Uncovering the Untold Story of Stanley Burrell: The Man Behind the Name MC Hammer
MC Hammer is a name that needs no introduction. For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, Hammer was an icon of the music industry. With his trend-setting fashion sense, electrifying dance moves, and catchy music, Hammer became a household name almost overnight. But not many people know much about the man behind the name, Stanley Burrell. In this blog post, we will uncover the untold story of MC Hammer and reveal some interesting facts about the man behind the hammer pants.
Early Life and Music Career
Stanley Burrell was born in Oakland, California, in 1962. Growing up, he showed a keen interest in music and dance, and he was heavily influenced by James Brown and Michael Jackson. In the early ’80s, he started performing as a backup dancer for various artists, including Stephanie Mills and Earth, Wind & Fire. It wasn’t until 1987 that Burrell released his debut album as MC Hammer, “Feel My Power,” which didn’t fare well commercially.
The Rise to Fame
It was with his second album, “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em,” released in 1990, that MC Hammer became a household name. The album featured hit singles such as “U Can’t Touch This,” “Pray,” and “Have You Seen Her.” The album went on to sell over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.
The Hammer Pants
One of the most iconic elements of MC Hammer’s look was his baggy, parachute-style pants, also known as “Hammer pants.” The pants were designed by Burrell himself and were inspired by traditional South Asian harem pants. The pants became a fashion craze in the early ’90s and were even parodied on Saturday Night Live.
The Hammerman Cartoon
In 1991, MC Hammer had his own Saturday morning cartoon show called “Hammerman.” The show featured Hammer as a crime-fighting superhero who used his magical dancing shoes to defeat villains. Although the show only aired for one season, it helped cement Hammer’s status as a pop culture icon.
The Fall from Grace
Despite his massive success in the early ’90s, MC Hammer’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in the mid-’90s. He spent extravagantly on luxuries such as a mansion in a gated community and personal entourage, and filed for bankruptcy in 1996. In the years that followed, Hammer struggled to regain his footing in the music industry but remained a beloved figure among fans.
The Relevance Today
MC Hammer may not be releasing chart-topping albums like he used to, but he remains relevant today. He has appeared on various reality TV shows, and his music continues to be sampled by other artists. He has also become an advocate for technology and was an early investor in companies such as Twitter, Uber, and Square.
The Legacy of MC Hammer
MC Hammer may not be as famous today as he once was, but his legacy lives on. He was a trailblazer in the hip-hop genre and paved the way for future artists who wanted to merge hip-hop with pop music. He also left a lasting impression on pop culture thanks to his unique fashion sense, iconic dance moves, and catchy music.
The Future of MC Hammer
Although MC Hammer’s music career may be behind him, he continues to explore new ventures. He is often called upon to speak at conferences and events and is a sought-after mentor for entrepreneurs and emerging artists. He also remains active on social media, where he shares his musings on everything from music to technology.
Conclusion
MC Hammer may have been a music superstar in the ’90s, but he is much more than that. He is a businessman, a mentor, and a cultural icon whose influence can still be felt today. Although his rise to fame was meteoric, his fall was just as swift, but he persevered and continues to inspire others to follow their dreams.
FAQs
Q1. What is MC Hammer’s real name?
A1. MC Hammer’s real name is Stanley Burrell.
Q2. What was MC Hammer’s biggest hit?
A2. MC Hammer’s biggest hit was “U Can’t Touch This.”
Q3. What happened to MC Hammer’s career after the early ’90s?
A3. MC Hammer filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and struggled to regain success in the music industry.
Q4. What was MC Hammer’s cartoon show called?
A4. MC Hammer’s cartoon show was called “Hammerman.”
Q5. What is MC Hammer up to today?
A5. MC Hammer remains active as a mentor, entrepreneur, and investor, and is often called upon to speak at conferences and events.