MC Hammer

MC Hammer - Hip Hop Artist, Birthday and Family

Violet FieldHome › AmericanMC HammerMarch 30, 1962618 views

0 based on 0 rates
MC Hammer Biography Stories 

MC Hammer's Personal Details

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known as MC Hammer, is an award-winning American hip-hop singer, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur

InformationDetail
BirthdayMarch 30, 1962
NationalityAmerican
FamousBlack Singers, Singers, Hip Hop Singers, Gospel Singers, Hip Hop Artist
Group of peopleBlack Men
City/StateCalifornia
SpousesStephanie Fuller (m. 1985)
SiblingsChris Burrell, Louis Burrell
Known asStanley Kirk Burrell, M.C. Hammer, Hammer, Hammertime, King Hammer, Hammerman
ChildrensJeremiah Burrell, Samuel Burrell, Sarah Burrell, Stanley Burrell
Universities
  • McClymonds High School
Birth PlaceOakland, California
Height182
GenderMale
FatherLouis Burrell Sr.
Sun SignAries
Born inOakland, California
Famous asHip-Hop Artist
Socials

// Famous Hip Hop Artist

Dom Zeglaitis

Dom Zeglaitis

Dom Zeglaitis is a Lithuanian-American YouTube star and hip-hop artist. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.

Lil JoJo

Lil JoJo

Lil JoJo was an American hip-hop artist and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.

Method Man

Method Man

Method Man is an American hip hop artist, actor and a member of the ‘Wu-Tang Clan’. This biography profiles his childhood, music career, works, life, achievements and timeline.

MC Hammer's photo

Who is MC Hammer?

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known as MC Hammer, is an award-winning American hip-hop singer, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. He is best known for his most successful single, ‘U Can’t Touch This.’ He is remembered for ‘Hammer Pants,’ which he made popular with his hip-hop dancing. Born and raised in California, US, he faced financial difficulties while growing up. An aspiring baseball player, he failed to make it to a professional team. Hammer served in the ‘US Navy’ for 3 years and then pursued a career in music, starting with club performances. His first album, ‘Feel My Power,’ was a considerable success. He enjoyed outstanding success with his second studio album, ‘Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em.’ He continued to produce music, but his later albums failed to achieve the same success. Hammer is considered as a pioneer in pop-rap. He experienced a phenomenal rise to fame and wealth in the 1980s, but lost it all quickly in the late 1990s. He is married to Stephanie and the couple has 5 children.

// Famous Gospel Singers

Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton is a Grammy award-winning American Christian music recording artist, songwriter, producer and worship leader. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family, personal life, etc.

Trinitee Stokes

Trinitee Stokes

Check out all that you wanted to know about Trinitee Stokes, the famous TV Actress; her birthday, her family and personal life, fun trivia facts and more.

Della Reese

Della Reese

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, as well as an ordained minister. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.

Childhood & Early Life

Hammer was born Stanley Kirk Burrell on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California. He was the youngest of his 6 siblings and lived in a government housing project apartment in East Oakland. His father, Lewis Burrell, worked as warehouse supervisor while his mother was a secretary.

Interested in baseball from his early boyhood, he spent time around the ‘Oakland Coliseum’ and entertained by dancing during the breaks. ‘Oakland Athletics’ owner, Charles Finley, watched him perform in the Coliseum’s parking lot and hired the 11 year Burrell as ‘batboy.’ Burrell’s resemblance to the baseball player ‘Hammerin’ Hank Aaron earned him the nick-name ‘Hammer.’ The ‘MC’ part came from ‘Master of Ceremonies’ as he performed at various clubs while on the road with A’s.

He played baseball (second base) during high school years and wished to be a professional player, but was not selected. After passing out from school, he joined communications study, but later enlisted for US Navy and served as aviation storekeeper for 3 years.

Career

After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Hammer began playing in clubs and formed ‘Holy Ghost Boys,’ a Christian rap music group with Jon Gibson. One of their songs, ‘The Wall,’ became a hit. Two former A’s player, Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy, helped him financially to start his own record label, ‘Bust It Records.’

Hammer released his debut album, ‘Feel My Power,’ through his own label, ‘Oakland Records,’ in 1987, and the album sold over 60,000 copies. He released a single, ‘Ring ‘Em,’ and marketed it on his own. Hammer formed a troupe with dancers, musicians and vocalist, and presented stage shows and live shows at clubs.

Through his album and one of his live acts, he earned a multi-album deal with the ‘Capitol Records’ in 1988. His first album through ‘Capitol,’ was ‘Let’s Get It Started,’ a revised version of ‘Feel My Power.’ With its charted numbers, ‘Turn This Mutha Out,’ ‘Let’s Get it Started,’ ‘They Put Me in the Mix’ among others, the album sold more than 2 million copies and was certified double platinum. Hammer toured around with his live show promoting the album, and installed a recording studio at the back of this tour bus, where he recorded songs.

His next album, ‘Please, Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em,’ was brought out on February 12, 1990. The single, ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ from this album proved most successful and is considered as his signature song. This was followed by the cover versions of ‘Have You Seen Her’ (original by Chi-Lites) and ‘Pray,’(based on keyboard hooks of Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’), which made to the Top 10. The album remained on the top of the charts for 21 weeks, which was a record. It sold over 18 million copies and was first hip-hop album to attain a diamond status. It is the all-time best-selling album of the genre. It also won him several awards, including a Grammy. A movie, ‘Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: The Movie,’ was produced in 1990.

This successful album also brought on controversies and criticism. The track, ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ had ‘samples’ from Rick James’ ‘Super Freak,’ and James took legal action against Hammer. Later, the case was settled out-of-court. He faced criticism for borrowing/sampling others’ music or classic hooks and also, for repetitiveness of his lyrics. A number of music artists taunted him and his music in their music videos. (In the initial songs of his career, Hammer had ridiculed many of those artists). After the criticism, he dropped ‘MC’ from his name.

In reply to the criticism, he released ‘Too Legit to Quit’ in 1991. The album sold over 5 million copies and was in Top 5 on the ‘Billboard 200.’ The title track was the most popular number of this album, followed by ‘Addams Groove,’ which reached number 7 on the US charts. Hammer spent large amounts on lavish stage shows, tours and expensive music videos for the promotions of this album, but the album’s sales were not sufficient to finance it, so he had to cancel the tour midway.

His next album, ‘The Funky Headhunter,’ (1994) was released through the ‘Giant Records’ label. It included songs, ‘Pumps and a Bump,’ and ‘It’s All Good.’ The tracks continued to show disrespect to other rap-artists.

His next productions, ‘V Inside Out,’ (1995) and ‘Too Tight,’ (1996) too did not do well. Compilation of his earlier hits was released as ‘Greatest Hits’ (1996) and then as ‘Back 2 Back’ (1998), through EMI. His ‘Gospel’ based music album, ‘Family Affair,’ was released in 1998, which included ‘Set Me Free,’ ‘Our God,’ ‘Never Without You,’ among others.

Hammer’s November 2001 production, ‘Active Duty,’ paid homage to the 2001 attack victims. This was followed with ‘Full Blast,’ but both these albums did not have any charting singles. ‘Look Look Look’ released in 2006 and sold 300,000 copies. However, he couldn’t regain the popularity of his initial albums. He released a few more singles after 2010.

He was a part of many TV shows and films, including cartoon-show, ‘Hammerman,’ ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Right Connections,’ ‘Deadly Rhapsody,’ ‘The Surreal Life,’ among many others. He appeared as a dance judge on the show, ‘Dance Fever’ (2003). ‘Hammertime’ (2009) was his reality TV series on ‘A&E Network,’ which dealt with his daily life.

Hammer established ‘Oakland Stable’ in 1991 for thoroughbred horses. He was also involved with various business ventures from clothing lines, to tech start-up and product endorsements.

Hammer sported a lavish lifestyle with a huge mansion at Fremont, California, sprawling estate and luxury cars. He also spent a large amount of money on his stage shows, staff, and relatives. With $13 million in debt, he filed for bankruptcy in 1996. In 1997, he turned to faith and became a preacher with a Christian Ministry TV show.

Awards & Achievements

The Single, ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ received two Grammy Awards,’ in the ‘Best R&B Song’ and ‘Best Solo Rap Performance’ category. He won ‘Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video’ for his movie ‘Please, Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: The Movie’ (1990). He has earned 3 ‘Grammy Awards,’ 8 ‘American Music Awards,’ a ‘People’s Choice Award,’ and ‘Billboard Diamond Award,’ among many more.

Personal Life

Hammer met his wife, Stephanie Fuller, at a church revival meeting. They married on December 21, 1985, and have 5 children, three sons – Bobby, Jeremiah and Sammy, and two daughters - Sarah and A’keiba.

// Famous Singers

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is an American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family, personal life, birthday, etc.

Isaak Presley

Isaak Presley

All about American actor and singer Isaak Presley including his age, birthday, family life, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.

Sophia Montero

Sophia Montero

Sophia Montero is an American singer and YouTuber. Let’s have a look at her family and personal life including age, date of birth, net worth, relationships, and fun facts.

MC Hammer's awards

YearNameAward

Grammy Awards

1991Best Music Video - Long FormPlease Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990)

MTV Video Music Awards

1990Best Dance VideoMC Hammer: U Can't Touch This (1990)
1990Best Rap VideoMC Hammer: U Can't Touch This (1990)

MC Hammer biography timelines

  • // 30th Mar 1962
    Hammer was born Stanley Kirk Burrell on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California. He was the youngest of his 6 siblings and lived in a government housing project apartment in East Oakland. His father, Lewis Burrell, worked as warehouse supervisor while his mother was a secretary.
  • // 21st Dec 1985
    Hammer met his wife, Stephanie Fuller, at a church revival meeting. They married on December 21, 1985, and have 5 children, three sons – Bobby, Jeremiah and Sammy, and two daughters - Sarah and A’keiba.
  • // 1987
    Hammer released his debut album, ‘Feel My Power,’ through his own label, ‘Oakland Records,’ in 1987, and the album sold over 60,000 copies. He released a single, ‘Ring ‘Em,’ and marketed it on his own. Hammer formed a troupe with dancers, musicians and vocalist, and presented stage shows and live shows at clubs.
  • // 1988
    Through his album and one of his live acts, he earned a multi-album deal with the ‘Capitol Records’ in 1988. His first album through ‘Capitol,’ was ‘Let’s Get It Started,’ a revised version of ‘Feel My Power.’ With its charted numbers, ‘Turn This Mutha Out,’ ‘Let’s Get it Started,’ ‘They Put Me in the Mix’ among others, the album sold more than 2 million copies and was certified double platinum. Hammer toured around with his live show promoting the album, and installed a recording studio at the back of this tour bus, where he recorded songs.
  • // 1990
    The Single, ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ received two Grammy Awards,’ in the ‘Best R&B Song’ and ‘Best Solo Rap Performance’ category. He won ‘Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video’ for his movie ‘Please, Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: The Movie’ (1990). He has earned 3 ‘Grammy Awards,’ 8 ‘American Music Awards,’ a ‘People’s Choice Award,’ and ‘Billboard Diamond Award,’ among many more.
  • // 12th Feb 1990
    His next album, ‘Please, Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em,’ was brought out on February 12, 1990. The single, ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ from this album proved most successful and is considered as his signature song. This was followed by the cover versions of ‘Have You Seen Her’ (original by Chi-Lites) and ‘Pray,’(based on keyboard hooks of Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’), which made to the Top 10. The album remained on the top of the charts for 21 weeks, which was a record. It sold over 18 million copies and was first hip-hop album to attain a diamond status. It is the all-time best-selling album of the genre. It also won him several awards, including a Grammy. A movie, ‘Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: The Movie,’ was produced in 1990.
  • // 1991
    In reply to the criticism, he released ‘Too Legit to Quit’ in 1991. The album sold over 5 million copies and was in Top 5 on the ‘Billboard 200.’ The title track was the most popular number of this album, followed by ‘Addams Groove,’ which reached number 7 on the US charts. Hammer spent large amounts on lavish stage shows, tours and expensive music videos for the promotions of this album, but the album’s sales were not sufficient to finance it, so he had to cancel the tour midway.
  • // 1991
    Hammer established ‘Oakland Stable’ in 1991 for thoroughbred horses. He was also involved with various business ventures from clothing lines, to tech start-up and product endorsements.
  • // 1994
    His next album, ‘The Funky Headhunter,’ (1994) was released through the ‘Giant Records’ label. It included songs, ‘Pumps and a Bump,’ and ‘It’s All Good.’ The tracks continued to show disrespect to other rap-artists.
  • // 1996 To 1997
    Hammer sported a lavish lifestyle with a huge mansion at Fremont, California, sprawling estate and luxury cars. He also spent a large amount of money on his stage shows, staff, and relatives. With $13 million in debt, he filed for bankruptcy in 1996. In 1997, he turned to faith and became a preacher with a Christian Ministry TV show.
  • // 2003 To 2009
    He was a part of many TV shows and films, including cartoon-show, ‘Hammerman,’ ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Right Connections,’ ‘Deadly Rhapsody,’ ‘The Surreal Life,’ among many others. He appeared as a dance judge on the show, ‘Dance Fever’ (2003). ‘Hammertime’ (2009) was his reality TV series on ‘A&E Network,’ which dealt with his daily life.

// Famous Black Singers

SZA

SZA

SZA is an American singer-songwriter known for her debut studio album ‘Ctrl.’ Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.

Rozonda Thomas

Rozonda Thomas

Rozonda Thomas is an award winning American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her life.

XXXTentacion

XXXTentacion

XXXTentacion (Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy) was an American rapper, known for his raw and daring style of music. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and death.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is an American musician, singer and songwriter, considered to be one of the most creative musical performers of the 20th century. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline

Hitman Holla

Hitman Holla

Hitman Holla (Gerald Fulton, Jr.) is an American battle rapper known for his unmatched punch lines and aggressive spirit. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family, personal life, etc.

Travis Scott

Travis Scott

Travis Scott is an American rapper and singer who is famous for his hit single ‘Antidote’. Check out this biography to know about his birthday childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.

MC Hammer's FAQ

  • What is MC Hammer birthday?

    MC Hammer was born at 1962-03-30

  • Where is MC Hammer's birth place?

    MC Hammer was born in Oakland, California

  • What is MC Hammer nationalities?

    MC Hammer's nationalities is American

  • Who is MC Hammer spouses?

    MC Hammer's spouses is Stephanie Fuller (m. 1985)

  • Who is MC Hammer siblings?

    MC Hammer's siblings is Chris Burrell, Louis Burrell

  • Who is MC Hammer childrens?

    MC Hammer's childrens is Jeremiah Burrell, Samuel Burrell, Sarah Burrell, Stanley Burrell

  • What was MC Hammer universities?

    MC Hammer studied at McClymonds High School

  • How tall is MC Hammer?

    MC Hammer's height is 182

  • Who is MC Hammer's father?

    MC Hammer's father is Louis Burrell Sr.

  • What is MC Hammer's sun sign?

    MC Hammer is Aries

  • How famous is MC Hammer?

    MC Hammer is famouse as Hip-Hop Artist

  • What is MC Hammer's facebook?

    MC Hammer's facebook is https://www.facebook.com/mchammer/

  • What is MC Hammer's twitter?

    MC Hammer's twitter is https://twitter.com/mchammer/

  • What is MC Hammer's youtube?

    MC Hammer's youtube is https://www.youtube.com/user/MCHAMMER/

  • What is MC Hammer's instagram?

    MC Hammer's instagram is https://www.instagram.com/mchammer/