One of the first rap music cassettes tapes my siblings and I had was from Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage map MC Hammer (or is it Mc Hammer?) is a rapper, dancer, producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his elaborate and skilled dance moves, choreography, and those pants(Is too late to get a pair?)Hammer achieved commercial success during the late ’80s and early 90’s with hits like” U Can’t Touch This” and 2 Legit 2 Quit” as well as others. He is considered to be a forefather/pioneer of “ pop-rap”. He was the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album. Hammer was labeled a sellout because of his over the top shows and his impact on pop culture. To prove he was more than a pop rapper Hammer tried a gritty hardcore sound with tough image and provocative lyrics to adapt to the popular sound of hip hop at the moment He even signed with the “ gangsta rap label” Death Row Records”.But, he was still known for his dancing. In the late 90’s he then dropped the image and became a preacher with a ministry program on TBN Called Hammer And Friends. He had continued success during the ’90s by hosting dance programs and had a Saturday Morning cartoon. Unfortunately, Hammer did suffer from some financial problems but has managed to come back. He continues to manage his own career as well as other up and coming artists. He was a judge on several dance competition shows in the mid to late 2000s. He has managed the careers of several artists and collaborated with various artists during his career. Hammer has had a huge impact on hip hop he still able to reach a big audience of people with his positive attitude and still dance as he did in his prime. Hammer has recently been appearing in commercials allowing him to reach a new audience and get in touch with old fans. He is a great performer an plays a part in pop culture and on hip hop.
