heart by Jon Gibson|date = January 1988}}{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7JLSVYyIdkwDEASYRyHqnB|title = The Wall (Feat. MC Hammer)|website = Spotify|year = 1988}} (a song Burrell originally identified himself as MC Hammer),{{cite web|url=http://cdbaby.com/cd/jongibson|publisher=cdbaby.com|title=Jon Gibson: Soulful Hymns|access-date=June 11, 2009|archive-date=November 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116195000/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jongibson|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url = https://www.amazon.com/Love-Education-Jon-Gibson/dp/B000008P2A|title=Jon Gibson: Love Education|website = Amazon| year=1997}} which was later released on Gibson's album Change of Heart (1988).{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Hits-Jon-Gibson/dp/B000009ZP0|title=Jon Gibson: Hits|website = Amazon}}{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/album/change-of-heart/96188|publisher=music.aol.com|title = Jon Gibson: Change of Heart|access-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714020823/http://music.aol.com/album/change-of-heart/96188|archive-date = July 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} This was CCM's first rap hit by a blue-eyed soul singer and/or duo.{{cite web|url=http://www.frontlinerecords.us/artists/?58|title=Jon Gibson – Frontline Records|author=Darren Beckett|website=Frontlinerecords.us|access-date=March 1, 2018}}{{cite web|url = http://www.soultracks.com/jon_gibson.htm|title = Jon Gibson profile|date = May 7, 2007| publisher = SoulTracks}}

In addition to later remixes of early releases, Hammer produced and recorded many rap songs that were never made public, yet are now available on the Internet.{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=1|title=MC Hammer Songs – Yahoo! Music|website=New.music.yahoo.com|access-date=March 31, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203044811/http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=1|archive-date=December 3, 2012|url-status=live}} Through his record labels such as Bust It Records, Oaktown Records and Full Blast—Hammer has introduced, signed and/or produced new talent including: Oaktown's 3.5.7, Ho Frat Hoo!,{{cite web |url=http://www.rapcoalition.org/an_artist's_experience.htm |title=An Artist's Experience |website=Rapcoalition.org |date=December 12, 1992 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612183730/http://rapcoalition.org/an_artist's_experience.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2011 }} the vocal quintet Special Generation, Analise,{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1455917/20020702/mc_hammer.jhtml |title=Hammer – Rhapsody Music Downloads |website=VH1.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022023125/http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1455917/20020702/mc_hammer.jhtml |archive-date=October 22, 2012 }} James Greer, One Cause One Effect, B Angie B, The Stooge Playaz,{{cite web|url=http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590012-if-you-want-it |title="If You Want It" video at |website=Dancejam.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820145409/http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590012-if-you-want-it |archive-date=August 20, 2008 }}{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/mchammer |title=Mchammer – Sets |publisher=SoundCloud |access-date=March 31, 2010}} DASIT as seen on Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show,{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/dasit/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729062711/http://new.music.yahoo.com/dasit |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |title=Dasit on Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 }} Teabag, Common Unity, Geeman{{cite web |url=http://music.aol.com/album/family-affair/314828 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711211513/http://music.aol.com/album/family-affair/314828 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |title=Family Affair – MC Hammer |website=Music.aol.com |date=June 23, 1998 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }} and Pleasure Ellis{{cite web|url=http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590090-espn-mondy-night-football-commercia |title="ESPN Mondy Night Football Commercial with MC Hammer And Pleasure Ellis" video at |website=Dancejam.com |date=August 18, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206204026/http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590090-espn-mondy-night-football-commercia |archive-date=February 6, 2010 }} (all collaborating with him and/or producing music of their own during his career).{{cite web|url=http://www.mchammer.com |title=Mchammer.com |website=Mchammer.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402093529/http://mchammer.com |archive-date=April 2, 2010 }} At around age 12, Oakland native Keyshia Cole recorded with Hammer and sought career advice from him.{{cite web|last=Hall |first=Rashaun |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494637/20041208/cole_keyshia.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125203555/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494637/20041208/cole_keyshia.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2005 |title=Keyshia Cole Has Kanye, Shyne On LP, Proof That Stalking MC Hammer Pays Off – MTV News |publisher=MTV |date=December 9, 2004 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}{{cite web |author=J.R. |url=http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/03/05/keyshia-cole-on-chelsea-lately-talks-tupac-mc-hammer-and-kissing/ |title=Keyshia Cole on Chelsea Lately: Talks Tupac, MC Hammer and Kissing! |website=Hiphoprx.com |date=March 5, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926063731/http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/03/05/keyshia-cole-on-chelsea-lately-talks-tupac-mc-hammer-and-kissing |archive-date=September 26, 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-what-was-it-like-to-work-with-mc/keyshia-cole/1973322 |title=Q&A: What was it like to work with MC Hammer? Video by Keyshia Cole – AOL Music |website=Music.aol.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927162519/http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-what-was-it-like-to-work-with-mc/keyshia-cole/1973322 |archive-date=September 27, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/7050/keisha-cole |title=Keisha Cole |website=Sheknows.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928074717/http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/7050/keisha-cole |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}

{{Main|Feel My Power}}

In the mid-1980s, while rapping in small venues and after a record deal went sour, Hammer borrowed US$20,000 each from former Oakland A's players Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy to start an independent record label business. As the CEO of Bust It Productions, Hammer kept the company going by selling records from his basement and car. Bust It Records spawned Bustin' Records, and collectively the companies had more than 100 employees. Recording singles and selling them out of the trunk of his car, he marketed himself relentlessly. Coupled with his dance abilities, Hammer's style was unique at the time.

Now billing himself as "MC Hammer", he recorded songs for his debut album Feel My Power in 1986. It was originally released on Hammer's independent label, Bustin' Records (via Oaktown Records), and produced by Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun. It sold over 60,000 copies and was distributed by City Hall Records. Hammer released singles from the album, including "Ring 'Em" in 1987.{{cite web|url=https://music.metason.net/artistinfo?name=MC%20Hammer%20And%20The%20Posse&title=Stupid%20Def%20Yal%20%2F%20Ring%27%20Em |title=MC Hammer And The Posse – Stupid Def Yal – Ring 'Em – Artist Info |website=Music.Metason.Net |access-date=July 7, 2022}} Largely on the strength of tireless street marketing by Hammer and his wife, in addition to continuous radio play, it achieved considerable popularity at dance clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. In Spring 1988, Tony Valera (a 107.7 KSOL Radio DJ), played the track "Let's Get It Started" in his mix-shows. The track also gained popularity in nightclubs. Hammer declared he was "second to none from Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J or DJ Run" within the song. He would continue to call out other East Coast rappers in future projects as well.

Heartened by his rising prospects, Hammer launched into seven-day-a-week rehearsals with the growing troupe of dancers, musicians and backup vocalists he had hired. It was Hammer's stage show and his infectious stage presence that led to his big break in 1988 while performing in an Oakland club. There, Hammer impressed a record executive who "didn't know who he was, but knew he was somebody", according to the New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll. Though Hammer had previously received and declined offers from major record labels before, he agreed to a multi-album contract with Capitol Records with a $1,750,000 advance. It did not take long for Capitol to recoup its investment.

{{Main|Let's Get It Started (album)}}

Once signed to Capitol Records, Hammer re-issued his first record (a revised version of Feel My Power) with additional tracks added, which sold over two million copies. "Pump It Up" (also performed during Showtime at the Apollo on September 16, 1989),{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0612962/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312202245/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0612962/|url-status=dead|title=Episode dated 16 September 1989|archive-date=March 12, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}} "Turn This Mutha Out", "Let's Get It Started" and "They Put Me in the Mix" were the most popular singles from this album (which all charted). Not entirely satisfied with this first multi-platinum success, Hammer's music underwent a metamorphosis, shifting from the standard rap format. "I decided the next album would be more musical," he said at the time. Purists chastised him for being more dancer than rapper. Sitting in a leopard-print bodysuit before a concert, he defended his style: "People were ready for something different from the traditional rap style. The fact that the record has reached this level indicates the genre is growing."

Hammer was close friends with Arsenio Hall (as well as a then-unknown teen named Vanilla Ice, despite later rumors that there was a "beef" between the two rappers which was addressed during the height of both their careers on Hall's show, and whom he would later reunite with in a 2009 concert in Salt Lake City, Utah),{{cite web|title=Video of MC Hammer |url=http://vodpod.com/watch/567233-arsenio-hall-turns-54-today-dog-pound-still-woofing |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718041646/http://vodpod.com/watch/567233-arsenio-hall-turns-54-today-dog-pound-still-woofing |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/188027 |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice Rock Utah |website=Newsweek.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} and as such, Hammer was first invited to perform the song "U Can't Touch This", prior to its release, on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989.{{cite web |url=http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-ZIB4GB8Olss/mc_hammer_u_cant_touch_this_live_arsenio_hall/ |title=MC Hammer – U Can't Touch This (Live @ Arsenio Hall) – Video |website=Metacafe.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001035/http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-ZIB4GB8Olss/mc_hammer_u_cant_touch_this_live_arsenio_hall/ |url-status=dead }} He also performed "Dancing Machine" which later appeared in the Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990).

Hammer used some of the proceeds from this album to install a rolling recording studio in the back of his tour bus, where Hammer recorded much of his second album. In 1989, Hammer was featured on "You've Got Me Dancing" with Glen Goldsmith, which appeared on Goldsmith's album Don't Turn This Groove Around via RCA Records. The track was Hammer's first release in the UK. He also appeared in Glen Goldsmith's music video for this song. The single failed to chart. During this period, Hammer formed the rap group Oaktown's 3.5.7, releasing the No. 9 single "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" from the album Wild & Loose (1989).

{{Main|Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em}}

Hammer's third album (and second major-label release), Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em,{{cite web|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_pleasehammerdont.html |title=M.C. Hammer: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em :: Capitol Records |website=Rapreviews.com |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} was released on February 12, 1990 (with an original release date of January 1, 1990).{{cite web|url = http://music.msn.com/album/?album=10027416|title = Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em|publisher = music.msn.com|access-date = January 18, 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606141546/http://music.msn.com/album/?album=10027416|archive-date = June 6, 2012|url-status = dead}} It included the successful single "U Can't Touch This" (which sampled Rick James' "Super Freak"). It was produced, recorded, and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley on a modified tour bus while on tour in 1989.{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/m.c.%20hammer |title=MC Hammer: Biography from |website=Answers.cwom |access-date=March 31, 2010}} Despite heavy airplay and a No. 27 chart debut, "U Can't Touch This" stopped at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the album was a No. 1 success for 21 weeks primarily due to this single, the first time ever for a recording on the pop charts. "U Can't Touch This" has been and continues to be used in many films and television shows and also appears on soundtrack and compilation albums (such as Man of the House and Back 2 Back Hits).{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102013021/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/|url-status=dead|title=M.C. Hammer|archive-date=November 2, 2016|website=IMDb}}

Follow-up successes included a cover of the Chi-Lites' "Have You Seen Her" and "Pray" (a beat sampled from Prince's "When Doves Cry" and Faith No More's "We Care a Lot"),{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/albums/album/214027/review/5943181/please_hammer_dont_hurt_em |title=MC Hammer: Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em : Music Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Michael|last=Corcoran|date=May 17, 1990 |access-date=March 31, 2010|archive-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428010112/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/albums/album/214027/review/5943181/please_hammer_dont_hurt_em}}ead which was his biggest hit in the US, peaking at No. 2. "Pray" was also a major UK success, peaking at No. 8. The album went on to become the first hip-hop album to earn diamond status, selling more than 18 million units to date. During 1990, Hammer toured extensively in Europe which included a sold-out concert at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. With the sponsorship of PepsiCo International, Pepsi CEO Christopher A. Sinclair went on tour with him during 1991.

The album was notable for sampling other high-profile artists and gave some of these artists a new fan base. "Dancin' Machine" sampled The Jackson 5, "Help the Children" (also the name of an outreach foundation Hammer started){{Cite web|url=http://www.macysinc.com/pressroom/macys/macyseast/media_kits.asp?strAction=ShowItem&itemid=8131|title=Macy's Pressroom|accessdate=March 30, 2025}} interpolates Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "She's Soft and Wet" also sampled Prince's "Soft and Wet". All of the songs were complimented by the background vocals of his singing group, Special Generation: this combination of sound made this album to be successful on radio and video television, with "U Can't Touch This," "Pray" (most successful), "Have You Seen Her", "Here Comes the Hammer" and "Yo!! Sweetness" (UK only) all charting. The album increased the popularity of hip hop music. It remains the genre's all-time best-selling album.{{cite web|url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/MC-Hammer-Biography/4E0F2063AA089C6748256E0700170A6C |website=Sing365.com |title=MC Hammer Biography |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715115902/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/MC-Hammer-Biography/4E0F2063AA089C6748256E0700170A6C |archive-date=July 15, 2012 }}

Music videos from this and previous albums began to receive much airplay on MTV and VH1. A movie also accompanied the album, and was produced in 1990, entitled Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (with portions of his music videos included within the movie).{{IMDb title|0390374|Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie}} During this same time, Hammer also appeared in The West Coast Rap All-Stars posse cut "We're All in the Same Gang". Additionally, Hammer released the tracks "This is What We Do" on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie soundtrack (1990), and "That's What I Said" on the Rocky V soundtrack (1990).

A critical backlash began over the repetitive nature of his lyrics, his clean-cut image, and his perceived over-reliance on sampling entire hooks by others for the basis of his singles (criticisms also directed to his contemporary Vanilla Ice). He was mocked in music videos by 3rd Bass (including a rap battle with MC Serch), The D.O.C., DJ Debranz and Ice Cube. Oakland hip-hop group Digital Underground criticized him in the CD insert of their Sex Packets album, by placing Hammer's picture in it and referring to him as an unknown derelict. Q-Tip criticized him in "Check the Rhime", saying: "What you say Hammer? Proper. Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop." LL Cool J dissed him in "To da Break of Dawn" (from his Mama Said Knock You Out album), calling Hammer an "amateur, swinging a Hammer from a body bag [his pants]" and stated: "my old gym teacher ain't supposed to rap." However, it could have been a response to Hammer calling him out in "Let's Get it Started", when he was mentioned along with Run-DMC and Doug E. Fresh as rappers that Hammer claimed to be better than. LL Cool J would later compliment and commend Hammer's abilities/talents on VH-1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop, which aired in 2008. Ice-T came to Hammer's defense on his 1991 album O.G. Original Gangster: "A special shout out to my man MC Hammer. A lot of people diss you man, but they just jealous." Ice-T later explained that he had nothing against people who were pop rap from the start, but rather emcees who switch from being hardcore or "dirty" to pop rap, in order to sell more records. Despite the criticisms, Hammer's career continued to be highly successful, including tours in Asia, Europe, Australia, and Russia. Soon after, M.C. Hammer Mattel dolls, lunchboxes and other merchandise were marketed. He was also given his own Saturday-morning cartoon, called Hammerman, which he hosted and voiced.{{cite web|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818065927/http://www.sbnation.com/2010/6/25/1537472/mc-hammer-cincinnati-reds-game-1990-world-series-celebration|date=June 25, 2010|title=MC Hammer To Perform At Reds Game|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/6/25/1537472/mc-hammer-cincinnati-reds-game-1990-world-series-celebration|url-status=live}} SB-Nation

{{Main|Too Legit to Quit}}

After publicly dropping the "MC" from his stage name, Hammer released Too Legit to Quit (also produced by Felton Pilate) in 1991. Hammer answered his critics within certain songs from the album. Sales were strong (over five million copies),{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852/ |title=Hammer's hilltop mansion {{pipe}} Ebony {{pipe}} Find Articles at BNET |website=Findarticles.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |year=1994}} with the title track being the biggest hit single from this record. The album peaked in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200. Another hit came soon after, with "Addams Groove" (which appeared on both The Addams Family motion picture soundtrack and the vinyl and cassette versions of 2 Legit 2 Quit), reaching No. 7 in the US and No. 4 in the UK. His video for the song appeared after the movie.

Hammer set out on a high-profile tour promoting the album which included a stage show ⁠loaded with singers, dancers and backup musicians. In 1992, Boyz II Men joined the tour as an opening act.{{cite web |last=McIver |first=Denise L. |date=1992-07-15 |title=Hammer; Boyz II Men; Jodeci; Tlc |url=https://variety.com/1992/legit/reviews/hammer-boyz-ii-men-jodeci-tlc-1200430318/ |accessdate=2022-05-08 |publisher=Variety}} While traveling the country, their tour manager Khalil Roundtree was murdered in Chicago, and the group's future performances of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" were dedicated to him. As a result of this unfortunate experience, the song would help advance their success.{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/behind_the_music/episode.jhtml?episodeID=60634 |title=Ep. 180 {{pipe}} Boyz II Men {{pipe}} Behind The Music {{pipe}} Episode Summary, Highlights, and Recaps |website=VH1.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308172930/http://www.vh1.com/shows/behind_the_music/episode.jhtml?episodeID=60634 |url-status=dead }} Ultimately, however, the lavish show proved too expensive to support through album sales and it was cancelled partway through its scheduled run.{{cite web |url=http://www.zvents.com/performers/show/7070-mc-hammer# |title=MC Hammer – Upcoming Shows & Performances |website=Zvents.com |date=March 17, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324072906/http://www.zvents.com/performers/show/7070-mc-hammer |archive-date=March 24, 2010 }}

Music videos were produced for all four singles released from this album (including "Do Not Pass Me By" and "This Is The Way We Roll"), all which charted. The "2 Legit 2 Quit" video featured many celebrity appearances and has been ranked as one of the most expensive videos ever made.{{cite web|url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/123932/output/print|title = Superstars And Super Hype To The Rescue|publisher = Newsweek|date = December 9, 1991|first = John|last = Leland|author-link = John Leland (journalist)|access-date = May 10, 2009|archive-date = May 28, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090528234729/http://www.newsweek.com/id/123932/output/print|url-status = dead}} The hand motions used within the song and video also became very popular.{{cite web|url=http://www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3625_0_3_0_C/ |title=The "Two Legit to Quit" Challenge |website=Spudart.org |date=February 22, 1999 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} "2 Legit to Quit" proved to be successful in the US, peaking in the Top 10 at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the album's multi-platinum certification, the sales were one-third of Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em.

At the end of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video, after James Brown enlists Hammer to get the famous glove of Michael Jackson, a silver-white sequined glove is shown on the hand of a Michael Jackson look-alike doing the "2 Legit 2 Quit" hand gesture. In a related story, Hammer appeared on The Wendy Williams Show (July 27, 2009) and talked about his hit reality show Hammertime on A&E, his marriage, his role as a dad and the reasons he eventually went bankrupt. He told an amusing story about a phone call he received from "MJ", regarding the portion of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video that included a fake Jackson, giving his approval and inclusion of it. He explained how Michael had seen the video and liked it, and both expressed they were fans of one another.{{cite web |url=http://www.wendyshow.com/video/ |title=Video {{pipe}} The Wendy Williams Show |website=Wendyshow.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323202525/http://www.wendyshow.com/video/ |url-status=dead }} Hammer and Jackson would later appear, speak and/or perform at the funeral service for James Brown in 2006.{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101184441/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 1, 2007 |title=James Brown Saluted By Michael Jackson At Public Funeral Service – MTV News |website=Mtv.com |date=December 30, 2006 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} In 1991, Hammer was featured on the single "The Blood" from the BeBe & CeCe Winans album, Different Lifestyles. In 1992, the song peaked at No. 8 on the Christian charts.

In 1992, after a four-year hiatus, Doug E. Fresh signed with Hammer's label, Bust It Records and issued one album, Doin' What I Gotta Do, which (despite some minor acclaim for his single "Bustin' Out (On Funk)" which sampled the Rick James 1979 single "Bustin' Out") was a commercial failure. Prior to Hammer's next album, The Funky Headhunter, rumors from critics and fans began claiming Hammer had quit the music/entertainment business or had suffered a financial downfall (since a couple of years were passing between his two records), which Hammer denied. Hammer claimed rumors falsely heralded his downfall were most likely a result of the fact he turned over his "trimmed-down" Bust It Records to his brother and manager Louis Burrell Jr., and his horse racing interests to his brother Chris and their father, Louis Burrell Sr.

During his hiatus between albums, Hammer consequently signed a multi-million-dollar deal with a new record company. He said there were a lot of bidders, but "not too many of them could afford Hammer". Therefore, Hammer parted ways with Felton Pilate (who had previously worked with the successful vocal group Con Funk Shun) and switched record labels to Giant Records, taking his Oaktown label with him. Hammer was eventually sued by Pilate. Hammer also launched a new enterprise, called Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, with clients such as Evander Holyfield, Deion Sanders and Reggie Brooks.{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Evander_Holyfield.aspx |title=Evander Holyfield |website=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=December 25, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Roll+Wit+It+Entertainment |title=Roll Wit It Entertainment |website=Discogs.com |access-date=December 25, 2012}} In 1993, his production company released the hit rap song "Gangsta Lean" by DRS (from their debut album Gangsta Lean).

By this time, Hammer also parted ways with his only female executive music business administration consultant and songwriter, Linda Lou McCall (who previously worked with the Delfonics and her husband Louis A. McCall, Sr.'s band Con Funk Shun).{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/linda-lou-mccall-mn0001234047/credits |title=Linda Lou McCall {{pipe}} Credits |publisher=AllMusic |date= |accessdate=2022-05-08}} A music industry vet, McCall was hired by Hammer's brother and manager Louis K. Burrell, in 1990. She helped set up his corporate operations and administration, at Bust It Management & Productions Inc. in Oakland, California. McCall later became Vice President of Hammer's talent management company, overseeing artists like Heavy D, B Angie B and Ralph Tresvant. While at Bust It, she and her husband brought their artist Keith Martin to Felton's attention, who hired him as a backup musician and vocalist for Hammer's Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em and Too Legit to Quit world tours.

With a new home and daughter, a new record soon to be released and his new business, Hammer claimed that he was happy and far from being broke during a tour of his mansion for Ebony. "Today there is a more aggressive Hammer, because the '90s require you to be more aggressive," Hammer said of his music style. "There is a harder edge, but I'm no gangsta. Hammer in the '90s is on the offense, on the move, on the attack. And it's all good."{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852/pg_2/?tag=content;col1 |title=Hammer's hilltop mansion – page 2 {{pipe}} Ebony |website=Findarticles.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |year=1994}}

{{Main|The Funky Headhunter}}

In 1993, Hammer began recording his fifth official album. To adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop, this album was a more aggressive sounding album entitled The Funky Headhunter. He co-produced this record with funky rapper and producer, Stefan Adamek. While Hammer's appearance changed to keep up with the gangsta rap audience, his lyrics still remained honest and somewhat clean with minor profanity. Yet, as with previous records, Hammer would continue to call out and disrespect other rappers on this album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em), the content and reality about "street life" remained somewhat the same, but the sound was different, resulting in Hammer losing favor with fans.{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Sandow |url=https://ew.com/article/1990/02/16/please-hammer-dont-hurt-em/ |title=Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 16, 1990 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217092458/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,316708,00.html |url-status=live }} This album peaked at number two on the R&B charts and remained in the Top 30 midway through the year. The album was eventually certified platinum.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Hammer&ti=The+Funky+Headhunter#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum: RIAA|access-date=August 29, 2020|publisher=RIAA}}

Hammer debuted the video for "Pumps and a Bump" during another appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show during the mid-1990s. Host Arsenio Hall said to Hammer, "Women in the audience want to know, what's in your speedos in the 'Pumps and a Bump' video?" A clip from the video was then shown, to much approval from the audience. Hammer didn't give a direct answer, but instead laughed. Arsenio then said, "I guess that's why they call you 'Hammer.' It ain't got nothin' to do with Hank Aaron."{{cite web|author=Hammer |url=http://www.answers.com/topic/the-funky-headhunter |title=The Funky Headhunter: Information from |website=Answers.com |access-date=May 10, 2011}}

The video to the album's first single, "Pumps and a Bump", was banned from heavy rotation on MTV with censors claiming that the depiction of Hammer in Speedos (and with what appeared to be an erection) was too graphic.{{cite book|last=Morgan|first=Damien|title=Hip Hop Had a Dream: Vol. 1 the Artful Movement|year=2008|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=978-1-4389-0204-3|page=141|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7i2WXKXECJwC&q=mc+hammer+Pumps+and+a+Bump+mtv&pg=PA141}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-06-29/summer-guide/bang-thy-head-carefully/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313031607/http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-06-29/summer-guide/bang-thy-head-carefully/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2007|newspaper=SF Weekly|title=Bang Thy Head Carefully}} This led to an alternative video being filmed (with Hammer fully clothed) that was directed by Bay Area native Craig S. Brooks. "It's All Good" was the second single released from the album.

On December 20, 1994, Deion Sanders released Prime Time, a rap album on Hammer's Bust It Records label which featured the minor hit "Must Be the Money". "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'" was also released as a single. Sanders, a friend of Hammer's, had previously appeared in his "Too Legit to Quit" music video, and his alter-ego "Prime Time" is also used in Hammer's "Pumps and a Bump" video. The song "Help Lord (Won't You Come)" appeared in Kingdom Come.{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246002/soundtrack|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183600/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246002/soundtrack|url-status=dead|title=Kingdom Come (2001) |archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Main|Inside Out (MC Hammer album)}}

In 1995, Hammer released the album Inside Out. The album sold poorly compared to previous records (peaking at 119 on the Billboard Charts) and Giant Records dropped him and Oaktown Records from their roster. Songs "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" managed to get moderate radio play (even charting on national radio station countdowns). Along with a fickle public, Hammer would go on to explain in this album that he felt many of his so-called friends (who he had helped) had used and betrayed him. Their abuse reportedly contributed to a majority of his financial loss (best explained in the song "Keep On" and the bio from this album).{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000025ZX0 |title=Inside Out: Hammer: Music |website=Amazon |access-date=April 16, 2012}} He would also hint about this again in interviews, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/03/its_hammer_time.php |title=It's Hammer Time |website=Warnerbros.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429060017/http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/03/its_hammer_time.php |archive-date=April 29, 2009 }}

In 1995, Hammer released "Straight to My Feet" (with Deion Sanders) from the Street Fighter soundtrack (released in December 1994). The song charted at No. 57 in the UK. Hammer's relationship with Suge Knight dates back to 1988. Hammer signed with Death Row Records by 1995, at the time home to Snoop Dogg and his close friend, Tupac Shakur.{{cite web|url= http://www.daveyd.com/hammer.html|title= MC Hammer Interview – part 1|access-date=March 20, 2009|date=June 1997|publisher = daveyd.com}} The label did not release the album of Hammer's music (titled Too Tight) while he had a career with them, although he did release versions of some tracks on his next album.{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429907/19990805/mc_hammer.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041024231055/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429907/19990805/mc_hammer.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = October 24, 2004|title = MC Hammer|publisher = MTV}}{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429908/19990421/mc_hammer.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010822002914/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429908/19990421/mc_hammer.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = August 22, 2001|title = MC Hammer|publisher = MTV}} However, Burrell did record tracks with Shakur and others, most notably the song "Too Late Playa" (along with Big Daddy Kane and Danny Boy).{{cite web |last=Burgess |first=Omar |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1320/title.death-row-records-the-pardon |title=Death Row Records: The Pardon {{pipe}} Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop |publisher=HipHop DX |date=March 18, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526170048/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1320/title.death-row-records-the-pardon |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }} After the death of Shakur in 1996, Burrell left the record company.{{cite web|url= http://www.daveyd.com/hammerpt2.html|title= MC Hammer Interview – part 2|access-date=March 20, 2009|date=June 1997|publisher = daveyd.com}} He later explained his concern about this circumstance in an interview on Trinity Broadcasting Network since he was in Las Vegas with Tupac the night of his death.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/03/what_had_happened_was_mc_hammer/ |title=What had happened was MC Hammer |website=Vibe.com |date=March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106032958/http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/03/what_had_happened_was_mc_hammer |archive-date=January 6, 2010 }}

In October 1996, Burrell and Oaktown signed with EMI, which saw the release of a compilation album of Hammer's hit singles prior to The Funky Headhunter. The album, titled Greatest Hits, featured twelve former hits.{{cite web|url= http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Greatest_Hits_M_C_Hammer|title= Greatest Hits by M.C. Hammer Specs|publisher = DealTime}} In 1998, another "greatest hits" album, called Back 2 Back Hits, was produced and released by CEMA. Another compilation version of Back 2 Back was later released by Capitol Records in 2006. As Hammer's empire began to collapse when his last album failed to match the sales of its predecessors, and since he unsuccessfully attempted to recast himself in the "streetwise/hardcore rap" mold of the day, Hammer turned to a gospel-friendly audience.

In 1998, Hammer released his first album in his new deal with EMI, titled Family Affair, because it was to introduce the world to the artists he had signed to his Oaktown Records (Geeman, Teabag, and Common Unity) as they made their recording debut. Technically his seventh album since his debut EP, this record was highly promoted on Trinity Broadcasting Network (performing a more gospel version of "Keep On" from his album Inside Out V), yet featured no charting singles and selling about 1,000 copies worldwide.{{cite web|url = http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120711053520/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 11, 2012|title = MC Hammer Albums: Family Affair|publisher = yahoo.com}}{{cite web|url = http://www.pandora.com/music/artist/mc+hammer|title = MC Hammer|publisher = pandora.com}} The album also features a song written for Hammer by Tupac called "Unconditional Love".{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mc-hammer/chart-history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215231216/https://www.billboard.com/music/mc-hammer/chart-history |url-status=live |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |title=Discography |publisher=Billboard }} Hammer would later dance and read the lyrics to this song on the first VH1 Hip Hop Honors in 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/hammertime |title=MC Hammer To Perform Hip Hop Honors |website=DallasBlack.com |date=September 22, 2004 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708222347/http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/hammertime |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/vh1-hip-hop-honors/hip-hop-honors--2004/episode/979577/summary.html |title=VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Season 1, Episode 1: Hip Hop Honors : 2004 – TV.... |website=www.tv.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915102615/http://www.tv.com/vh1-hip-hop-honors/hip-hop-honors--2004/episode/979577/summary.html |archive-date=15 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}

A double album mostly about faith and family values, additional tracks from Family Affair are: "Put It Down", "Put Some Stop in Your Game", "Big Man", "Set Me Free", "Our God", "Responsible Father Shout", "He Brought Me Out", (Geeman Intro), "Eye's Like Mine", "Never Without You", "Praise Dance Theme Song", "Shame of the Name", (Smoothout Intro), (Teabag Intro), "Silly Heart", "I Wish U Were Free", (Common Unity Intro), "Someone to Hold to You", "Pray" (1998), "Let's Get It Started" (1998), and with "Hammer Music/Shouts/Tour Info" announcements between songs.{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598 |title=Family Affair {{pipe}} MC Hammer Album {{pipe}} Yahoo! Music |website=Music.yahoo.com |access-date=December 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210215150/http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598 |archive-date=February 10, 2013 }} The compact discs are also "PC Ready" with interactive features. After this album, new projects were rumored to be in the works, including an album (War Chest: Turn of the Century) and a soundtrack to the film Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man, but neither appeared.{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=mc hammer|bio=true}} |title=Information Not Found |publisher=Billboard |access-date=March 31, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvmusic.com/mc_hammer/ |title=Hammer Music Videos – Watch Hammer Videos at |website=Mtvmusic.com |date=March 30, 1962 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012213221/http://www.mtvmusic.com/mc_hammer |archive-date=October 12, 2009 }}

{{Main|Active Duty (album)}}

In 2000, another compilation album was released, titled The Hits. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Hammer released his album, Active Duty, on his own World Hit Music Group label (the musical enterprise under his Hammertime Holdings Inc. umbrella) to pay homage to the ones lost in the terrorist attacks.{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/11/22/hammer/ |title=MC Hammer releases message to America |date=November 22, 2001 |access-date=May 12, 2009 |work=CNN|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602202929/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/11/22/hammer/ |archive-date=June 2, 2009 }} The album followed that theme, and featured two singles (with accompanying videos), "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" and "Pop Yo Collar" (featuring Wee Wee) which demonstrates "The Phat Daddy Pop", "In Pop Nito", "River Pop", "Deliver The Pop" and "Pop'n It Up" dance moves.{{cite web|url=http://issykitty.videosift.com/video/MC-Hammer-and-Wee-Wee-Pop-Your-Collar |title=MC Hammer and Wee Wee – Pop Your Collar • VideoSift: Online Video *Quality Control |website=Issykitty.videosift.com |access-date=April 16, 2012}} The album, like its predecessor, failed to chart and would not sell as many copies as previous projects. Hammer did however promote it on such shows as The View and produced a video for both singles.{{cite web| url = http://music.aol.com/album/active-duty/509884| title = Active Duty – MC Hammer| publisher = music.aol.com| access-date = May 11, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090218015739/http://music.aol.com/album/active-duty/509884| archive-date = February 18, 2009| url-status = dead| df = mdy-all}}

This patriotic album, originally planned to be titled The Autobiography Of MC Hammer, donated portions of the proceeds to 9/11 charities.{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-to-attempt-a-comeback--12033747 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710213537/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-to-attempt-a-comeback--12033747 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=August 1, 2001 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }} Hammer shot a video for the anthem "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" in Washington, D.C., with several members of the United States Congress, who sang in the song and danced in the video. Present members of the United States House of Representatives included J. C. Watts, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Thomas M. Davis, Earl Hilliard, Alcee Hastings, Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.), Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) and Jesse Jackson Jr.

{{Main|Full Blast (album)}}

After leaving Capitol Records and EMI for the second time in his career, Hammer decided to move his Oaktown imprint to an independent distributor and released his ninth studio album, Full Blast (which was completed in late 2003 and released as a complete album in early 2004). The album would feature no charting singles and was not certified by the RIAA. A video was produced for "Full Blast", a song that attacks Eminem and Busta Rhymes for previous disrespect towards him. Some of the original songs didn't end up making the final album release. Guest artists included The Stooge Playaz, Pleasure, Rain, JD Greer and DasIt.{{cite web |url=http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-258656-00.html |title=Rap News Network – Hip-Hop News: MC Hammer is Back 'Full Blast' |website=Rapnews.net |date=January 29, 2004 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927172158/http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-258656-00.html |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Look Look Look}}

After going independent, Hammer decided to create a digital label to release his tenth studio album, Look Look Look. The album was released in February 2006 and featured production from Scott Storch. The album featured the title-track single (Look Look Look) and a music video. It would sell much better than his previous release (300,000 copies worldwide).

"YAY" was produced by Lil Jon. "What Happened to Our Hood?" (featuring Sam Logan) was originally from Active Duty. "I Got It From The Town" was used in the movie but is only present in one scene instead of the originally planned two on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (soundtrack).

Between 2006 and 2007, Hammer released a military-inspired rap song with a political message to President George W. Bush about sending American troops back home from war, called "Bring Our Brothers Home".{{cite web|url=http://mchammer.blogspot.com/2007/06/bring-our-brothers-home-hannitys.html |title=MC Hammer Blog: Bring Our Brothers Home: Hannity's America |website=Mchammer.blogspot.com |date=June 11, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2011}} The video was filmed at the Santa Monica Pier.{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/videos/hammer/151333/bring-our-brothers-home.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090223154908/http://www.mtv.com/videos/hammer/151333/bring-our-brothers-home.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 23, 2009|title = MC Hammer: Bring Our Brothers Home| format = video| publisher = mtv.com}}{{cite web|url = http://www.vh1classic.com/view/artist/1173681/151333/M_C_Hammer/Bring_Our_Brothers_Home/index.jhtml|title = MC Hammer: Bring Our Brothers Home|format = video|publisher = vh1classic.com|access-date = May 11, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090702000933/http://www.vh1classic.com/view/artist/1173681/151333/M_C_Hammer/Bring_Our_Brothers_Home/index.jhtml|archive-date = July 2, 2009|url-status = dead|df = mdy-all}}

In 2008, Platinum MC Hammer was released by EMI Records. The compilation consists of 12 tracks from Hammer's previous albums, with a similar playlist as former "greatest hits" records (with the exception of including a remix of "Hammer Hammer, They Put Me In A Mix" which includes rap lyrics that "They Put Me In A Mix" originally did not). An import was released by Capitol Records.{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/platinum--184690724 |title=Platinum {{pipe}} MC Hammer Album {{pipe}} Yahoo! Music |website=Music.yahoo.com |access-date=December 17, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Dig-Mc-Hammer/dp/B000XH2TJU |title=Platinum (Dig): Music |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 17, 2012}}

Since his 2006 album, Hammer continued to produce music and released several other raps that appeared on his social websites (such as Myspace and Dancejam.com) or in commercials,{{cite web|url = http://adage.com/songsforsoap/post?article_id=130377|title = The Hammer Comes A-Knockin'| publisher = adage.com}} with another album announced to be launched in late 2008 (via his own record label Fullblast Playhouse). Talks of the tour and a new album were expected in 2009.{{cite web|url = http://www.singersroom.com/news/2136/Too-Legit-To-Quit-MC-Hammer-Goes-Another-Round-With-New-Album|title = Too Legit To Quit? MC Hammer Goes Another Round With New Album|date = August 16, 2008| publisher = singersroom.com}}{{cite web|url = http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/02/14/mc-hammer-i-go-produced-by-lil-jon/|title = MC Hammer – I Go (produced by Lil Jon)|publisher = hiphoprx.com|date = February 14, 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090420232859/http://hiphoprx.com/2009/02/14/mc-hammer-i-go-produced-by-lil-jon|archive-date = April 20, 2009|df = mdy-all}}

"Getting Back to Hetton" was made public in 2008 as a digital single. It was a departure for Hammer, bringing in funky deep soul and mixing it with a more house style. Released through licence on Whippet Digital Recordings, media reviews were said to be "disappointing". However, the song "I Got Gigs" from this album was used in a 2009 ESPN commercial and performed during Hammertime (as well as played while he danced just prior to introducing Soulja Boy during YouTube Live on November 22, 2008).{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i999ebd327d1b0f727cffb348e4b5229d |title=MC Hammer Puts New Single in ESPN Commercial |website=Billboard.biz |date=August 15, 2008 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=January 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113213413/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i999ebd327d1b0f727cffb348e4b5229d |url-status=dead }}

Other tracks and videos from the album included: "I Go" (produced by Lil Jon), "Keep It In Vegas", "Lookin' Out The Window", "Dem Jeans" (by DASIT), "Stooge Karma Sutra" (by The Stooge Playaz) and "Tried to Luv U" (by DASIT featuring Pleasure Ellis).{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/mchammer/sets/dancejamthemusic |title=DanceJamtheMusic by MCHAMMER |publisher=SoundCloud |date=October 29, 2008 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219165509/http://soundcloud.com/mchammer/sets/dancejamthemusic |archive-date=February 19, 2010 }}

File:Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer.jpg in 2009]]

In February 2009, MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice had a one-off concert at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah. This concert aided in the promotion of Hammer's new music and television show. During the concert (as shown during an episode of Hammertime), it was mentioned between the two rappers that this was their first headline show together in nearly 20 years, since the time when they were touring together at the peak of their hip-hop careers. Hammer said: "Contrary to popular belief, Ice and I are not only cool with each other, we are like long lost friends. I've known him since he was 16, before he had a record contract and before I had a record contract. It is a great reunion." Vanilla Ice said: "It's like no time has passed at all. We set the world on fire back in the day ... I'm so happy right now, the magic is here."{{cite web |first=James |last=Furbush |url=http://slyoyster.com/music/2009/mc-hammer-and-vanilla-ice-perform-in-utah-last-week-wait-what/ |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice perform in Utah last week. Wait, what? |website=Slyoyster.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312102500/http://slyoyster.com/music/2009/mc-hammer-and-vanilla-ice-perform-in-utah-last-week-wait-what/ |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|first=Joshua|last=Alston |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2009/03/05/a-show-2-lame-2-miss.html |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice Rock Utah |website=Newsweek |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}

MC Hammer promised to release a track (expected on October 31, 2010) responding to a song by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z which attacked him. On the "So Appalled" track, which features Swizz Beatz and RZA, Jay-Z raps a verse targeting Hammer about his financial dilemma in the 1990s. On it, Jay says: 'Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused / I lost 30 mil' so I spent another 30 / 'Cause unlike Hammer 30 million can't hurt me'. Hammer addressed his displeasure about the diss on Twitter, claiming he would react to Jay-Z on Halloween.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-promises-jay-z-diss-track-for-hovs-lines-on-so-appalled-track/ |title=MC Hammer Promises Jay-Z Diss Track For Hov's Lines On 'So Appalled' Track |website=BallerStatus.com |date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |archive-date=October 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002001102/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-promises-jay-z-diss-track-for-hovs-lines-on-so-appalled-track/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://theurbantwist.com/topics/news/2010/09/30/mc-hammers-comeback-may-have-jay-z-in-his-sights/ |title=MC Hammer's Comeback: May have Jay-Z in his sights!! |website=TheUrbanTwist.com |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010}}{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Steele |url=http://kluc.radio.com/2010/09/27/mc-hammer-vs-jay-z/ |title=MC Hammer VS. Jay-Z |publisher=KLUC |date=September 27, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715144813/http://kluc.radio.com/2010/09/27/mc-hammer-vs-jay-z/ |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Hammer released a sample of his "beef" with Jay-Z in a brief teaser trailer called "Better Run Run" by 'King Hammer'. At one point, it was uncertain if his reaction would be a film video, a music video or a combination of both.{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/10/26/22455137.aspx |title=Rumors : Hip-Hop Rumors: MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss Trailer |website=Allhiphop.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204160732/http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/10/26/22455137.aspx |archive-date=February 4, 2011 }} Regardless, he claimed he would show evidence that 'Jigga worships the devil'.{{cite web |url=http://mediatakeout.com/43805/rapper_mc_hammer_claims_that_he_has_proof_that_jay_z_is_a_devil_worshipper_details.html |title=Rapper MC Hammer Claims That He HAS PROOF That Jay Z Is A DEVIL WORSHIPPER!!! (Details) |website=Mediatakeout.com |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710164744/http://mediatakeout.com/43805/rapper_mc_hammer_claims_that_he_has_proof_that_jay_z_is_a_devil_worshipper_details.html |archive-date=July 10, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/mc-hammer-takes-offense-at-jay-z-diss-planning-retaliation-record-video/ |title=MC Hammer Takes Offense At Jay-Z Diss, Planning Retaliation Record [Video] |website=Hiphopwired.com |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128085348/http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/mc-hammer-takes-offense-at-jay-z-diss-planning-retaliation-record-video/ |archive-date=November 28, 2010 }} It is possible that Jay-Z was offended by an analogy Hammer was conveying in an earlier interview in response to "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" on AllHipHop.{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/09/25/22407734.aspx |title=Rumors : Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Disses Hammer? Hammer Replies! |website=Allhiphop.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204160725/http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/09/25/22407734.aspx |archive-date=February 4, 2011 }}

On November 1, Hammer's song with video called "Better Run Run!" hit the web in retaliation to Jay-Z's September 2010 diss towards him.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/952096/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-video |title=MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss Video |publisher=Billboard |date=September 14, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}{{cite web |first=Danielle |last=Canada |url=http://hiphopwired.com/2010/11/01/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-%E2%80%9Cbetter-run-run%E2%80%9D/ |title=MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss "Better Run Run" [Video] |website=Hiphopwired.com |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180621/http://hiphopwired.com/2010/11/01/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-%E2%80%9Cbetter-run-run%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }} Hammer accuses Jigga of being in league (and in the studio) with Satan—and then Hammer defeats the devil and forces Jay to be baptized. Speaking on the video, Jacob O'Gara of Ethos Magazine wrote: "What's more likely is that this feud is the last chapter in the tragic cautionary tale of MC Hammer, a tale that serves as a warning to all present and future kings of hip-hop. Keep your balance on the pedestal and wear the crown strong or you'll have the Devil to pay."{{cite web|url=http://ethosmagonline.com/archives/7956 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126191355/http://ethosmagonline.com/archives/7956 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |title=Sympathy for the Hova |publisher=Ethos Magazine |date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}

In an interview with BBC's DJ Semtex, Jay said he did not mean the verses as a personal attack. "I didn't know that [Hammer's financial status] wasn't on the table for discussion!" he said. "I didn't know I was the first person ever to say that..." He continued, "When I say things, I think people believe me so much that they take it a different way — it's, like, not rap anymore at that point. I say some great things about him in the book I have coming out [Decoded] — that wasn't a cheap plug," he laughed. "He's gonna be embarrassed, I said some really great things about him and people's perception of him. But it is what it is, he took it that wrong way, and I didn't know I said anything wrong!"{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/jay-z-responds-to-mc-hammer-slam--62007036 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721182450/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/jay-z-responds-to-mc-hammer-slam--62007036 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}

On February 3, 2011, MC Hammer appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show premiering the track "See Her Face" via Flipboard. It was the first time Flipboard included music in the application.{{cite web|url=http://inside.flipboard.com/2011/02/03/special-feature-mc-hammer-on-flipboard |title=Special Feature – MC Hammer on Flipboard |publisher=Inside Flipboard |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Whatever-Happened-to-MC-Hammer |title=Whatever Happened to MC Hammer? |website=Oprah.com |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Steinberg |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205064623/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2011 |title=New MC Hammer Song Debuts on Flipboard|publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=December 17, 2012}}

Among other songs, Hammer released "Raider Nation (Oakland Raiders Anthem)" along with a video in late 2013 and "All in My Mind" (which samples "Summer Breeze" by The Isley Brothers) in early 2014, with his newly formed group Oakland Fight Club (featuring Mistah F.A.B.).{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/02/mc-hammer-the-oakland-fightclub-all-in-my-mind |title=Mc Hammer & the Oakland Fightclub – "All in My Mind" |date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026034755/http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/02/mc-hammer-the-oakland-fightclub-all-in-my-mind/ |archive-date=October 26, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://fieldofteams.csnbayarea.com/2013/11/04/hammer-and-oakland-fight-club-create-a-new-raiders-anthem |title=MC Hammer and Oakland Fight Club create a new Raiders Anthem {{pipe}} Field of Teams |access-date=April 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082735/http://fieldofteams.csnbayarea.com/2013/11/04/hammer-and-oakland-fight-club-create-a-new-raiders-anthem/ |archive-date=October 6, 2016 }}

Hammer released an updated version of his 1990 charting song with a short film video in late 2017.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mchammer/status/902129555594387460|title=Working on The "Help The Children" short film. #HelpTheChildren #Hammertime25 #StaplesCenter #Sept8 @Iam360WISE @djkingassassinpic.twitter.com/nEuYir04Ot|first=MC|last=HAMMER|date=August 28, 2017}}

In 1991, Hammer established Oaktown Stable that would eventually have nineteen Thoroughbred racehorses. That year, his outstanding filly Lite Light won several Grade I stakes races including the prestigious Kentucky Oaks. His D. Wayne Lukas-trained colt Dance Floor won the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and the Breeders' Futurity Stakes in 1991, then the following year won the Fountain of Youth Stakes and finished 3rd in the 1992 Kentucky Derby. He continues to attend shows as well as many sporting events alongside celebrities. In the late 1990s into the early 2000s, along with a new clothing line called J Slick, Hammer began creating and working on MC Hammer USA, an interactive online portal.{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-returns-to-active-duty--12033668 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714073358/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-returns-to-active-duty--12033668 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=October 31, 2001 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}

In 2002, Hammer signed a book contract with publishing company Simon & Schuster which called for a release the following year. However, a manuscript for an inspirational book called Enemies of the Father: Messages from the Heart on Being a Family Man (addressing the situation of African American men), for which Hammer received advance money to write, was never submitted in 2003. This resulted in Hammer being sued by the book company over claims that he never finished the book as promised. The company's March 2009 lawsuit sought return of the US$61,000 advance given to Hammer for the unwritten book about fatherhood.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur51667.cfm |title=Black Entertainment {{pipe}} Black News {{pipe}} Urban News {{pipe}} Hip Hop News {{pipe}} Black Entertainment |website=EURweb.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505050706/http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur51667.cfm |archive-date=May 5, 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/entertainment/NYC-Publisher-Sues-MC-Hammer-Over-61K-Advance.html |title=NYC Publisher Sues MC Hammer Over US$61K Advance |publisher=NBC San Diego |date=March 14, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}

Hammer was a popular web mogul and activist, becoming involved in several Internet projects (including TechCrunch40 conferences).{{cite web|last=McElroy |first=Justin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/mc-hammer-says-hes-working-on-secret-project-with-activision/ |title=MC Hammer says he's working on 'secret project' with Activision |publisher=Joystiq |date=December 17, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/technology_news/4232444.html |title=10 Questions for New Social Networking Mogul M.C. Hammer |publisher=Popular Mechanics |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106003514/http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/technology_news/4232444.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Arrington |first=Michael |url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/12/wired-covers-dancejam-without-trashing-mc-hammer/ |title=Wired Covers DanceJam Without Trashing M.C. Hammer |website=Techcrunch.com |date=November 12, 2007 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} In 2007, Hammer was co-founder and chief strategy officer of Menlo Park-based (Silicon Valley) DanceJam.com along with Geoffrey Arone.{{cite web|last=Needleman |first=Rafe |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-9821726-2.html |title=The economy of DanceJam {{pipe}} Webware – CNET |website=News.cnet.com |date=November 21, 2007 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} The community site (valued at $4.5 million){{cite news| url=http://appscout.pcmag.com/audio-video/275887-hammer-s-dancejam-gets-3-5-million-worth-of-legitimacy | work=PC Magazine | first=Brian | last=Heater | title=Hammer's DanceJam Gets $3.5 Million Worth of Legitimacy}} was exclusively dedicated to dancing video competitions, techniques and styles which Hammer sometimes judged or rated.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/vertical/hnsci0/music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118064705/http://www.bet.com/Music/News/musicnews_thescoop_11.13.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished|url-status=live|title=Music|archive-date=November 18, 2007|website=BET.com}}{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/mc-hammers-next-act-tech-entrepreneur--54501012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711043453/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/mc-hammers-next-act-tech-entrepreneur--54501012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=January 3, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}

In July 2010, Hammer started a mixed martial arts management company to manage, market, promote and brand-build for fighters. Artists included Nate Marquardt, Tim F. Kennedy and Vladimir Matyushenko, among others. According to MMAWeekly.com and Bizjournals, his new company was Alchemist Management based in Los Angeles, managing at least ten fighters.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12183&zoneid=13 |title=Can't Touch This: MC Hammer Starts MMA Firm |website=MMAWeekly.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923112435/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12183&zoneid=13 |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }} That same month, Hammer also announced an apparel line called Alchemist Clothing. The brand described as colorful lifestyle clothing debuted during an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight in Austin. Middleweight fighter Nate "The Great" Marquardt wore an Alchemist shirt as he walked out to the boxing ring. Hammer had shown an interest in boxing throughout his career.{{cite news|newspaper=Austin Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/09/13/daily54.html |title=MC Hammer launches apparel line in Austin |date= September 16, 2010|access-date=May 10, 2011}}

On September 28, 2010, Hammer headlined at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference for an official after-hours party.[https://techcrunch.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-rocks-a-perfect-day-at-techcrunch-disrupt/ MC Hammer Rocks A Perfect Day At TechCrunch Disrupt] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403233424/http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-rocks-a-perfect-day-at-techcrunch-disrupt/ |date=April 3, 2016 }} techcrunch.com Hammer appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in February 2011 to discuss his tech-media-mogul status, as well as his creation, demonstration and consulting of social applications/sites/media (such as having an involvement with the Internet since 1994 including YouTube and Twitter), and devices such as iPad and ZAGGmate by Zagg.{{cite web|url=http://news.lalate.com/2011/03/30/mc-hammer-zaggmate-by-zagg-revealed-on-oprah/ |title=MC Hammer – ZAGGmate by ZAGG Revealed on Oprah |website=News.lalate.com |date=March 30, 2011 |access-date=December 25, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110204005280/en/ZAGGmate-Appears-Oprah-Winfrey-Show |title=ZAGGmate Appears on The Oprah Winfrey Show |publisher=Business Wire |date=February 4, 2011 |access-date=December 25, 2012}} He also explained how employing/helping so many people in the past never really caused him to be broke in terms of the average person, as the media made it seem, nor would he have changed any experiences that has led him to where he is today. During the "Whatever Happened to MC Hammer" episode, he discussed his current home, family and work life as well.{{cite web|url=http://inside.flipboard.com/2011/02/03/special-feature-mc-hammer-on-flipboard/ |title=Special Feature – MC Hammer on Flipboard |publisher=Inside Flipboard |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 25, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Whatever-Happened-To-MC-Hammer-Bo-Derek-and-Pam-Grier |title=Whatever Happened to MC Hammer, Bo Derek and Pam Grier? |website=Oprah.com |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 25, 2012}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Steinberg |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205064623/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2011 |title=New MC Hammer Song Debuts on Flipboard {{pipe}} Scott Steinberg |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=December 25, 2012}}

In October 2011, Hammer announced a new internet venture called WireDoo, a "deep search engine" that planned to compete with the major search engines, Google and Bing.{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/20/tech/web/mc-hammer-search-engine/ | work=CNN | title=MC Hammer launching his own search engine |first=Doug |last=Gross| date=October 20, 2011|access-date=January 17, 2012}} With the motto, "Search once and see what's related", Hammer's team planned to eventually open up the site to a select number of beta testers.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsoxy.com/business/mc-hammer-32285.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102060336/http://www.newsoxy.com/business/mc-hammer-32285.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |title=MC Hammer Connects WireDoo For Alternative Search |first=Patrick |last=Prescott |website=Newsoxy.com |access-date=December 17, 2012 }}{{cite news| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/10/mc-hammer-wiredoo-deep-search-engine.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Technology | date=October 20, 2011}} However, WireDoo never left beta mode.{{cite web|url=https://www.oddee.com/item_99630.aspx|title=Boom to BUST: 10 Famous People that Went Broke|first=Steve|last=Moramarco|date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=April 11, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.itproportal.com/2011/10/21/mc-hammer-teases-google-rival-wiredoo/|title=MC Hammer teases Google rival WireDoo|date=October 21, 2011|website=ITProPortal|access-date=April 11, 2022}}

File:MC Hammer with Brian Solis at TC40 Party at Fluid Cropped.jpg

Hammer produced and starred in his own movie, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990).{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390374/reference|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320064520/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390374/combined|url-status=dead|title=Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (Video 1990) |archive-date=March 20, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}} The film is about a rapper returning to his hometown who defeats a drug lord using kids to traffic his product. For this project, Hammer earned a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video at the 33rd Grammy Awards (having been nominated for two).{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183600/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/awards|url-status=dead|title=M.C. Hammer|archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb}} He later produced MC Hammer: 2 Legit (The Videos), which included many actors and athletes.{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0474782/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183601/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0474782/|url-status=dead|title=MC Hammer: 2 Legit – The Videos|archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

Hammer appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies such as Pepsi, KFC, Toshiba, British Knights and Taco Bell during the height of his career.{{cite magazine|url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/biography|title=MC Hammer: Biography|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529020812/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/biography|archive-date=May 29, 2009|url-status = dead|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pub.umich.edu/daily/1996/feb/02-08-96/arts/mc.hammer.html |publisher=Michigan Daily Online |title=article |date=February 8, 1996 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529111349/http://www.pub.umich.edu/daily/1996/feb/02-08-96/arts/mc.hammer.html |archive-date=May 29, 2009 }}{{cite web|url= https://dcist.com/story/07/09/06/concert-preview-11/|title=Concert Preview: MC Hammer @ Woodrow Wilson Plaza|url-status=deviated|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090316080142/http://dcist.com/2007/09/06/concert_preview_11.php|archive-date= March 16, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.getkempt.com/ad-rock |title=Ad Rock {{pipe}} Kempt |website=Getkempt.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113151731/http://getkempt.com/ad-rock/ |archive-date=January 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

In 1991, Hammer hosted, sang/rapped and voiced a Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman. That same year, he and Bust It Productions (including B Angie B, Special Generation and Ho Frat Hoo!) appeared in concert from New Orleans on BET.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=37sDAAAAMBAJ&q=ho+frat+ho+mc+hammer&pg=PA66 |title=Jet |via= Google Books |date=April 15, 1991 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |access-date=May 10, 2011}}

Hammer has made cameos and/or performed on many television shows such as Saturday Night Live (as host and musical guest), Amen and Martin. He also made a cameo in the 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Last Action Hero. Hammer would also go on to appear as himself on The History of Rock 'N' Roll, Vol. 5 (1995).{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0148288/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183600/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0148288/|url-status=dead|title=The Sounds of Soul|archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}} Additionally, he has been involved in movies as an actor such as, One Tough Bastard (1996), Reggie's Prayer (1996), the Showtime film The Right Connections (1997), Deadly Rhapsody (2001), Finishing the Game (2007) and 1040 (2010),{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266449/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183600/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266449/|url-status=dead|title=Deadly Rhapsody|archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}} as well as a television and movie producer.{{iMDb name|0358479}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2003/05/09/8198/ |title=New movie displays original view of Asian American films |publisher=The Daily Princetonian |date=May 9, 2003 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614221536/http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2003/05/09/8198/ |archive-date=June 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url = http://www.fandango.com/mchammer/biographies/p30023|title = MC Hammer: Biography|publisher = fandango.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.filmstew.com/showArticle.aspx?ContentID=5620|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606054652/http://www.filmstew.com/showArticle.aspx?ContentID=5620|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2011|title=Perseverance Leads to Better Luck Tomorrow|last=Horgan|first=Richard|website=Filmstew.com|access-date=March 31, 2010}}

Despite his financial status being publicly attacked, after meeting at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas in April 2001, Hammer (credited as a producer) provided the much-needed funding to filmmaker Justin Lin for Better Luck Tomorrow (2002). In its first ever film acquisition, MTV Films eventually acquired Better Luck Tomorrow after it debuted at The Sundance Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.betterlucktomorrow.com/article.php?id=38 |title=Press : Articles |publisher=Better Luck Tomorrow |date=April 11, 2003 |access-date=March 31, 2010}} The director said, "Out of desperation, I called up MC Hammer because he had read the script and liked it. Two hours later, he wired the money we needed into a bank account and saved us."{{cite web |url=http://www.filmstew.com/CD2_Details.aspx?ContactID=141288 |title=Contact Details |website=FilmStew.com |date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606054702/http://www.filmstew.com/CD2_Details.aspx?ContactID=141288 |url-status=dead }}

Hammer appeared in two cable television movies. At the age of 39, he was one of the producers for the VH1 movie Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story, starring Romany Malco and Tangi Miller as his wife, which aired on December 19, 2001. The film is a biopic which chronicles the rise and fall of the artist. 2 Legit To Quit: The Life Story of MC Hammer became the second highest-rated original movie in the history of VH1 and broadcast simultaneously on BET.{{cite web|url=http://www.fandango.com/toolegit:themchammerstory_v270579/summary |title=Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story Synopsis |website=Fandango.com |date=December 19, 2001 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210012446/http://www.fandango.com/toolegit%3Athemchammerstory_v270579/summary |archive-date=February 10, 2010 }} "The whole script came from me," says Hammer, "I sat down with a writer and gave him all the information."

In 2003, Hammer appeared on The WB's first season of The Surreal Life, a reality show known for assembling an eclectic mix of celebrities to live together. He was also a dance judge on the 2003 ABC Family TV series Dance Fever. Additionally, he appeared on VH1's And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop (2004) as well as in 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s (2008), a countdown which he was also commentator on. His eldest child, A'Keiba Burrell, was a contestant on MTV's Rock the Cradle in April 2008 (which Hammer also made appearances on).

Hammer had shown an interest in having his own reality show with specific television networks at one point. Already being a part of shows for VH1 and The WB (I Married... MC Hammer and The Surreal Life), it was later confirmed he would appear in Hammertime on A&E in the summer of 2009. This reality show was about his personal, business and family life.{{cite news|url = http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/02/19/2009-02-19_rapper_mc_hammer_bringing_new_show_hamme.html|title = Rapper MC Hammer bringing new show|publisher = nydailynews.com|date = February 19, 2009 | location=New York | first1=Cristina | last1=Kinon | first2=Richard | last2=Huff}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2009/02/mc-hammer-family-to-star-in-ae-reality-series-this-year.html |title=MC Hammer, family to star in A&E reality series this year – The TV Guy – Orlando Sentinel |website=Blogs.orlandosentinel.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420191547/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2009/02/mc-hammer-family-to-star-in-ae-reality-series-this-year.html |archive-date=April 20, 2009 }} The following year, Hammer appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly June 3, 2009, to promote his show which began June 14, 2009, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time Zone (EST).{{cite web|url=http://www.aetv.com/news/?id=448488 |title=A&E News – "Hammertime" premieres Sunday, June 14 at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E |website=Aetv.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526045059/http://www.aetv.com/news/?id=448488 |archive-date=May 26, 2009 }}{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/5769413/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124165654/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/entertainment&id=5769413&rss=rss-wabc-article-5769413 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=This Week on Live with Regis and Kelly - 3/26/10 - New York News and Tri-State News - 7online.com |website=Abclocal.go.com |date=March 26, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b100451_ashton_trades_tweets_football_owen.html?sid=rss_topstories |title=Ashton Trades Tweets for Football; Owen & Reese Hook Up |publisher=E! Online |date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}

In August 2008, a new ESPN ad featured Hammer in it, showcasing his single "I Got Gigs'" (from his DanceJamtheMusic album).{{cite web| url = http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/genre/e3i999ebd327d1b0f721183807c7345daf3| title = MC Hammer Puts New Single in ESPN Commercial| publisher = billboard.com| access-date = May 16, 2009| archive-date = July 15, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090715044355/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/genre/e3i999ebd327d1b0f721183807c7345daf3| url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.musicheatxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=339:too-legit-to-quit-mc-hammer-goes-another-round-with-new-album&catid=1:latest&Itemid=41|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212340/http://www.musicheatxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=339:too-legit-to-quit-mc-hammer-goes-another-round-with-new-album&catid=1:latest&Itemid=41|url-status = dead|archive-date = August 3, 2020|title = Too Legit To Quit? MC Hammer Goes Another Round With New Album| publisher = musicheatxl.com}} The commercial was for Monday Night Football's upcoming football season. This is not the first commercial in more recent years that Hammer has been in, or his songs/raps/dancing was used for and included in such as Lay's, Hallmark Cards, Purell, Lysol, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and Citibank. On February 1, 2009, Hammer and Ed McMahon were featured in a Super Bowl XLIII commercial for Cash4Gold.{{cite web|url=http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009/01/30/superbowl-ad-wizards-ed-mcmahon-mc-hammer-get-cash-4-comedy-gold/ |title=Super Bowl AD Wizards Ed McMahon MC Hammer Get Cash 4 Comedy Gold |website=Bestweekever.tv |date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609205303/http://www.bestweekever.tv/2009/01/30/superbowl-ad-wizards-ed-mcmahon-mc-hammer-get-cash-4-comedy-gold |archive-date=June 9, 2009 }}

In addition to appearing in television commercials, Hammer's music has also been used in television shows and movies, especially "U Can't Touch This" during: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990), Hot Shots! (1990), The Super (1991), Doogie Howser, M.D. (1992), Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996), Kung Pow! Enter the Fist (2002), Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003), Into the Wild (2007), Tropic Thunder (2008), Dancing with the Stars (2009), Glee (2010) and many more. Additionally, "This Is What We Do" was a 1990 track by Hammer (featuring B Angie B) for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and soundtrack. Tracks "That's What I Said" and "Feel My Power" were used for the Rocky V film and soundtrack. Some examples of other raps by Hammer used in movies and television were: "Addams Groove" (The Addams Family), "Pray" (License to Wed), "2 Legit 2 Quit" (Hot Rod), "I Got It From The Town" (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), "Help Lord, Won't You Come" (Kingdom Come), "Let's Go Deeper" (Beverly Hills, 90210) and "Straight to My Feet" (Street Fighter).

Along with Betty White, Hammer was a voice actor on the September 17, 2010, episode of Glenn Martin, DDS called "Step-Brother".{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/glenn-martin-dds/298334 |title=Glenn Martin, DDS Episodes – Glenn Martin, DDS Season 2 2011 Episode Guides – Watch Glenn Martin, DDS Episodes from Nickelodeon |website=TV Guide |access-date=May 10, 2011}} In 2016, MC Hammer appeared as himself in an episode of Uncle Grandpa on Cartoon Network. In June 2017, Hammer appeared during Beat Shazam on Fox.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/250502/beat-shazam-mc-hammer-jamie-foxx |title=Beat Shazam – MC Hammer – Jamie Foxx |website=TV Insider |date=June 22, 2017 |access-date=June 21, 2022}} Hammer has most recently been a spokesman for 3M Command Strips and Starburst.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/274469/new-mc-hammer-does-a-juicy-raindance-for-starbu.html|title=NEW! MC Hammer Does A 'Juicy Raindance' For Starburst|website=Mediapost.com|access-date=October 10, 2019}} In September 2020, Hammer appeared on The Greatest AtHome Videos via Zoom.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/coach-viral-dancing-mc-hammer-surprised-rapper/story?id=49475196 |title=Lifestyle coach viral dancing surprised rapper MC Hammer |website=ABC News |access-date=June 21, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/football-coach-mc-hammer-dance-moves_n_58efa441e4b0da2ff85ee324 |title=Football coach – MC Hammer dance moves|website=Huffington Post |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=June 21, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-greatest-athome-videos/episodes-season-1/1000807201 |title=The Greatest AtHome Videos – Season 1 |website=TV Guide |access-date=June 21, 2022}}

Hammer's dance style not only helped pave the way for the San Francisco Bay Area movement called hyphy,{{cite web|url=http://www.fandango.com/ghostridethewhip:thehyphymovement_v450499/summary |title=Ghostride the Whip: The Hyphy Movement |format=Synopsis |website=Fandago.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528215729/http://www.fandango.com/ghostridethewhip%3Athehyphymovement_v450499/summary |archive-date=May 28, 2009 }} but also helped to bring hip-hop and rap to the Bay Area. With his popular trademark Hammer pants, one phenomenal difference from Hammer versus other performers during his heyday was that he was an entertainer, both during live shows and in music videos. His flamboyant dancing was as much a part of his performances as rapping and musical instruments were. With high-energy dance routines, he is often considered one of the greatest dancers. While adding his own techniques, Hammer adopted styles from James Brown and Nicholas Brothers such as the splits, as well as feverishly choreographed dance routines including leaps and slides. His creation of such dances as the "Hammer dance"{{cite web|url=http://dancejam.com/dances/hammerdance |title="Hammerdance" – Dancejam|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118105354/http://dancejam.com/dances/hammerdance |archive-date=November 18, 2011 }} (or the "typewriter dance") and "the bump" from "U Can't Touch This", as well as the "running man" and the "butterfly", made his flashy and creative dance skills unlike any others at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90450737/mc-hammers-breakout-smash-u-cant-touch-this-is-30-years-old-the-inside-story-of-its-iconic-video |title=The inside story of M.C. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" music video |website=Fast Company |date=January 13, 2020 |access-date= June 23, 2022}}

Hammer's showmanship and elaborate stage choreography (involving fifteen dancers, twelve backup singers, seven live musicians and two disc jockeys), gave him a powerful visual appeal. Hammer was the first rap artist to put together a choreographed show of this type, and his visual flair attracted heavy airplay for his videos on MTV, which at the time had a predominantly white viewership that had aired little rap music before Hammer.

During a 1990 visit from Hammer (accompanied by his friend Fab Five Freddy) on Yo! MTV Raps, one of the dancers whom Hammer was holding auditions for was then-unknown Jennifer Lopez. At the height of his career, Hammer had his legs insured for a substantial amount of money (into the millions), as mentioned in an interview by Maria Shriver in 1990.{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1990-09-27-2751161-story.html|title=LOCAL INTERVIEW WITH RAP STAR IS WORTH THE WAIT FOR SHRIVER|website=The Morning Call|date=September 27, 1990 |access-date=April 11, 2022}} He later suffered an injury to his knee that halted his dancing career for a period of time.{{cite web|url = http://www.connectionmagazine.org/archives_old/mchammer.htm|title = MC Hammer|publisher = connectionmagazine.org}} Eventually, BET ranked Hammer as the 7th Best Dancer of All Time. Some of Hammer's entourage, or "posse" as he called them, were also trained/skilled dancers (including Tiffany Patterson). They participated in videos and at concerts, yet too many dancers and band members eventually contributed to Hammer's downfall, proving to be too much for him to finance.

Hammer stayed active in the dance media/genre, both on television shows and as co-founder of DanceJam.com (which showcased dance competitions and instructional videos on all the latest dance styles) until he and his partner Geoffrey Arone sold it to Grind Networks. Well known for bringing choreography to hip-hop, many of his dancing skills can still be seen on dance-focused and social networking sites. "Dance is unlike any other social medium. It's the core of our culture", Burrell told Wired.

In addition to his websites and Internet presence, Hammer has also appeared demonstrating much of his dancing abilities on talk shows such as The Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Late Night with Conan O'Brien (performing O'Brien's famous "string dance" together as well), The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The View. Hammer was also a dance judge on Dance Fever. On June 3, 2009, he performed his "Hammer dance" on Live with Regis and Kelly with Will Ferrell as co-host.{{cite web|url=http://www.aetv.com/news/?tag=Hammertime |title=News |website=Aetv.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507031753/http://www.aetv.com/news/?tag=Hammertime |archive-date=May 7, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://regisandkelly.go.com/guest_guide.html |title=Live with Regis and Kelly – Guest Guide |website=Regisandkelly.go.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212210358/http://regisandkelly.go.com/guest_guide.html |archive-date=February 12, 2010 }}

While Hammer may have challenged and competed with Michael Jackson during the height of his career, they were friends, proven by a phone call Hammer had with Jackson about his "Too Legit to Quit" video which he shared on The Wendy Williams Show in July 2009. Hammer wanted to ensure he was not offended by the ending of the video where a purported Jackson (seen only from behind) does the "2 Legit 2 Quit" hand gesture with his famous glove. They also appeared together at the funeral service for James Brown in 2006, where Hammer danced in honor of the "Godfather of Soul". After Jackson's death, Hammer posted his remembrance and sympathy of the superstar on Twitter. Michael's friend and fellow pop culture icon Hammer told Spinner that, "now that the "King of Pop" has passed, it's the duty of his fans and loved ones to carry Jackson's creative torch." He went on to say, "Michael Jackson lit the fuse that ignited the spirit of dance in us all. He gave us a song and a sweet melody that will never die. Now we all carry his legacy with joy and pride."{{cite web |url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/26/mc-hammer-remembers-his-friend-michael-jackson/ |title=MC Hammer Remembers His Friend Michael Jackson |publisher=Spinner |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307213118/http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/26/mc-hammer-remembers-his-friend-michael-jackson/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2022, Bobby Brown claimed he started wearing the "diaper pants" that Hammer altered and made famous, on his A&E show Bobby Brown: Every Little Step.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tiktok.com/@aetv/video/7106584143915470122 | title=And #BobbyBrown presents to you: Diaper Pants! |website=TikTok |access-date=June 23, 2022}} However, Brown wore a less sagging variation during some concerts and in music videos, such as "My Prerogative" (1988) and "Every Little Step" (1989).{{cite web | url=https://www.theodysseyonline.com/moves-80s | title=Moves from the 80's | date=27 June 2016 | access-date=June 23, 2022}}{{cite web | url=https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com/2852861/bobby-browns-most-trendsetting-style-moments/ | title=Bobby Brown's Most Trendsetting Style Moments | date=26 May 2022 | access-date= June 23, 2022}}

At the time of his first album, Hammer opened his own music management firm. As a result of the success of his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, Hammer had amassed approximately US$33 million. In 1997, Hammer sold his Fremont, California estate and mansion{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/from-bank-to-broke-here-are-20-celebs-who-went-bankrupt-2012-5|title=From Bank To Broke: 20 Celebs Who TANKED Their Fortunes|first=Keertana|last=Sastry|website=Business Insider|access-date=April 11, 2022}} for US$5.3 million, after filing for bankruptcy in 1996.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n16_v92/ai_19767382/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611070938/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n16_v92/ai_19767382 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |title=M.C. Hammer's estate sells for $5 million in Fremont, California {{pipe}} Jet {{pipe}} Find Articles at BNET |website=Findarticles.com |date=September 8, 1997 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429911/hammer-time-on-house-sale.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113065152/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429911/hammer-time-on-house-sale.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |title=Hammer Time On House Sale – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |website=MTV.com |date=September 3, 1997 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} Hammer most recently resided in a large ranch-style adobe home, situated on a two-acre corner lot in Tracy, California,{{cite web|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/article_bbd0ea6a-7c11-5512-9e9d-13d89f8a42a3.html |title=MC Hammer lets world in on his quiet home life |website=PressofAtlanticCity.com |date=June 13, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}} with his wife Stephanie. They met at a church revival meeting and married December 21, 1985.{{cite web|url=http://www.superiorpics.com/m_c__hammer/ |title=The M.C. Hammer Picture Pages |website=Superiorpics.com |access-date=May 10, 2011}} They have five children and also raised Hammer's nephew.{{cite web|url = http://www.aetv.com/hammertime/meet-family/index.jsp|publisher = A&E Network|title = Hammertime: Meet the Family|format=official website}}{{cite news|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/02/ae-bails-out-mc.html|publisher = latimesblogs.latimes.com|title = A&E bails out MC Hammer, orders 'Hammertime' | date=February 18, 2009 | access-date=May 12, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://hiphophoney.com/blog/hammers-reality-show/ |website=Hiphophoney.com |title=Hammers Reality Show |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118060850/http://hiphophoney.com/blog/hammers-reality-show/ |archive-date=January 18, 2010 }} It was reported in July 2012 that Hammer was encouraged to marry Whitney Houston by her father at the Super Bowl in 1991.{{cite news|url=http://blog.sfgate.com/dailydish/2012/07/13/mc-hammer-urged-to-marry-whitney-houston/ |title=MC Hammer urged to marry Whitney Houston {{pipe}} Daily Dish {{pipe}} an SFGate.com blog |website=Blog.sfgate.com |date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/mc-hammer-says-he-was-encouraged-to-marry-whitney_n_1680053.html |title=MC Hammer Says He Was Encouraged To Marry Whitney Houston |publisher=Huffington Post |date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}

Hammer frequently posted about his life and activities on his blog "Look Look Look", as well as other social websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter (being one of the earliest celebrities to contribute and join).{{cite web|url= http://mchammer.blogspot.com/|title= MC Hammer Blog|website=Blogspot.com}} A self-described "super geek" who consulted for or invested in eight technology companies, Hammer claimed to spend 10–12 hours daily working on his technology projects, and tweeted 30–40 times a day as of 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/MC-Hammer-the-Super-Geek-Video |title=MC Hammer the Super-Geek – Video |website=Oprah.com |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} He has been noted as a popularizer and defender of philosophy in his social media posts.{{cite web|url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/mc-hammer-is-philosophy-s-new-champion|title=MC Hammer is philosophy's new champion|date=February 25, 2021|first=Hal|last=Hobson|work=The Spectator (UK)}} Hammer was an endorser of the SAFE California Act, which, if passed in November 2012, would have replaced the death penalty.{{cite news| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mc-hammer/safe-california-act_b_1597582.html | work=Huffington Post | first=MC | last=Hammer | title=This November: It's SAFE California Time | date=June 14, 2012}} However, the proposition was defeated.

Contrary to public rumor, Hammer claimed he was really never "down-and-out" as reported by the media (eventually expressed on The Opie & Anthony Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2009). Originally having an estimated net worth of over $33 million according to Forbes magazine, speculations about Hammer's status first emerged during delays between albums Too Legit to Quit and The Funky Headhunter, with Hammer having spent much of his money on staff and personal luxuries.{{cite news|last=Anderson |first=Gordon T. |url=https://money.cnn.com/2003/05/30/pf/debt/broke_celebs/index.htm |title=Celebs who go broke – May. 31, 2003 |website=Money.cnn.com |date=May 31, 2003 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} In addition to excessive spending while supporting friends and family,{{cite web|url = http://www.rhapsody.com/mc-hammer|title = MC Hammer|publisher = Rhapsody}} Hammer ultimately became over $13 million in debt{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-31-re-27542-story.html|title=Rapper Takes Hit on Mansion Sale|date=August 31, 1997|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 11, 2022}}—due to dwindling album sales, unpaid loans, a large payroll, and a lavish lifestyle. Therefore, Hammer eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Oakland, California,In re Stanley Kirk Burrell, case no. 96-42564, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California (Oakland Div.). on April 1, 1996.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24by7.us/2012/02/mc-hammer-33-million-1991.html |title=Mc Hammer $33 Million 1991 – News 24 by 7 |website=News24by7.us |date=February 11, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927072505/http://www.news24by7.us/2012/02/mc-hammer-33-million-1991.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} The case was converted to Chapter 7 on September 23, 1998. However, Hammer was denied a bankruptcy discharge on April 23, 2002.See generally Complaint, docket entry 1, November 21, 2011, United States v. Stanley K. Burrell, case no. 2:11-cv-03079-GEB-EFB, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

Hammer's mansion was sold for a fraction of its former price.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/M-C-Hammer-Sells-Mansion-Moves-to-Tracy-Rap-2811447.php |title=M. C. Hammer Sells Mansion, Moves to Tracy / Rap star leaves Fremont hills for rental house – SFGate |website=Articles.sfgate.com |date=August 21, 1997 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BANKRUPT+M.C.+HAMMER+PUTS+HOME+ON+THE+MARKET-a083867428 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022044514/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BANKRUPT+M.C.+HAMMER+PUTS+HOME+ON+THE+MARKET-a083867428 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |title=Bankrupt M.C. Hammer Puts Home On The Market. – Free Online Library |website=Thefreelibrary.com |date=May 13, 1997 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }} "My priorities were out of order," he told Ebony. He said: "My priorities should have always been God, family, community and then business. Instead they had been business, business and business."{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852 |title=Hammer's hilltop mansion {{pipe}} Ebony {{pipe}} Find Articles at BNET |website=Findarticles.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |year=1994}} Along with Felton Pilate and other group members, Rick James sued Hammer for infringement of copyright on "U Can't Touch This", but the suit was settled out of court when Hammer agreed to credit James as co-composer, effectively cutting James in on the millions of dollars the record was earning. By the late 1990s, Hammer seemed to stabilize himself and made himself ready to undertake new projects.

In 1992, Hammer had admitted in depositions and court documents to getting the idea for the song "Here Comes the Hammer" from a Christian recording artist in Dallas named Kevin Christian. Christian had filed a $16 million lawsuit against Hammer for copyright infringement of his song entitled "Oh-Oh, You Got the Shing". This fact, compounded with witness testimony from both Hammer's and Christian's entourages, and other evidence (including photos), brought about a settlement with Capitol Records in 1994. The terms of the settlement remain sealed. Hammer settled with Christian the following year.{{cite web|url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13360829.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104232712/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13360829.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = November 4, 2012|title = Songwriter claims Hammer stole his song: sues him. (Muhammad Bilal Abdullah)|date = February 1, 1993|website = Jet}}{{cite web|url = http://www.dallasobserver.com/1998-02-26/news/hammered/|publisher = Dallas Observer|date = February 26, 1998|first = Matt|last = Weitz|title = Hammered|access-date = November 16, 2009|archive-date = June 1, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090601043124/http://www.dallasobserver.com/1998-02-26/news/hammered/|url-status = dead}}

In 1997, just prior to beginning his ministry, Hammer (who by that time had re-adopted "MC") was the subject of an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show and the VH1 series Behind the Music (music from his album Inside Out was featured in this documentary).{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/music/episodes/197308 |title=Behind the Music Episodes – Behind the Music Full Episode Guides on VH1 |work=TV Guide |access-date=May 10, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/behind-the-music-vh1-return/ |title=Behind the Music returning |date=April 6, 2009 |publisher=TV Series Finale |access-date=May 10, 2011}} In these appearances, Burrell admitted "that [he] had already used up most of [his] fortune of over $20 million, proving that money is nothing if it doesn't bring peace and if priorities are wrong".{{cite web|url = http://www.s9.com/Biography/Hammer|title = Hammer|publisher = s9.com|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090531072140/http://www.s9.com/Biography/Hammer|archive-date = May 31, 2009}} He would go on to express a similar point in other interviews as well.{{cite web|url=http://tv.popcrunch.com/mc-hammer-ellen-degeneres-interview-march-24-video/ |title=MC Hammer Ellen Degeneres Interview: March 24 |format=video |website=Tv.popcrunch.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531110118/http://tv.popcrunch.com/mc-hammer-ellen-degeneres-interview-march-24-video/ |archive-date=May 31, 2009 }}

During numerous interviews on radio stations and television channels throughout the years, Hammer was constantly questioned about his bankruptcy.{{cite web|url = https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mc-hammer/165636|publisher = TV Guide|title = MC Hammer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/mc-hammer-social-media-marketing/ |title=How MC Hammer went from caricature to human being—the social media story |last=Tobin |first=Jim |date=February 5, 2009 |publisher=Ignite Social Media |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525155056/http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/mc-hammer-social-media-marketing/ |archive-date=May 25, 2009 }} During an interview by WKQI-FM (95.5) for the promotion of his "Pioneers Of Hip Hop 2009" gig at the Fox Theatre in Detroit (which featured 2 Live Crew, Naughty by Nature, Too Short, Biz Markie and Roxanne Shanté), Hammer was asked about his finances by the Mojo in the Morning host. Hammer responded on Twitter, saying that Mojo was a "coward" and threatened to cancel commercials for his upcoming show.[http://detnews.com/article/20090514/ENT09/905140390/1402/ENT09/Grapevine--Hammer--Mojo-go-at-it] {{dead link|date=December 2012}}{{cite web|url = http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Entertainment/cat_index_detroit_entertainment/Discovering_the_Spirit_of_Detroit_with_the_Pioneers_of_Hip_Hop_Review.php|publisher = lasplash.com|title = Rediscovering the Spirit of Detroit with the 'Pioneers of Hip Hop' Review|author = Chick Chop Suey}}{{cite web|url=http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/1598/943559?title=sports |publisher=WJBK FOX 2 Detroit, MI |format=video |title=MC Hammer Returns |date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719151224/http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/1598/943559?title=sports |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}

On November 21, 2011, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in California against Hammer to obtain a court judgment on his unpaid taxes for years 1996 and 1997.See Complaint, docket entry 1, November 21, 2011, United States v. Stanley K. Burrell, case no. 2:11-cv-03079-GEB-EFB, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. In December 2011, this litigation was reported in the media. Hammer owed $779,585 in back taxes from his earnings dating back to 1996–1997; during the years, Hammer was believed to be facing his worst financial problems. After years of public and media ridicule regarding his financial problem, Hammer tried to assure fans and "naysayers" via Twitter, saying that he had proof he had already taken care of his debt with the IRS. "700k – Don't get too excited .. I paid them already and kept my receipt. Stamped by a US Federal Judge", Hammer tweeted from his account @MCHammer.{{cite web|first=Jake|last=Crates |url=http://allhiphop.com/2011/12/12/mc-hammer-pays-off-financial-debt-to-irs/ |title=MC Hammer Pays Off Financial Debt to IRS |website=AllHipHop.com |date=December 12, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}

However, the District Court ruled against Hammer. He appealed, but, on December 17, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected Hammer's argument that because the government had not listed those taxes in the government's proof of claim filed with the Bankruptcy Court, the government should be stopped from collecting the taxes.United States v. Stanley K. Burrell, December 17, 2015, case no. 14-15015, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. According to a 2017 episode of the Reelz TV series Broke & Famous, the situation was eventually resolved."MC Hammer: Broke & Famous". Broke & Famous. Exec. Prod. Joe Houlihan and Simon Lloyd. Reelz, September 29, 2017. Television. As of the making of the aforementioned Broke & Famous episode, Hammer had a reported net worth of $1.5 million.

Hammer was arrested in 2013 in Dublin, California, for allegedly obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties and resisting an officer (according to "stop and identify" statutes). Hammer claims he was a victim of racial profiling by the police, stating an officer pulled out his gun and randomly asked him: "Are you on parole or probation?" Hammer stated that as he handed over his ID, the officer reached inside the car and tried to pull him out. Police in Dublin, east of Oakland, said Hammer was "blasting music" in a vehicle with expired registration and he was not the registered owner. "After asking Hammer who the registered owner was, he became very argumentative and refused to answer the officer's questions," police spokesman Herb Walters typed in an e-mail to CNN. Hammer was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. A court date was scheduled; however, all charges were dropped in early March.{{cite web |url=http://wonderwall.msn.com/music/mc-hammers-obstruction-charges-dropped-1739233.story |title=MC Hammer's obstruction charges dropped {{pipe}} Story {{pipe}} Wonderwall |website=Wonderwall.msn.com |date=March 10, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729044223/http://wonderwall.msn.com/music/mc-hammers-obstruction-charges-dropped-1739233.story |archive-date=July 29, 2014 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/10/mc-hammer-charges-dropped_n_2847783.html |title=MC Hammer Charges Dropped After Arrest Last Month |publisher=Huffington Post |date= March 10, 2013|access-date=July 29, 2014}} Hammer tweeted that he was not bitter and considered what happened "a teachable moment".{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/23/showbiz/california-mc-hammer-arrest |title=MC Hammer arrested in obstructing officer case |work=CNN |access-date=July 29, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/02/23/mc-hammer-arrested-obstruction/ |title=MC Hammer – Arrested for Obstruction, But Claims Profiling |work=TMZ |date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/mc-hammer-arrested-in-california/ |title=MC Hammer arrested in California |work=Fox News |date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/24/mc-hammer-arrested_n_2754939.html?amp |title=MC Hammer Arrested For Obstructing An Officer, Claims He's A Victim Of Racial Profiling |publisher=Huffington Post |date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2014}}

In 1984, Burrell began attending Bible studies, joined a street ministry, and formed a gospel rap group with Jon Gibson known as the Holy Ghost Boy(s). In 1986, Burrell and Tramaine Hawkins performed with Gibson's band in concerts at various venues, such as the Beverly Theatre in Beverly Hills. Several songs were recorded together,{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=4|website=New.music.yahoo.com|title=MC Hammer Tracks|format=track listing|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717214011/http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=4|archive-date=July 17, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=live}} collaborating on "The Wall" from Gibson's album Change of Heart (1988), prior to Hammer's mainstream success. This was CCM's first rap hit by a blue-eyed soul singer and/or duo. Burrell also produced "Son of the King" at that time, releasing it on his debut album Feel My Power (1986).

Raised Pentecostal, Hammer strayed from his Christian faith during his success, before returning to ministry. His awareness of this can be found in a film he wrote and starred in called Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990), in which he also plays the charismatic preacher character named "Reverend Pressure". Nonetheless, as a tribute to his faith, Hammer vowed/promised to dedicate at least one song on each album to God.{{cite web |last=Doucet |first=Daina |url=http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Page.aspx?pid=3156 |title=Christianity.ca – MC Hammer Returns to Faith |website=Evangelicalfellowship.ca |access-date=July 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727213105/http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Page.aspx?pid=3156 |archive-date=July 27, 2014 }}

During 1991, Hammer was featured on the single "The Blood" from the BeBe & CeCe Winans album, Different Lifestyles. In 1992, the song peaked at No. 8 on the Christian charts. Hammer later reaffirmed his beliefs in October 1997,{{cite web|url= http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=3156&srcid=1957|title= Rap Artist MC Hammer Returns to Faith in God|website=Christianity.ca|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728034631/http://www.christianity.ca/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=3156|archive-date= July 28, 2011}} and began a television ministry called MC Hammer and Friends on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, as well as appearing on Praise the Lord programs where he went public about his devotion to ministry as an ordained minister.{{cite web|url = http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/928.html|title = MC Hammer on Praise|publisher = tbn.org|access-date = June 17, 2009|archive-date = November 17, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091117141359/http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/928.html|url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url= http://www.tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/78.html|title= MC Hammer|publisher= TBN|access-date= October 9, 2007|archive-date= October 11, 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011141702/http://tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/78.html|url-status= dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.tbn.org/index.php/9/4/M.html|title = Address book: M|publisher = tbn.org|access-date = May 11, 2009|archive-date = February 7, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090207014104/http://www.tbn.org/index.php/9/4/M.html|url-status = dead}} Hammer officiated at the celebrity weddings of actor Corey Feldman and Susie Sprague on October 30, 2002{{cite web|url= http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-27-2002-31154.asp|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120729021344/http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-27-2002-31154.asp|url-status= usurped|archive-date= July 29, 2012|title=Corey Feldman Wed by MC Hammer|date = November 27, 2002|publisher = buzzle.com}}{{cite web|url = http://www.tlchicken.com/article.php?ARTid=1000|title = Feldman Gets Hitched by Hammer|first = Bethany|last = Shady|website = Tlchicken.com|access-date = June 17, 2009|archive-date = July 16, 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716113024/http://www.tlchicken.com/article.php?ARTid=1000|url-status = dead}} (as seen on VH1's The Surreal Life), and also at Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil and Lia Gerardini's wedding in January 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/jan05/20050111_vinceneil.html |title=McHammer Marries Vince Neil |website=Undercover.com.au |date=January 11, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810150944/http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/jan05/20050111_vinceneil.html |archive-date=August 10, 2007 }}

During an interview on TBN (between 1997 and 1998), Hammer claimed he adopted the "MC" back into his name which now stood for 'Man of Christ'.{{cite news|url = http://www.religionnewsblog.com/830|title = TBN goes after Hispanic market|agency = Associated Press| date = September 13, 2002|publisher = religionnewsblog.com}}{{cite web|url = http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/623.html|title = M.C. Hammer|format = newsletter|publisher = tbn.org|access-date = March 28, 2009|archive-date = May 29, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090529072049/http://www.tbn.org/about/newsletter/index.php/623.html|url-status = dead}} Hammer continued to preach while still making music, running a social media business and television show, and devotes time to prison and youth ministries.{{cite web|url = http://www.dabelly.com/features/feature02.htm|title = Hammer-ing a new message|first = Michelle J.|last = Mills|publisher = dabelly.com|access-date = May 10, 2009|archive-date = October 7, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081007232107/http://www.dabelly.com/features/feature02.htm|url-status = dead}} From 2009 to 2010, Hammer joined Jaeson Ma at a crusade in Asia. Minister and mentor to Ma for more than a decade, Hammer assisted and co-starred in his documentary film 1040,{{cite web|url=http://1040movie.com/tag/jaeson-ma |title=Jaeson Ma {{pipe}} 1040 |website=1040movie.com |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126045649/http://1040movie.com/tag/jaeson-ma |archive-date=January 26, 2012 }} which explores the spread of Christianity throughout Asia.{{cite web|url=http://www.alivenotdead.com/jaesonma/DOCUMENTARY-EXPLORES-MODERN-ASIAN-REVIVAL-1040-profile-932065.html |title=DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES MODERN ASIAN REVIVAL – 1040 – Blog – Jaeson Ma – My official artist profile |website=Alivenotdead.com |access-date=December 17, 2012}}

Because of his commercial success during early stages of hip hop music, BET named Hammer as the first "mainstream" rapper.{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/Specials/hiphopawards10/hha10_performers/ |title=Performers |website=BET.com |date=October 12, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927184806/http://www.bet.com/Specials/hiphopawards10/hha10_performers |archive-date=September 27, 2010 }} Hammer became a fixture of the television airwaves and the big screen, with his music being used in many popular shows, movies and commercials still to this day. Hammer appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies to the point that he was criticized as a "sellout", including commercials for British Knights during the height of his career. The shoe company signed him to a $138 million deal.

Hammer's impression on the music industry appeared almost as instantaneously as Digital Underground's rap "The Humpty Dance," which was released when Hammer was still early in his career and included the lyrics "People say ya look like M.C. Hammer on crack, Humpty!", boasting about Hammer's showmanship versus Humpty Hump (Shock G)'s inability to match it in dance. Additionally, Hammer had several costly videos, two in particular were "Too Legit to Quit" or "2 Legit 2 Quit" (in which many celebrities appeared) and "Here Comes the Hammer".{{cite news |last=Farber |first=Jim |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/03/08/racy-music-videos/ |title=Flesh Forward |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 8, 1991 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109062142/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313556,00.html |url-status=live }}

Hammer is well known for his fashion style during the late 80s and early 90s. Hammer would tour, perform and record with his hype man 2 Bigg MC or Too Big (releasing a song in which he claimed "He's the King of the Hype").{{cite web |url=http://www.wordofsouth.com/myblock/archive/index.php/t-21624.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209114901/http://www.wordofsouth.com/myblock/archive/index.php/t-21624.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |title=whose the best hype man of all time??? [Archive] – My Block Community – Hip-Hop & Entertainment Forum |website=Wordofsouth.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 }} This duo introduced the "shiny suit" and popularized Hammer pants to mainstream America, as seen in videos such as "(Hammer Hammer) They Put Me In A Mix", in which Hammer also claimed Too Big was the "King of Hype" and in an unspoken competition with Flavor Flav (hype man for Public Enemy) during the height of their careers.{{cite web|url=http://www.audiolunchbox.com/album?a=76055 |title=MC Hammer Lyrics: Break 'Em Off Somethin' Proper |website=Audiolunchbox.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034904/http://audiolunchbox.com/album?a=76055 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}{{cite web|url = http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/crime-story--692938#lyrics|archive-date = January 5, 2013|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130105114340/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/crime-story--692938%23lyrics|url-status = dead|title = Crime Story|website=New.music.yahoo.com}}

Hammer also established a children's foundation, which first started in Hammer's own community, called Help The Children (HTC was named after and based on his song by the same name which included a music video with a storyline from his film Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie). A Sesame Street segment features Elmo taking on the persona of Hammer; nicknaming himself "MC Elmo" and along with two backup singers they rap a song about the number five called "Five Jive".

In 1994, British TV presenter Mark Lamarr interrupted Hammer repeatedly with Hammer's catch phrase ("Stop! Hammer Time!") in an interview filmed for The Word, which he took in good humor. He claimed Hammer was a "living legend". It was also within this interview that Hammer explained the truth about his relationship with "gangsta rap" and that he was merely changing with the times, not holding onto his old image nor becoming a "hardcore gangsta".{{cite web|url=http://www.spainherewecome.com/videos/tag/hammertime |title=Life in Spain Videos |website=Spainherewecome.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716113438/http://www.spainherewecome.com/videos/tag/hammertime |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }} By some accounts, this change contributed to his decline in popularity.[http://www.detnews.com/article/20090514/ENT09/905140390/Grapevine--Hammer--Mojo-go-at-it] {{dead link|date=December 2012}}

File:Brunswick-Stop-80s-time edit.jpg

File:Hammertime stop sign near Espoo.jpg, Finland in 2012]]

In 2005, Hammer appeared in a commercial for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company which made a humorous reference to his career. First he is shown in his distinctive clothing with his dance troupe performing "U Can't Touch This" in front of a mansion representative of his former house with a monogram H on the gable. Then there is silence and a screen card saying "Fifteen Minutes Later" appears with a view of Hammer sadly sitting on the curb in front of the same house as a crane removes the monogram H and tow trucks pull away sports cars that were parked in front. After a large "Foreclosed" sign appears, the voice-over said "Life comes at you fast. Be ready with Nationwide!"{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opr3uHOdA10| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/Opr3uHOdA10| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=Nationwide – MC Hammer Commercial| date=April 25, 2015|publisher=YouTube|access-date=October 10, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/itll-be-hammer-time-05-nationwide-insurance-75680/|title=It'll Be Hammer Time In '05 For Nationwide Insurancek|website=Adweek.com|date=October 25, 2004 |access-date=October 10, 2019}}

In 2006, Hammer's music catalog was sold to the music company Evergreen/BMG for nearly $3 million. Evergreen explained that the collection was "some of the best-selling and most popular rap songs of all time". Speaking for Evergreen Copyrights, David Schulhof stated the songs "will emerge as a perfect fit for licensing in movies, television shows, and corporate advertising".{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/mc-hammer-sells-back-catalog--34343748 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715154342/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/mc-hammer-sells-back-catalog--34343748 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=July 21, 2006 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }} According to VH1, "Hammer was on the money. Hit singles and videos like "U Can't Touch This" and "Too Legit To Quit" created a template of lavish performance values that many rap artists still follow today".

In March 2009, Ellen DeGeneres made plans for Hammer to be on her show (The Ellen DeGeneres Show) after he contacted her via Twitter.{{cite web|url = https://twitter.com/mchammer|title = MC Hammer|publisher = twitter.com}}{{cite web|url = https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow|title = The Ellen Show|publisher = twitter.com}} Hammer continued to give media interviews, such as being a guest on Chelsea Lately on June 16, 2009. There he discussed his relationship with Vanilla Ice, his stint on The Surreal Life, his show Hammertime, his family, his mansion, about him being in shape, his positive financial status and other "colorful topics" (subliminal jokes) regarding his baggy pants.[http://www.hollyhoodhdtv.com/video/mc-hammer-tells-chelsea-he] {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mc-hammer/credits/165636 |title=MC Hammer Credits |work=TV Guide |access-date=March 31, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/chelsea/ |title=Chelsea Lately – Starring Chelsea Handler |publisher=E! Online |date=March 26, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}

In 2010, Rick Ross released "MC Hammer" from the Teflon Don album which samples Hammer's "2 Legit 2 Quit". To celebrate Hammer's 50th birthday, San Francisco game maker Zynga offered up some recent player's Draw Something drawings from his fans.{{cite web|last=Budman |first=Scott |url=http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hammer-Time--The-Oakland-MC-Draws-on-His-50th-145239525.html |title=Zynga Shares MC Hammer Drawings |publisher=NBC Bay Area |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} Other sources/services offered "props" on behalf of his special occasion and to show appreciation for his memorable persona/gimmicks used during the peak of his career.{{Cite web|url=https://glosho.la|title=Jun88🎖️Trang Chủ Jun888 Đăng Nhập Jun88.com Chính Thức 2025|accessdate=March 30, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Lauren |url=http://www.bestweekever.tv/2012-03-30/the-ultimate-mc-hammer-50th-birthday-gif-wall/ |title=The Ultimate MC Hammer 50th Birthday GIF Wall – {{pipe}} VH1 Celebrity |website=Bestweekever.tv |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503225021/http://www.bestweekever.tv/2012-03-30/the-ultimate-mc-hammer-50th-birthday-gif-wall |url-status=dead }}

In 2012, Slaughterhouse released a single called "Hammer Dance", along with a video. "Hammer Dance" was the lead single from the Welcome to: Our House album. During the 2013 Oakland Athletics season, the "2 Legit 2 Quit" music video played on the Diamond Vision in between innings, usually during the middle of the 8th inning. The video featured prominent players from the San Francisco Bay Area's sports championships, such as former A's players Jose Canseco and hall of fame inductee Rickey Henderson. Hammer appeared in a Cheetos commercial during the Super Bowl in 2020, the 30th anniversary of "U Can't Touch This".{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/martyswant/2020/01/29/mc-hammers-super-bowl-ad-for-the-new-cheetos-popcorn-celebrates-30-years-of-cant-touch-this/|title=MC Hammer's Super Bowl Ad For The New Cheetos Popcorn Celebrates 30 Years Of 'Can't Touch This'|first=Marty|last=Swant|website=Forbes.com|access-date=April 11, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mc-hammer-interview-cheetos-super-bowl-2020-commercial-8549479/|title=MC Hammer Says Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial Was No-Brainer: 'I Guarantee it Will Put a Smile On Your Face'|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|website=Billboard.com|date=January 31, 2020|access-date=April 11, 2022}}

In January 2024, a storage unit was sold at auction containing what the buyer of the storage unit reported as 30 master tapes containing at least 14 unreleased tracks recorded during Hammer's time at Death Row Records. The former Death Row Records producer of these tapes, Craig Williams, stated that he believes the tapes are authentic. It is unclear what will become of these songs or who legally owns these recordings.{{cite web | url=https://www.kron4.com/news/california-storage-unit-buyers-come-across-belongings-that-may-have-ties-to-mc-hammer-others/ | title=California storage unit buyers come across belongings that may have ties to MC Hammer, others | date=January 30, 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/former-record-producer-chimes-possible-135557435.html | title=Former record producer chimes in on possible MC Hammer masters found | date=January 31, 2024 }}

Hammer's career in rap and entertainment has influenced and been influenced by such artists as: Kool Moe Dee; Big Daddy Kane; James Brown; Prince; Michael Jackson; Kurtis Blow; Earth, Wind & Fire; Rick James; Doug E. Fresh, who joined Hammer's Bust It Records label in 1992 and issued the album Doin' What I Gotta Do with the track "Bustin' Out (On Funk)" sampling the Rick James single "Bustin' Out"; Run-DMC; and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Hammer was followed by related musicians such as Will Smith, DC Talk, BB Jay, Diddy (aka "Puffy" or "Puff Daddy"), Young MC, B Angie B, M.C. Brains, MC Breed, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, C+C Music Factory, Mystikal, Bell Biv DeVoe, Kris Kross, Ho Frat Hoo!,{{cite web|url=http://albumcredits.com/Profile/22454 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707105719/http://albumcredits.com/Profile/22454 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |title=Ho Frat Ho! |publisher=Album Credits |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Dara |url=http://www.eastbayexpress.com/gyrobase/u-cant-touch-this/Content?oid=1371067&storyPage=4 |title=U Can't Touch This {{pipe}} Feature {{pipe}} Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage |website=Eastbayexpress.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617054303/http://www.eastbayexpress.com/gyrobase/u-cant-touch-this/Content?oid=1371067&storyPage=4 |url-status=dead }} and Oaktown's 357. Hammer also influenced the music industry with pop culture catchphrases and slang.{{cite web|url = http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/mc_hammer/artist.jhtml#biographyEnd|title = MC Hammer: Bio|publisher = vh1.com|access-date = January 2, 2012|archive-date = February 9, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120209054044/http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/mc_hammer/artist.jhtml#biographyEnd|url-status = dead}}

Some critics complained of a lack of originality in Hammer's early productions. Entertainment Weekly described "U Can't Touch This" as 'shamelessly copying its propulsive riff from Rick James ("Super Freak"). Hammer admits, "When I look at Puffy with a choir, I say, 'Sure that's a take-off of what I do." Notable feuds and beefs Hammer had with other rappers included: LL Cool J,{{cite web|url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2018/11/ll-cool-j-mc-hammer-diss-video/|title=LL Cool J Remembers Knocking Out MC Hammer With A Diss & Explains Why (Video)|date=November 13, 2018|website=Ambrosia For Heads}}{{cite web|url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2018/11/14/ll-cool-j-finally-talks-about-dissing-mc-hammer-30-years-ago-in-infamous-beef/|title=LL Cool J Finally Talks About Dissing MC Hammer 30 Years Ago In Infamous Beef|first=Daryl|last=Nelson|date=November 14, 2018}} Vanilla Ice,{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-17-ca-688-story.html|title=COVER STORY : WAR OF THE RAP EGOS : M. C. HAMMER : Well, the Hammer'll Be Glad to Clue You In|date=March 17, 1991|website=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1991-03-31-1991090173-story.html|title=VANILLA ICE: RAPPER OR RIP-OFF? Many black fans feel he's exploiting their music|first=J. D.|last=Considine|website=The Baltimore Sun|date=March 31, 1991 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-17-ca-687-story.html|title=COVER STORY : WAR OF THE RAP EGOS : VANILLA ICE : Why Is Everyone Still Fussing About Ice?|date=March 17, 1991|website=Los Angeles Times}} Too Short,{{cite web|url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/09/too-short-mc-hammer-beef-disses/|title=Too Short vs. MC Hammer: 2 Of Oakland's Finest Were Beefing Subliminally|first=Jake|last=Paine|date=September 17, 2017|website=Ambrosia For Heads}} Redman,{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodstreetking.com/redman-old-school-beef-mc-hammer/,%20https://hollywoodstreetking.com/redman-old-school-beef-mc-hammer/|title=Redman Reveals Old School Beef – MC Hammer Had Him Shook!|first=Sasha|last=R|date=April 29, 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/08/redman-mc-hammer-beef-video/|title=Redman On Getting Stepped To By MC Hammer In The 90s: "Hammer Don't Play!!" (Video)|date=August 27, 2016|website=Ambrosia For Heads}} 3rd Bass,{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/25-forgotten-hip-hop-beefs/|title=25 Forgotten Hip-Hop Beefs|website=Complex}}{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.3177/title.dxclusive-radio-icon-greg-mack-pete-nice-refute-mc-serchs-version-of-mc-hammer-kday-story|title=#DXCLUSIVE: Radio Icon Greg Mack & Pete Nice Refute MC Serch's Version Of "MC Hammer KDAY Story"|date=November 16, 2018|website=HipHopDX}}{{cite web|url=https://107jamz.com/mc-serch-talks-mc-hammer-placing-a-hit-on-them-after-diss-nsfw-video/|title=MC Serch Talks MC Hammer Placing A Hit On Them After Diss [NSFW, VIDEO]|first=Erik|last=Tee|website=107 JAMZ|date=September 2016 }} Jay-Z,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/27/twitter-mc-hammer-jay-z|title=It's Twitter war: MC Hammer raps Jay-Z over song putdown|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=September 27, 2010|website=The Guardian|access-date=October 10, 2019}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-z-responds-to-mc-hammer-slam-102230/|title=Jay-Z Responds to MC Hammer Slam|first=Jem|last=Aswad|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 3, 2010}} Eminem,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7678124/rap-chart-facts-eminem-jay-z-mc-hammer|title=Eminem, Jay Z, MC Hammer and More: Rap Chart Facts You May Not Know|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/11/the-30-corniest-rap-beefs/|title=The 35 Corniest Rap Beefs|website=Complex}} A Tribe Called Quest,{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2014/04/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-q-tip/|title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Q-Tip|website=Complex}}{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/in-1990-hammer-vanilla-ice-a-tribe-called-quest-and-1798232852|title=In 1990, Hammer, Vanilla Ice, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ice Cube reflected the splintering of the hip-hop nation|website=Music|date=July 31, 2012 }} and Run-DMC.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-14-ca-531-story.html|title=Rap Battle of Words Dominates Show : Pop music: M. C. Hammer and Run-DMC exchange potshots backstage at the Soul Train Music Awards. Oh, and the awards? Three each for Hammer and Mariah Carey.|date=March 14, 1991|website=Los Angeles Times}} Several diss tracks were featured on his albums, including Let's Get It Started and The Funky Headhunter.

{{See also|MC Hammer discography#Accolades}}

File:Chamillionaire, MC Hammer and Mistah F.A.B. 2.jpg and Mistah F.A.B. at TechCrunch on July 24, 2008.]]

Throughout the years, Hammer has been awarded for his music, videos and choreography. He has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/arts/television/13hammertime.html| title=Where a Fallen Rap Star Is Still No. 1 | access-date=January 1, 2011 | newspaper=The New York Times | first=Ginia | last=Bellafante | date=June 12, 2009}} He has won three Grammy Awards (one with Rick James and Alonzo Miller) for Best Rhythm and Blues Song (1990), Best Rap Solo (1990) and Best Music Video: Long Form (1990) taken from Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie. He also received eight American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, an NAACP Image Awards and the Billboard Diamond Award (the first for a hip hop artist).{{cite news|url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101940328-164065,00.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100830163344/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101940328-164065,00.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = August 30, 2010|title = article|publisher = Time | date=June 24, 2001 | access-date=May 12, 2010}}

The International Album of the Year validated Hammer's talent as a world-class entertainer. Additionally, Hammer was also honored with a Soul Train Music Award (Sammy Davis, Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year) in 1991. He has also been a presenter/performer at Soul Train's Music Awards several times, including The 5th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1991), The 9th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1995) and Soul Train's 25th Anniversary (1995).{{cite web|url=http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=401423&nbc1=1 |title=– The Largest Entertainment Photo & Video Archive |website=Wireimage.com |date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111060404/http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=401423&nbc1=1 |archive-date=January 11, 2010 }} Hammer appeared on gospel music's Stellar Awards show in 1997 and spoke of his renewed commitment to God. In the same interview, he promised to unveil the "second leg" of his career. During the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, Hammer made a surprise appearance in the middle of the show with best friend Jermaine Jackson.{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/rock-rolls-at-mtv-video-music-awards--23288973 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713212933/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/rock-rolls-at-mtv-video-music-awards--23288973 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=August 29, 2005 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}

Hammer gave his support to Warren Beatty by attending the 36th AFI Life Achievement Awards on June 12, 2008.{{cite web |title=36th AFI Life Achievement Award – Audience |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/rapper-mc-hammer-in-the-audience-during-the-36th-afi-life-news-photo/81547974 |website=Getty Images |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=June 12, 2008}} In August 2008, at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship, Hammer won a Living Legends of Hip Hop Award from Hip Hop International in Las Vegas.{{cite web|url = http://vbablogger.com/2009/05/30/hip-hop-living-legends-award-in-las-vegas-going-to-toni-basil/|title = Hip Hop Living Legends Award to Toni Basil in Las Vegas|format = blog|date = May 30, 2009|publisher = vbablogger.com}}

Hammer, Gary Vaynerchuk, Shaquille O'Neal and Rick Sanchez (host) celebrated the Best of Twitter in Brooklyn at the first Shorty Awards on February 11, 2009, which honored the top short-form content creators on Twitter.{{cite web|url=http://newyork.metromix.com/events/essay_photo_gallery/snap-judgment-2009-shorty/955675/content |title=Snap Judgment: 2009 Shorty Awards {{pipe}} MC Hammer, Rick Sanchez and the REAL Shaq celebrate the best of Twitter in Brooklyn {{pipe}} Photo 1/20 {{pipe}} Metromix New York |website=Newyork.metromix.com |date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}} In September 2009, Hammer made the "accomplishment appearance" in Zombie Apocalypse for the downloadable Smash TV/Left 4 Dead hybrid for the Xbox 360.{{cite web|url=http://techorade.com/2009/09/01/zombie-apocalypse-features-mc-hammer-achievement/ |title=Zombie Apocalypse features MC Hammer Accomplishment |website=Techorade.com |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616012405/http://techorade.com/2009/09/01/zombie-apocalypse-features-mc-hammer-achievement/ |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} Hammer attended the 2009 Soul Train Music Awards which aired on BET November 29, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/specials/soultrainawards09/ |title=Home {{pipe}} Soul Train Awards |website=BET.com |date=January 27, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315123916/http://www.bet.com/specials/soultrainawards09 |archive-date=March 15, 2010 }}

Hammer (along with Alyssa Milano and others) was a member of panel judges for the Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences at the Second Annual Shorty Awards on January 5, 2010. Hammer opened the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards performing "2 Legit 2 Quit" in Atlanta along with Rick Ross, Diddy and DJ Khaled (all performing together during "MC Hammer" from the Teflon Don album as well) on October 2 (televised October 12).{{cite web|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2010/10/03/2010-bet-hip-hop-awards/ |title=Rick Ross, Diddy and MC Hammer Kick Off 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards |publisher=The Boombox |date=October 3, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010}}{{cite web|last=Racha |first=Ronda |url=http://clatl.com/cribnotes/archives/2010/10/12/2010-bet-hip-hop-awards-what-you-wont-see-on-tv-tonight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014211612/http://clatl.com/cribnotes/archives/2010/10/12/2010-bet-hip-hop-awards-what-you-wont-see-on-tv-tonight |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2010 |title=2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards: What you won't see on TV {{pipe}} Atlanta Music Blog {{pipe}} Atlanta Concerts & Shows {{pipe}} Crib Notes {{pipe}} Creative Loafing Atlanta |publisher=Clatl.com |date=October 12, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/299319/mc-hammer-joins-rick-ross-on-stage-at-bet-hip-hop-awards/ |title=MC Hammer Joins Rick Ross On Stage At BET Hip Hop Awards – Hip-Hop Media Training |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=October 13, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017111933/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/299319/mc-hammer-joins-rick-ross-on-stage-at-bet-hip-hop-awards |archive-date=October 17, 2010 }}

With over 2.6 million Twitter followers in 2010, his contribution to social media and as a co-founder of his own Internet businesses (such as DanceJam.com), Hammer was announced as the recipient of the first Gravity Summit Social Media Marketer of the Year Award. The award was presented to him at the 3rd Annual Gravity Summit on February 22, 2011, at the UCLA Covel Commons.{{cite web|url=http://www.gravitysummit.com/2010/12/mc-hammer-to-receive-gravity-summit-social-media-marketer-of-the-year-award/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218151047/http://www.gravitysummit.com/2010/12/mc-hammer-to-receive-gravity-summit-social-media-marketer-of-the-year-award/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 18, 2010 |title=MC Hammer to Receive Gravity Summit 'Social Media Marketer of the Year' Award |publisher=Gravity Summit |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.worldmarketmedia.com/1876/section.aspx/3019009/hip-hop-legend-and-twitter-star-mc-hammer-to-receive-gravity-summit-social-media-marketer-of-the-year-award-at-ucla-event-on-february-22-2011 |title=Hip Hop Legend and Twitter Star MC Hammer to Receive Gravity Summit 'Social Media Marketer of the Year' Award at UCLA Event on February 22, 2011 – Online Investment Community |publisher=World Market Media |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115627/http://www.worldmarketmedia.com/1876/section.aspx/3019009/hip-hop-legend-and-twitter-star-mc-hammer-to-receive-gravity-summit-social-media-marketer-of-the-year-award-at-ucla-event-on-february-22-2011 |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}

At the 40th American Music Awards in November 2012, Hammer danced to a mashup of "Gangnam Style" and "2 Legit 2 Quit" along with South Korean pop star Psy, both wearing his signature Hammer pants.{{cite web |url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/18/psy-mc-hammer-ama-2012-gangnam-style-american-music-awards-too-legit-to-quit-performance/ |title=PSY & MC Hammer AMA 2012 – Gangnam Style & Too Legit To Quit |publisher=Hollywood Life |date=November 18, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530210651/http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/11/18/psy-mc-hammer-ama-2012-gangnam-style-american-music-awards-too-legit-to-quit-performance/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/mc-hammer-goes-gangnam-wi_n_2157946.html |title=MC Hammer Goes 'Gangnam' With PSY At American Music Awards (VIDEO) |publisher=Huffington Post |date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} The collaboration was released on iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/gangnam-style-2-legit-2-quit-mashup-feat-mc-hammer-single/1445290534 |title=iTunes Music – Gangnam Style / 2 Legit 2 Quit Mashup (feat. MC Hammer) – Single by PSY |publisher=iTunes Store |date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=July 29, 2014}} The performance idea with Hammer came from Psy's management.{{cite web|url=https://tv.yahoo.com/news/psy-mc-hammer-explain-amas-dance-mash-came-220443012.html |title=PSY & MC Hammer Explain How AMAs Dance Mash-Up Came To Be – Yahoo! TV |website=Tv.yahoo.com |date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Erickson |first=Christine |url=https://news.yahoo.com/mc-hammer-psys-gangnam-style-duet-2-legit-103518231.html |title=MC Hammer and Psy's 'Gangnam Style' Duet Is 2 Legit [VIDEO] – Yahoo! News |website=News.yahoo.com |date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}} They both performed it together again during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2012.

Hammer received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement (not to be mistaken for the Gershwin Prize), presented during the UCLA Spring Sing in Pauley Pavilion on May 17, 2013.[http://alumni.ucla.edu/events/spring-sing/2013/gershwin-awards.aspx Gershwin Award 2013 Recipient] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601082445/http://alumni.ucla.edu/events/spring-sing/2013/gershwin-awards.aspx |date=June 1, 2015 }}, UCLA Alumni Association, 2013

Notable tours and concerts include: A Spring Affair Tour (1989), Summer Jam '89 (1989), Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em World Tour (1990 & 1991), Lawlor Events Center at University of Nevada, Reno (1990–2017), Too Legit to Quit World Tour (1992), Red, White and Boom (2003), The Bamboozle Festival (2007), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (2008–2013), McKay Events Center with Vanilla Ice (2009), Illinois State Fair with Boyz II Men (2011), MusicFest (2012), Jack's Seventh Show{{cite web|url=https://tacanow.org/events-2b/jacks-seventh-show/|title=Jack's Seventh Show|work=The Autism Community in Action (TACA)|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721051550/https://tacanow.org/events-2b/jacks-seventh-show/|url-status=dead}} at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (2012), Kool & the Gang Superjam at Outside Lands (2014) and Hammer's All-star House Party Tour (2019).{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8500450/mc-hammer-tour-dates|title=MC Hammer Launching All-Star Hammer's House Party Tour With En Vogue, 2 Live Crew, Coolio & More|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/02/hammers-house-party-tour-dates-90s/|title="Hammer's House Party Tour" features all your favorite '90s rap acts on one stage|date=February 27, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/mc-hammer-6bd68676.html|title=MC Hammer Concert Setlists|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=October 10, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mc-hammer|title=MC Hammer's Concert & Tour History {{pipe}} Concert Archives|website=Concertarchives.org|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Main|MC Hammer discography}}

{{col div}}

• 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)

{{col div end}}

• List of dancers

{{reflist}}

• E. Krulik, Nancy (1991). M.C. Hammer and Vanilla Ice: The Hip-hop Never Stops. New York: Scholastic Inc. {{ISBN|0-590-44980-X}}.

{{Commons category|MC Hammer}}

• [http://mchammer.blogspot.com/ MC Hammer's blog]
• {{IMDb name|0358479}}

{{MC Hammer}}

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{{American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist}}

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{{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance}}

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