MC Hammer: The Misunderstood Hip-Hop Icon Once Deemed the “Most Feared Thug” of His Time

For millions of people around the world, the name MC Hammer conjures images of baggy parachute pants, electrifying dance moves, and catchy pop-rap hits like “U Can’t Touch This.” He was known as a showman, an entertainer, and a symbol of flash and fun, not as a street enforcer or a figure to be feared within hip-hop. However, a new narrative has emerged, revealing a side of Stanley Kirk Burrell that few knew existed: a man who, in some circles, was regarded as “the most feared thug of his time,” even more dangerous than the notorious Suge Knight. So, what turned this pop icon into a respected and feared figure in the streets?

From Humble Beginnings to a Music Career

Stanley Kirk Burrell grew up in a financially struggling neighborhood in East Oakland, California. He faced the challenges of an environment plagued by drugs and crime. His parents separated when he was just five years old, leaving his mother to raise the children on her own. When asked how he managed to stay out of illegal activities, MC Hammer attributed it to his deep love for his mother and his determination not to let her down.

As a young boy, MC Hammer found ways to earn extra money by reselling baseball tickets from the Oakland A’s. He was already familiar with the sports scene thanks to his older brothers who worked for the team. In addition to selling tickets, he would put on impromptu dance shows in the parking lot, showcasing his early passion for dance and entertainment.

One fateful day in 1978, the team’s owner, Charles Finley, spotted MC Hammer and was impressed by his talents. This led to a remarkable opportunity: Hammer was hired as a clubhouse assistant at the young age of nine. His dedication and hard work left a lasting impression, eventually propelling him to a vice president position within the organization. It was here that he was nicknamed “Hammer” by Reggie Jackson after Hank Aaron, who was also known as “The Hammer”.

After high school, MC Hammer went to college but soon grew disillusioned. He decided to join the Navy and served for several years. During his time in the military, he collaborated with a roommate to create music demos right in their barracks. Following his service, he was a member of a gospel hip-hop group called the Holy Ghost Boys.

A Mainstream Career and Hidden Toughness

MC Hammer pursued his music dreams by securing a substantial loan from a couple of former Oakland A’s players. This financial support allowed him to establish his own record label, Bust It Productions. Rebranding himself as MC Hammer (for Master of Ceremonies), he independently released his debut album, “Feel My Power,” in 1987. Through sheer determination, he managed to sell over 60,000 copies.

His major breakthrough came in 1988 while performing at an Oakland nightclub. A record executive was thoroughly impressed and offered him a multi-album contract with Capital Records. The album “Let’s Get It Started” was re-released with additional tracks. His third album, “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em,” released in February 1990, included the chart-topping hit “U Can’t Touch This,” which famously sampled Rick James’s “Super Freak”. The iconic song solidified MC Hammer’s status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Despite his musical success, MC Hammer was not immune to criticism. His clean-cut image, repetitive lyrics, and heavy reliance on sampling led to him being ridiculed and dissed by numerous artists. At the peak of his career, he was far from being considered a gangster rapper. His trademark parachute pants, choreographed dance moves, and pop-friendly records set him apart from the gritty image associated with many hip-hop artists at the time. As a result, he was often labeled a “sellout” by some of his peers.

However, behind the friendly smile and impressive dance moves was a man who possessed a toughness that should not be underestimated. This fact became clear in a now-famous encounter with rapper Redman.

The Feuds: Redman, Too Short, and Jay-Z

Redman was one of many critics who took shots at MC Hammer in his music. In a skit on his 1992 debut album, Redman was heard saying, “He ain’t s–t. Hammer ain’t doing nothing for us. He ain’t s–t.” Redman later recounted how serious Hammer was about the “beef,” recalling that the rapper would “whoop a guy” for talking smack about his dancing pants. Years later, Redman found himself face-to-face with Hammer at a taping of Yo! MTV Raps. Hammer approached him and, in a serious tone, said, “I won’t allow anyone to talk about my mother. Do you understand me?”. Redman, recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately responded with, “Yes, sir”. He later described the incident by saying, “Hammer don’t fking play. He dances and he’s very athletic and he’ll whoop your a**”**.

MC Hammer also had a long-standing feud with fellow Oakland rapper Too Short. Too Short felt frustrated that Hammer, a dancer, was getting more media attention than he was. Too Short openly dissed Hammer in his songs, aiming his lyrics at Hammer’s dance-focused style. The feud escalated until Too Short’s brother, Luis, intervened, telling him that they had just returned from a tough tour and weren’t “home to deal with this nonsense”. The “real talk” settled the matter, and the two later became friends and even collaborated.

Even years later, MC Hammer was not afraid to take on hip-hop’s biggest names. He released a scathing diss track aimed at Jay-Z in response to a line in a Kanye West song that referenced Hammer’s financial struggles. The song and video portrayed Jay-Z as a “devil-like character” being chased and symbolically baptized by Hammer.

MC Hammer’s personal strength and willingness to defend his name and his family showed a side of him that was hidden from the public. His ability to go toe-to-toe with figures like Redman, Too Short, and even Jay-Z, and still maintain respect in the industry, proved that the man behind the “U Can’t Touch This” image was far more complex and street-wise than anyone gave him credit for.