His last big hit came out over a decade ago, but MC Hammer has proven that he is still “Too Legit to Quit.”
He holds the record as the top selling hip-hop artist of all time and no one, regardless of how talented they might be, has been able to take that title away from him.
The legendary rapper, entertainer and entrepreneur is still touring the world with his energetic live shows and will visit Indianapolis during the Indiana State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 20.
His concert will begin at 7 p.m. on the free stage in the Celebration Park section of the fairgrounds. He is among a variety of musical guests who will appear at the fair this year, including gospel artists Lamar Campbell, pop star Kelly Clarkson, country singer Bucky Covington and rock groups Journey and Heart among many others.
“We are definitely excited to have MC Hammer join us and we know the fans will enjoy him,” said Andy Klotz, spokesman for the Indiana State Fair. “Our goal this year was to present a selection of music that offers something for everyone, whether they like gospel, pop, country, rock or hip-hop.”
MC Hammer was a prominent figure on the international music scene from the late 1980s to the mid 90s and is best known for his explosive dance routines, “clean” rap lyrics and trademark “parachute” pants.
A native of Oakland, Calif., MC Hammer (who was born Stanley Kirk Burrell), originally planned to be a professional baseball player. As a kid he would dance outside a stadium to earn money for tickets to Oakland A’s games.
Eventually, he was hired as an assistant for the Oakland A’s. After failing tryouts for various teams, he chose a career in music and launched a gospel group that received regional attention. He became an instant success with his 1988 major label debut, “Let’s Get It Started,” which included the hit title track and the classic “Turn This Mutha’ Out.”
MC Hammer’s follow up, 1990’s “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em,” sold 17 million copies and became the top-selling rap album in history on the strength of favorites such as “U Can’t Touch This,” “Here Comes the Hammer,” “Dancing Machine” and “Pray.”
He stayed on top with 1992’s “Too Legit To Quit,” and the title of his last major hit, 1994’s “It’s All Good,” became a cultural catchphrase.
However, MC Hammer’s “positive” style lost popularity in a hip-hop market that became increasingly hardcore. His attempt to perform harder, edgier music was not received well by loyal fans. Excessive spending on lavish items and a large entourage forced him to file for bankruptcy in 1996.
Since then, MC Hammer has become an ordained minister, family man and a businessman who has regained success by mastering today’s technology. He appears frequently on Twitter, and currently operates DanceJam.com, a very popular dance Web site. He is also executive producer of his own reality show, “Hammertime,” which chronicles the experiences of MC Hammer, his wife Stephanie and their five children. The show, which debuted this summer, is shown on A&E each Sunday at 10 p.m. EST.
The rap pioneer says having the program is about more than just staying in the public eye.
“I live 20 minutes from Stockton, Calif., which has the highest rate of foreclosures in America and where unemployment is over 10 percent,” he said recently. “What I’m hoping is that through this show, since the whole world is aware that I went through bankruptcy, that people can see that through it all, you can still have a positive family and still cling to God and hope and come out on the other side.”
In addition to managing his new business ventures, MC Hammer also finds time for occasional performances and has released a new album, “DanceJamtheMusic.”
However, a common question asked by longtime fans is: At age 47, can Hammerman still do all the spins, glides, splits and other dances that drove arena audiences wild?
The answer would have to be “yes,” given that viewers who have tuned into MC Hammer’s show found him rehearsing during the video shoot for “I Got Gigs,” a song from the new album.
“I still do a lot of performances,” he said. “I’m three years from 50 and my 18, 19 and 20-year-old dancers are the only ones who can keep up with me now. It’s a blessing and I’m grateful. Hard work pays.”
MC HAMMER FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
• Received the nickname “Hammer” from athletes who said he looks like baseball legend Henry “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron.
• Served three years in a U.S. Navy patrol squadron.
• Has won three Grammy Awards and eight American Music Awards.
• The 1990 album “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em’” has sold over 17 million copies and became the first hip-hop album to receive the rare Diamond status.
• His competition with Michael Jackson to become “the greatest entertainer” in the 90s was a friendly rivalry. The two sometimes spoke by phone and joked about each other’s work. In 2006, they both appeared at the funeral of James Brown, a mutual role model.
‘LET’S GET IT STARTED!’
Who: MC Hammer
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Free stage at Celebration Park in the Indiana State Fair
Tickets: Free with general fair admission of $8. Free for children age five and under.
For more information, call (317) 927-7601 or visit www.indianastatefair.com.
