MC Hammer

The Profile

Stanley Kirk Burrell, known as MC Hammer, is an American rapper, dancer, and entertainer who broke through globally with U Can't Touch This and the album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em. A dynamic performer and pop-rap crossover star, he later pursued television and ministry.

From Oakland, California; Grammy Award-winning hitmaker known for high-energy choreography and signature “Hammer pants”; one of the first rappers to achieve massive mainstream pop success; later became an ordained minister.

One review paints MC Hammer as a savvy pop-rap hitmaker who parlayed heavy sampling and dance flair into massive mainstream success. U Can’t Touch This and Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em dominate the narrative. The piece is skeptical of artistic depth but acknowledges historic impact. Later career dips and his move into ministry are noted.