# MC Hammer

> American rapper

**Wikidata**: [Q295923](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295923)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC_Hammer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mc-hammer

## Summary
MC Hammer is an American rapper known for popularizing the hip-hop genre with hits like "U Can't Touch This" and "Can't Touch This." He rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the most iconic figures in early hip-hop culture.

## Biography
- Born: March 30, 1962, Oakland, California, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Oakland Technical High School
- Known for: Pioneering hip-hop music with hits like "U Can't Touch This"
- Employer(s): Death Row Records, EMI, Capitol Records
- Field(s): Music, Hip-Hop, Entertainment

## Contributions
- Released the album *Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em* (1990), which included the hit single "U Can't Touch This," a defining track of the hip-hop era.
- Signed to Death Row Records in 1991, contributing to the label's influential roster of artists.
- Collaborated with major record labels like EMI and Capitol Records, expanding his reach in the music industry.
- Produced the album *Too Legit to Quit* (1991), which further cemented his status as a hip-hop icon.

## FAQs
**What is MC Hammer known for?**
MC Hammer is known for popularizing hip-hop music with hits like "U Can't Touch This" and "Can't Touch This," which became anthems of the 1980s and 1990s.

**Where did MC Hammer work?**
MC Hammer worked with major record labels including Death Row Records, EMI, and Capitol Records, where he released influential albums and singles.

**What awards has MC Hammer received?**
MC Hammer received the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song for "U Can't Touch This" and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.

**What is MC Hammer's real name?**
MC Hammer's real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, though he is best known by his stage name.

**What genres of music did MC Hammer perform?**
MC Hammer performed hip-hop, pop rap, and dance music, blending elements of these genres to create his signature sound.

## Why They Matter
MC Hammer mattered as a pioneer of hip-hop music, helping to shape the genre's early sound and cultural impact. His hit "U Can't Touch This" became a defining track of the 1980s and 1990s, influencing countless artists and solidifying hip-hop's place in mainstream music. As a key figure in the hip-hop era, MC Hammer's work helped define the genre's aesthetic and cultural significance, making him a lasting icon in music history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering hip-hop music with hits like "U Can't Touch This"
- Signing to Death Row Records, contributing to the label's influential roster
- Receiving the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song for "U Can't Touch This"
- Collaborating with major record labels like EMI and Capitol Records
- Producing the album *Too Legit to Quit*, further cementing his status as a hip-hop icon

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California, began his music career in the 1970s. He attended Oakland Technical High School and developed his signature dance moves and rap style, which would later define his performances. His early work in the music industry laid the foundation for his future success, as he honed his skills and gained recognition in the local scene.

### Rise to Fame
MC Hammer rose to fame in the 1980s with his hit single "U Can't Touch This," which became a cultural phenomenon. The song's catchy beat and iconic dance moves made it a defining track of the hip-hop era. His album *Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em* (1990) included this hit and other influential tracks, solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon. The song's success led to numerous awards and nominations, including the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Music Video.

### Record Label Collaborations
MC Hammer signed to Death Row Records in 1991, contributing to the label's influential roster of artists. He worked with major record labels like EMI and Capitol Records, expanding his reach in the music industry. These collaborations allowed him to release influential albums and singles, further cementing his status as a hip-hop pioneer. His work with these labels helped shape the sound and culture of the genre, making him a key figure in hip-hop history.

### Musical Legacy
MC Hammer's musical legacy includes the album *Too Legit to Quit* (1991), which further cemented his status as a hip-hop icon. The album's success and the impact of his hit singles helped define the genre's aesthetic and cultural significance. His contributions to the music industry have influenced countless artists, making him a lasting icon in hip-hop history. MC Hammer's work continues to be celebrated as a defining moment in the evolution of hip-hop music.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=32)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. MusicBrainz
5. BnF authorities
6. IMDb
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. BBC Things
9. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org)
10. ISWC Network
11. Quora
12. Carnegie Hall linked open data
13. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
14. YouTube API
15. The Movie Database