What’s up y’all? Today we’re going to be celebrating the birthday of one of the most memorable names in hip hop history, MC Hammer. Born on March 30th, 1962, Stanley Kirk Burrell turns 56 today. If you’ve never heard the name MC Hammer then leave now and don’t come back.
MC Hammer enjoyed his biggest popularity in the late 80’s and early 90’s centered around his two biggest hits, “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit”. Hammer was known for his flashy dancing and equally flashy style. He made the “hammer pants” popping and had the whole world grooving. Hammer became the first hip hop artist to have an album go certified diamond (10 times platinum).
MC Hammer had his ups and downs throughout his career. In a time in hip hop when the genre was shifting to more street-driven gangster rap, Hammer was pop through and through. He caught a lot of flack for it then, but now we can appreciate what he did. Hip Hop is now so much more than gangster rap these days and has taken over the pop scene. This would never be possible if it wasn’t for artists like Hammer. And if you say you don’t like “U Can’t Touch This” you’re a liar. Happy birthday MC Hammer, I hope you’re still dancing. I’ll see y’all back here next week for more hip hop history lessons.