Editing MC Hammer (section)

== Music and entertainment career ==
Before Hammer's [[MC Hammer discography#Studio albums|successful music career]] and "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back saga",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-06-11-hammertime_N.htm?csp=34|title=MC Hammer opens his home to viewers in new reality show|publisher = USA Today|last = Strauss|first = Gary|date = June 11, 2009}}</ref> Burrell formed a [[#Christian beliefs and ministry|Christian rap group]] with singer and musician [[Jon Gibson (Christian musician)|Jon Gibson]] known as the Holy Ghost Boy(s).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26261/mc-hammer|title=MC Hammer {{pipe}} full Official Chart History |website=[[Official Charts]]}}</ref> Hammer and [[Tramaine Hawkins]] performed with Gibson's band, in concerts at various venues such as the Beverly Theatre in [[Beverly Hills]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Israel |first=Brian |title=Rap Artist MC Hammer Back in the fold |url=http://www.connectionmagazine.org/archives_old/mchammer.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030501111808/http://connectionmagazine.org/archives_old/mchammer.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 1, 2003 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |website=Connectionmagazine.com}}</ref> Some early [[MC Hammer discography#Additional tracks|songs produced]] were "Word", "B-Boy Chill"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/b-boy-chill--54942341 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105143315/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/b-boy-chill--54942341 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |website=New.music.yahoo.com |title=MC Hammer: B-Boy Chill }}</ref> and "[[Wild & Loose|Stupid Def Yal]]" (1987).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sourcerecords.jp/product/6981 |title=MC HAMMER (THE HOLYGHOST BOY) AND THE POSSE / STUPID DEF YAL / RING' EM |website=Source Records |access-date=July 3, 2022}}</ref> Hammer also produced "Son of the King" during this time, releasing it on his debut album ''[[Feel My Power]]'' (1986), as well as the re-released version ''[[Let's Get It Started (album)|Let's Get It Started]]'' (1988).<ref name="connectionmag"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsody.com/mc-hammer/lets-get-it-started|title = MC Hammer 'Let's Get It Started' track listing|publisher = rhapsody.com}}</ref> Additionally, "The Wall"<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/change-of-heart-mw0000875286|title=Change of Heart – Jon Gibson – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref> featured Hammer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/change-of-heart/387058441|title = Change of Heart by Jon Gibson|date = January 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7JLSVYyIdkwDEASYRyHqnB|title = The Wall (Feat. MC Hammer)|website = [[Spotify]]|year = 1988}}</ref> (a song Burrell originally identified himself as MC Hammer),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdbaby.com/cd/jongibson|publisher=cdbaby.com|title=Jon Gibson: Soulful Hymns|access-date=June 11, 2009|archive-date=November 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116195000/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jongibson|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Amazon1">{{cite web|url = https://www.amazon.com/Love-Education-Jon-Gibson/dp/B000008P2A|title=Jon Gibson: Love Education|website = [[Amazon (company)#Website|Amazon]]| year=1997}}</ref> which was later released on Gibson's album ''[[Jon Gibson (Christian musician)#Discography|Change of Heart]]'' (1988).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Hits-Jon-Gibson/dp/B000009ZP0|title=Jon Gibson: Hits|website = [[Amazon (company)#Website|Amazon]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/album/change-of-heart/96188|publisher=music.aol.com|title = Jon Gibson: Change of Heart|access-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714020823/http://music.aol.com/album/change-of-heart/96188|archive-date = July 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> This was [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]]'s first [[Hot Rap Songs|rap hit]] by a [[blue-eyed soul]] singer and/or duo.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.frontlinerecords.us/artists/?58|title=Jon Gibson – Frontline Records|author=Darren Beckett|website=Frontlinerecords.us|access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref><ref name="SoulTracks_Gibson">{{cite web|url = http://www.soultracks.com/jon_gibson.htm|title = Jon Gibson profile|date = May 7, 2007| publisher = [[SoulTracks]]}}</ref>

In addition to later remixes of early releases, Hammer produced and recorded many rap songs that were never made public, yet are now available on the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=1|title=MC Hammer Songs – Yahoo! Music|website=New.music.yahoo.com|access-date=March 31, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203044811/http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/tracks/?artist%5B0%5D=mc-hammer&artist%5B1%5D=mc-hammer&page=1|archive-date=December 3, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Through his record labels such as Bust It Records, Oaktown Records and Full Blast—Hammer has introduced, signed and/or produced new talent including: [[Oaktown's 3.5.7]], Ho Frat Hoo!,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapcoalition.org/an_artist's_experience.htm |title=An Artist's Experience |website=Rapcoalition.org |date=December 12, 1992 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612183730/http://rapcoalition.org/an_artist's_experience.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2011 }}</ref> the vocal [[quintet]] [[Special Generation (band)|Special Generation]], [[Mikalah Gordon|Analise]],<ref name="VH1 interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1455917/20020702/mc_hammer.jhtml |title=Hammer – Rhapsody Music Downloads |website=[[VH1]].com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022023125/http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1455917/20020702/mc_hammer.jhtml |archive-date=October 22, 2012 }}</ref> James Greer,<ref name="cnn112201"/> One Cause One Effect,<ref name="Ebony"/> [[B Angie B]], The Stooge Playaz,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590012-if-you-want-it |title="If You Want It" video at |website=Dancejam.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820145409/http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590012-if-you-want-it |archive-date=August 20, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="soundcloud">{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/mchammer |title=Mchammer – Sets |publisher=[[SoundCloud]] |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> DASIT as seen on ''[[Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/dasit/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729062711/http://new.music.yahoo.com/dasit |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |title=Dasit on Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}</ref> Teabag, Common Unity, Geeman<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.aol.com/album/family-affair/314828 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711211513/http://music.aol.com/album/family-affair/314828 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |title=Family Affair – MC Hammer |website=Music.aol.com |date=June 23, 1998 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}</ref> and Pleasure Ellis<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590090-espn-mondy-night-football-commercia |title="ESPN Mondy Night Football Commercial with MC Hammer And Pleasure Ellis" video at |website=Dancejam.com |date=August 18, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206204026/http://dancejam.com/videos/1054590090-espn-mondy-night-football-commercia |archive-date=February 6, 2010 }}</ref> (all collaborating with him and/or producing music of their own during his career).<ref name="billboard"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mchammer.com |title=Mchammer.com |website=Mchammer.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402093529/http://mchammer.com |archive-date=April 2, 2010 }}</ref> At around age 12, Oakland native [[Keyshia Cole]] recorded with Hammer and sought career advice from him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall |first=Rashaun |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494637/20041208/cole_keyshia.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125203555/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494637/20041208/cole_keyshia.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2005 |title=Keyshia Cole Has Kanye, Shyne On LP, Proof That Stalking MC Hammer Pays Off – MTV News |publisher=MTV |date=December 9, 2004 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=J.R. |url=http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/03/05/keyshia-cole-on-chelsea-lately-talks-tupac-mc-hammer-and-kissing/ |title=Keyshia Cole on Chelsea Lately: Talks Tupac, MC Hammer and Kissing! |website=Hiphoprx.com |date=March 5, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926063731/http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/03/05/keyshia-cole-on-chelsea-lately-talks-tupac-mc-hammer-and-kissing |archive-date=September 26, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-what-was-it-like-to-work-with-mc/keyshia-cole/1973322 |title=Q&A: What was it like to work with MC Hammer? Video by Keyshia Cole – AOL Music |website=Music.aol.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927162519/http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-what-was-it-like-to-work-with-mc/keyshia-cole/1973322 |archive-date=September 27, 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/7050/keisha-cole |title=Keisha Cole |website=Sheknows.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928074717/http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/7050/keisha-cole |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref>

=== ''Feel My Power'' (1986) ===
{{Main|Feel My Power}}

In the mid-1980s, while rapping in small venues and after a record deal went sour, Hammer borrowed US$20,000 each from former [[Oakland A's]] players [[Mike Davis (baseball)|Mike Davis]] and [[Dwayne Murphy]] to start an [[independent record label]] business.<ref name="Ebony"/> As the CEO of Bust It Productions, Hammer kept the company going by selling records from his basement and car. Bust It Records spawned Bustin' Records, and collectively the companies had more than 100 employees.<ref name="Ebony"/> Recording singles and selling them out of the trunk of his car, he marketed himself relentlessly. Coupled with his dance abilities, Hammer's style was unique at the time.

Now billing himself as "MC Hammer", he recorded songs for his debut album ''[[Feel My Power]]'' in 1986. It was originally released on Hammer's independent label, Bustin' Records (via Oaktown Records), and produced by [[Felton Pilate]] of [[Con Funk Shun]]. It sold over 60,000 copies and was distributed by City Hall Records. Hammer released singles from the album, including "Ring 'Em" in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.metason.net/artistinfo?name=MC%20Hammer%20And%20The%20Posse&title=Stupid%20Def%20Yal%20%2F%20Ring%27%20Em |title=MC Hammer And The Posse – Stupid Def Yal – Ring 'Em – Artist Info |website=Music.Metason.Net |access-date=July 7, 2022}}</ref> Largely on the strength of tireless [[street marketing]] by Hammer and his wife, in addition to continuous radio play, it achieved considerable popularity at dance clubs in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. In Spring 1988, Tony Valera (a 107.7 [[KSOL]] [[Radio DJ]]), played the track "Let's Get It Started" in his mix-shows. The track also gained popularity in [[nightclub]]s. Hammer declared he was "second to none from [[Doug E. Fresh]], [[LL Cool J]] or [[DJ Run]]" within the song. He would continue to call out other [[East Coast hip hop|East Coast rappers]] in future projects as well.

Heartened by his rising prospects, Hammer launched into seven-day-a-week rehearsals with the growing troupe of dancers, musicians and backup vocalists he had hired. It was Hammer's stage show and his infectious stage presence that led to his big break in 1988 while performing in an [[Oakland]] club. There, Hammer impressed a record executive who "didn't know who he was, but knew he was somebody", according to the ''New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll''. Though Hammer had previously received and declined offers from major record labels before, he agreed to a multi-album contract with [[Capitol Records]] with a $1,750,000 advance. It did not take long for Capitol to recoup its investment.<ref name="answers1"/>

=== ''Let's Get It Started'' (1988) ===
{{Main|Let's Get It Started (album)}}

Once signed to [[Capitol Records]], Hammer re-issued his first record (a revised version of ''[[Feel My Power]]'') with additional tracks added, which sold over two million copies. "Pump It Up" (also performed during ''[[Showtime at the Apollo]]'' on September 16, 1989),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0612962/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312202245/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0612962/|url-status=dead|title=Episode dated 16 September 1989|archive-date=March 12, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref> "Turn This Mutha Out", "Let's Get It Started" and "They Put Me in the Mix" were the most popular singles from this album (which all charted). Not entirely satisfied with this first [[multi-platinum]] success, Hammer's music underwent a metamorphosis, shifting from the standard rap format. "I decided the next album would be more musical," he said at the time. Purists chastised him for being more dancer than rapper. Sitting in a leopard-print bodysuit before a concert, he defended his style: "People were ready for something different from the traditional rap style. The fact that the record has reached this level indicates the genre is growing."<ref name="Ebony"/>

Hammer was close friends with [[Arsenio Hall]] (as well as a then-unknown teen named [[Vanilla Ice]], [[#DanceJamtheMusic (2008–2009)|despite later rumors]] that there was a "beef" between the two rappers which was addressed during the height of both their careers on Hall's show, and whom he would later reunite with in a 2009 concert in [[Salt Lake City]], Utah),<ref>{{cite web|title=Video of MC Hammer |url=http://vodpod.com/watch/567233-arsenio-hall-turns-54-today-dog-pound-still-woofing |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718041646/http://vodpod.com/watch/567233-arsenio-hall-turns-54-today-dog-pound-still-woofing |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="newsweek">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/188027 |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice Rock Utah |website=Newsweek.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> and as such, Hammer was first invited to perform the song "[[U Can't Touch This]]", prior to its release, on ''[[The Arsenio Hall Show]]'' in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-ZIB4GB8Olss/mc_hammer_u_cant_touch_this_live_arsenio_hall/ |title=MC Hammer – U Can't Touch This (Live @ Arsenio Hall) – Video |website=Metacafe.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001035/http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-ZIB4GB8Olss/mc_hammer_u_cant_touch_this_live_arsenio_hall/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also performed "[[Dancing Machine#Samples and cover versions|Dancing Machine]]" which later appeared in the ''[[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em#Film|Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie]]'' (1990).

Hammer used some of the proceeds from this album to install a rolling [[recording studio]] in the back of his [[tour bus]], where Hammer recorded much of his second album.<ref name="answers1"/> In 1989, Hammer was featured on "You've Got Me Dancing" with [[Glen Goldsmith]], which appeared on Goldsmith's album ''Don't Turn This Groove Around'' via [[RCA Records]]. The track was Hammer's first release in the [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]. He also appeared in Glen Goldsmith's [[music video]] for this song. The single failed to chart. During this period, Hammer formed the rap group [[Oaktown's 3.5.7]], releasing the No. 9 single "[[Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! (Oaktown's 357 song)|Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!]]" from the album ''[[Wild & Loose]]'' (1989).

===''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'' (1990)===
{{Main|Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em}}

Hammer's third album (and second major-label release), ''[[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_pleasehammerdont.html |title=M.C. Hammer: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em :: Capitol Records |website=Rapreviews.com |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> was released on February 12, 1990 (with an original release date of January 1, 1990).<ref>{{cite web|url = http://music.msn.com/album/?album=10027416|title = Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em|publisher = music.msn.com|access-date = January 18, 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606141546/http://music.msn.com/album/?album=10027416|archive-date = June 6, 2012|url-status = dead}}</ref> It included the successful single "[[U Can't Touch This]]" (which [[Sampling (music)#1990s|sampled]] [[Rick James]]' "[[Super Freak]]"). It was produced, recorded, and [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixed]] by [[Felton Pilate]] and James Earley on a [[Customised buses|modified tour bus]] while on tour in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/m.c.%20hammer |title=MC Hammer: Biography from |website=Answers.cwom |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> Despite heavy airplay and a No. 27 chart debut, "U Can't Touch This" stopped at No. 8 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart. However, the album was a No. 1 success for 21 weeks primarily due to this single, the first time ever for a recording on the pop charts. "U Can't Touch This" has been and continues to be used in [[#Television and film career|many films and television shows]] and also appears on [[soundtrack]] and [[compilation album]]s (such as ''[[Man of the House (2005 film)#Soundtrack|Man of the House]]'' and ''[[Back 2 Back Hits]]'').<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102013021/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358479/|url-status=dead|title=M.C. Hammer|archive-date=November 2, 2016|website=IMDb}}</ref>

Follow-up successes included a cover of [[the Chi-Lites]]' "[[Have You Seen Her#MC Hammer version|Have You Seen Her]]" and "[[Pray (MC Hammer song)|Pray]]" (a beat sampled from [[Prince (musician)|Prince's]] "[[When Doves Cry]]" and [[Faith No More]]'s "[[We Care a Lot]]"),<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/albums/album/214027/review/5943181/please_hammer_dont_hurt_em |title=MC Hammer: Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em : Music Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Michael|last=Corcoran|date=May 17, 1990 |access-date=March 31, 2010|archive-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428010112/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/mchammer/albums/album/214027/review/5943181/please_hammer_dont_hurt_em}}ead</ref> which was his biggest hit in the US, peaking at No. 2. "Pray" was also a major UK success, peaking at No. 8. The album went on to become the first hip-hop album to earn [[Music recording certification#Certification thresholds|diamond status]], selling more than 18 million units to date.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name="prnewswire"/><ref name="newyorker"/><ref name="time"/> During 1990, Hammer toured extensively in Europe which included a sold-out concert at the [[National Exhibition Centre]] in [[Birmingham]]. With the sponsorship of [[PepsiCo]] International, [[Pepsi]] CEO [[Christopher A. Sinclair]] went on tour with him during 1991.

The album was notable for sampling other high-profile artists and gave some of these artists a new fan base. "[[Dancing Machine#Samples and cover versions|Dancin' Machine]]" sampled [[The Jackson 5]], "Help the Children" (also the name of an [[outreach]] [[foundation (nonprofit)|foundation]] Hammer started)<ref name="macysinc">{{Cite web|url=http://www.macysinc.com/pressroom/macys/macyseast/media_kits.asp?strAction=ShowItem&itemid=8131|title=Macy's Pressroom|accessdate=March 30, 2025}}</ref> interpolates [[Marvin Gaye]]'s "[[Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)]]", and "She's Soft and Wet" also sampled Prince's "[[Soft and Wet]]". All of the songs were complimented by the background vocals of his singing group, [[Special Generation (band)|Special Generation]]: this combination of sound made this album to be successful on radio and video television, with "U Can't Touch This," "Pray" (most successful), "Have You Seen Her", "Here Comes the Hammer" and "Yo!! Sweetness" ([[UK Singles Chart|UK]] only) all charting. The album increased the popularity of hip hop music. It remains the genre's all-time best-selling album.<ref name="sing365">{{cite web|url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/MC-Hammer-Biography/4E0F2063AA089C6748256E0700170A6C |website=Sing365.com |title=MC Hammer Biography |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715115902/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/MC-Hammer-Biography/4E0F2063AA089C6748256E0700170A6C |archive-date=July 15, 2012 }}</ref>

Music videos from this and previous albums began to receive much airplay on [[MTV]] and [[VH1]]. A movie also accompanied the album, and was produced in 1990, entitled ''[[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em#Film|Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie]]'' (with portions of his [[music video]]s included within the movie).<ref name="imdb0390374">{{IMDb title|0390374|Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie}}</ref> During this same time, Hammer also appeared in The West Coast Rap All-Stars [[posse cut]] "[[We're All in the Same Gang]]". Additionally, Hammer released the tracks "This is What We Do" on the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 film)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|movie soundtrack]] (1990), and "That's What I Said" on the ''[[Rocky V]]'' [[Rocky V: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture|soundtrack]] (1990).

A [[criticism|critical backlash]] began over the repetitive nature of his lyrics, his clean-cut image, and his perceived over-reliance on sampling entire hooks by others for the basis of his singles (criticisms also directed to his contemporary [[Vanilla Ice]]). He was mocked in music videos by [[3rd Bass]] (including a [[rap battle]] with [[MC Serch]]), [[The D.O.C.]], DJ Debranz and [[Ice Cube]]. [[Oakland]] hip-hop group [[Digital Underground]] criticized him in the CD insert of their ''[[Sex Packets]]'' album, by placing Hammer's picture in it and referring to him as an unknown [[homelessness|derelict]]. [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]] criticized him in "[[Check the Rhime]]", saying: "What you say Hammer? Proper. Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop." [[LL Cool J]] [[diss (music)|dissed]] him in "[[To da Break of Dawn]]" (from his ''[[Mama Said Knock You Out]]'' album), calling Hammer an "amateur, swinging a Hammer from a body bag [his pants]" and stated: "my old gym teacher ain't supposed to rap." However, it could have been a response to Hammer calling him out in "Let's Get it Started", when he was mentioned along with [[Run-DMC]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]] as rappers that Hammer claimed to be better than. LL Cool J would later compliment and commend Hammer's abilities/talents on [[VH-1]]'s'' 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop'', which aired in 2008. [[Ice-T]] came to Hammer's defense on his 1991 album ''[[O.G. Original Gangster]]'': "A special shout out to my man MC Hammer. A lot of people diss you man, but they just jealous." Ice-T later explained that he had nothing against people who were [[pop rap]] from the start, but rather [[Master of ceremonies|emcees]] who switch from being hardcore or "dirty" to pop rap, in order to sell more records. Despite the criticisms, Hammer's career continued to be highly successful, including tours in Asia, Europe, Australia, and Russia. Soon after, M.C. Hammer [[Mattel]] dolls, lunchboxes and other merchandise were marketed. He was also given his own [[Saturday-morning cartoon]], called ''[[Hammerman]]'', which he hosted and voiced.<ref name="AWL">{{cite web|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818065927/http://www.sbnation.com/2010/6/25/1537472/mc-hammer-cincinnati-reds-game-1990-world-series-celebration|date=June 25, 2010|title=MC Hammer To Perform At Reds Game|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/6/25/1537472/mc-hammer-cincinnati-reds-game-1990-world-series-celebration|url-status=live}} SB-Nation</ref>

=== ''Too Legit to Quit'' (1991) ===
{{Main|Too Legit to Quit}}

After publicly dropping the "MC" from his stage name, Hammer released ''[[Too Legit to Quit]]'' (also produced by [[Felton Pilate]]) in 1991. Hammer answered his critics within certain songs from the album. Sales were strong (over five million copies),<ref name="findarticles1">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852/ |title=Hammer's hilltop mansion {{pipe}} Ebony {{pipe}} Find Articles at BNET |website=Findarticles.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |year=1994}}</ref> with the [[2 Legit 2 Quit|title track]] being the biggest [[hit single]] from this record. The album peaked in the Top 5 of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. Another hit came soon after, with "[[Addams Groove]]" (which appeared on both ''[[The Addams Family (1991 film)|The Addams Family]]'' [[The Addams Family (1991 soundtrack)|motion picture soundtrack]] and the vinyl and cassette versions of ''2 Legit 2 Quit''), reaching No. 7 in the US and No. 4 in the [[UK]]. His video for the song appeared after the movie.

Hammer set out on a high-profile tour promoting the album which included a stage show ⁠loaded with singers, dancers and backup musicians. In 1992, [[Boyz II Men]] joined the tour as an opening act.<ref>{{cite web |last=McIver |first=Denise L. |date=1992-07-15 |title=Hammer; Boyz II Men; Jodeci; Tlc |url=https://variety.com/1992/legit/reviews/hammer-boyz-ii-men-jodeci-tlc-1200430318/ |accessdate=2022-05-08 |publisher=Variety}}</ref> While traveling the country, their tour manager Khalil Roundtree was murdered in [[Chicago]], and the group's future performances of "[[It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday]]" were dedicated to him. As a result of this unfortunate experience, the song would help advance their success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/behind_the_music/episode.jhtml?episodeID=60634 |title=Ep. 180 {{pipe}} Boyz II Men {{pipe}} Behind The Music {{pipe}} Episode Summary, Highlights, and Recaps |website=VH1.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308172930/http://www.vh1.com/shows/behind_the_music/episode.jhtml?episodeID=60634 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ultimately, however, the lavish show proved too expensive to support through album sales and it was cancelled partway through its scheduled run.<ref name="zvents">{{cite web |url=http://www.zvents.com/performers/show/7070-mc-hammer# |title=MC Hammer – Upcoming Shows & Performances |website=Zvents.com |date=March 17, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324072906/http://www.zvents.com/performers/show/7070-mc-hammer |archive-date=March 24, 2010 }}</ref>

Music videos were produced for all four singles released from this album (including "[[Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour|Do Not Pass Me By]]" and "[[This Is The Way We Roll]]"), all which charted. The [[2 Legit 2 Quit#Music video|"2 Legit 2 Quit" video]] featured many celebrity appearances and has been ranked as one of the [[List of most expensive music videos|most expensive videos]] ever made.<ref name="newsweek1">{{cite web|url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/123932/output/print|title = Superstars And Super Hype To The Rescue|publisher = Newsweek|date = December 9, 1991|first = John|last = Leland|author-link = John Leland (journalist)|access-date = May 10, 2009|archive-date = May 28, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090528234729/http://www.newsweek.com/id/123932/output/print|url-status = dead}}</ref> The hand motions used within the song and video also became very popular.<ref name=spudart>{{cite web|url=http://www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3625_0_3_0_C/ |title=The "Two Legit to Quit" Challenge |website=Spudart.org |date=February 22, 1999 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> "2 Legit to Quit" proved to be successful in the US, peaking in the Top 10 at No. 5 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Despite the album's [[Music recording certification#Certification thresholds|multi-platinum certification]], the sales were one-third of ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em''.

At the end of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video, after [[James Brown]] enlists Hammer to get the famous glove of [[Michael Jackson]], a silver-white sequined glove is shown on the hand of a Michael Jackson look-alike doing the "2 Legit 2 Quit" hand gesture.<ref name=spudart/> In a related story, Hammer appeared on ''[[The Wendy Williams Show]]'' (July 27, 2009) and talked about his hit reality show ''[[Hammertime]]'' on [[A&E Network|A&E]], his marriage, his role as a dad and the reasons he eventually went bankrupt. He told an amusing story about a phone call he received from "MJ", regarding the portion of the "2 Legit 2 Quit" video that included a fake Jackson, giving his approval and inclusion of it. He explained how Michael had seen the video and liked it, and both expressed they were fans of one another.<ref name="wendyshow">{{cite web |url=http://www.wendyshow.com/video/ |title=Video {{pipe}} The Wendy Williams Show |website=Wendyshow.com |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323202525/http://www.wendyshow.com/video/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hammer and Jackson would later appear, speak and/or perform at the funeral service for [[James Brown]] in 2006.<ref name="MTV-brown_james">{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101184441/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1549061/20061230/brown_james.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 1, 2007 |title=James Brown Saluted By Michael Jackson At Public Funeral Service – MTV News |website=Mtv.com |date=December 30, 2006 |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> In 1991, Hammer was featured on the single "The Blood" from the [[BeBe & CeCe Winans]] album, ''[[BeBe & CeCe Winans#Different Lifestyles|Different Lifestyles]]''. In 1992, the song [[BeBe & CeCe Winans#Singles|peaked at No. 8]] on the [[Hot Christian Adult Contemporary#Christian|Christian charts]].

=== New venture with Oaktown/Giant Records (1992–1993) ===
In 1992, after a four-year hiatus, [[Doug E. Fresh]] signed with Hammer's label, Bust It Records and issued one album, ''[[Doin' What I Gotta Do]]'', which (despite some minor acclaim for his single "Bustin' Out (On Funk)" which sampled the [[Rick James]] 1979 single "Bustin' Out") was a commercial failure. Prior to Hammer's next album, ''[[The Funky Headhunter]]'', [[rumor]]s from critics and fans began claiming Hammer had quit the music/entertainment business or had suffered a financial downfall (since a couple of years were passing between his two records), which Hammer denied. Hammer claimed [[fallacy|rumors falsely]] [[#Bankruptcy, lawsuits, and media reaction|heralded his downfall]] were most likely a result of the fact he turned over his "trimmed-down" Bust It Records to his brother and manager Louis Burrell Jr., and his [[horse racing]] interests to his brother Chris and their father, Louis Burrell Sr.<ref name="latimes1991"/>

During his hiatus between albums, Hammer consequently signed a multi-million-dollar deal with a new record company. He said there were a lot of bidders, but "not too many of them could afford Hammer". Therefore, Hammer parted ways with [[Felton Pilate]] (who had previously worked with the successful vocal group [[Con Funk Shun]]) and switched record labels to [[Giant Records (Warner Bros. subsidiary label)|Giant Records]], taking his Oaktown label with him. Hammer was [[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em#Lawsuits|eventually sued by Pilate]]. Hammer also launched a new enterprise, called [[MC Hammer discography#Roll Wit It Entertainment|Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management]], with clients such as [[Evander Holyfield]], [[Deion Sanders]] and [[Reggie Brooks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Evander_Holyfield.aspx |title=Evander Holyfield |website=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=December 25, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Roll+Wit+It+Entertainment |title=Roll Wit It Entertainment |website=Discogs.com |access-date=December 25, 2012}}</ref> In 1993, his production company released the hit rap song "[[Gangsta Lean (song)|Gangsta Lean]]" by [[DRS (band)|DRS]] (from their debut album ''[[Gangsta Lean]]'').

By this time, Hammer also parted ways with his only female executive music business administration consultant and songwriter, Linda Lou McCall (who previously worked with [[the Delfonics]] and her husband [[Louis A. McCall, Sr.]]'s band [[Con Funk Shun]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/linda-lou-mccall-mn0001234047/credits |title=Linda Lou McCall {{pipe}} Credits |publisher=AllMusic |date= |accessdate=2022-05-08}}</ref> A music industry vet, McCall was hired by Hammer's brother and manager Louis K. Burrell, in 1990. She helped set up his corporate operations and administration, at Bust It Management & Productions Inc. in [[Oakland, California]]. McCall later became Vice President of Hammer's talent management company, overseeing artists like [[Heavy D]], [[B Angie B]] and [[Ralph Tresvant]]. While at Bust It, she and her husband brought their artist [[Keith Martin (musician)|Keith Martin]] to Felton's attention, who hired him as a backup musician and vocalist for Hammer's ''[[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em]]'' and ''[[Too Legit to Quit]]'' world tours.

With a new home and daughter, a new record soon to be released and his new business, Hammer claimed that he was happy and far from being broke during a tour of his mansion for ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]''. "Today there is a more aggressive Hammer, because the '90s require you to be more aggressive," Hammer said of his music style. "There is a harder edge, but I'm no ''gangsta''. Hammer in the '90s is on the offense, on the move, on the attack. And it's all good."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n6_v49/ai_14969852/pg_2/?tag=content;col1 |title=Hammer's hilltop mansion – page 2 {{pipe}} Ebony |website=Findarticles.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |year=1994}}</ref>

=== ''The Funky Headhunter'' and ''Prime Time'' (1994) ===
{{Main|The Funky Headhunter}}

In 1993, Hammer began recording his fifth official album. To adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop, this album was a more aggressive sounding album entitled ''[[The Funky Headhunter]].'' He co-produced this record with funky rapper and producer, Stefan Adamek. While Hammer's appearance changed to keep up with the gangsta rap audience, his lyrics still remained honest and somewhat clean with minor profanity. Yet, as with previous records, Hammer would continue to call out and [[disrespect]] other rappers on this album. As with some earlier songs such as "Crime Story" (from the album ''Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em''), the content and reality about "street life" remained somewhat the same, but the sound was different, resulting in Hammer losing favor with fans.<ref>{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Sandow |url=https://ew.com/article/1990/02/16/please-hammer-dont-hurt-em/ |title=Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 16, 1990 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217092458/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,316708,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This album peaked at number two on the [[R&B charts]] and remained in the Top 30 midway through the year.<ref name="answers2"/> The album was eventually certified [[Music recording sales certification|platinum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Hammer&ti=The+Funky+Headhunter#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum: RIAA|access-date=August 29, 2020|publisher=RIAA}}</ref>

Hammer debuted the video for "[[Pumps and a Bump]]" during another appearance on ''[[The Arsenio Hall Show]]'' during the mid-1990s. Host [[Arsenio Hall]] said to Hammer, "Women in the audience want to know, what's in your speedos in the 'Pumps and a Bump' video?" A clip from the video was then shown, to much approval from the audience. Hammer didn't give a direct answer, but instead laughed. Arsenio then said, "I guess that's why they call you 'Hammer.' It ain't got nothin' to do with [[Hank Aaron]]."<ref name="answers2">{{cite web|author=Hammer |url=http://www.answers.com/topic/the-funky-headhunter |title=The Funky Headhunter: Information from |website=Answers.com |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref>

The video to the album's first single, "Pumps and a Bump", was banned from heavy rotation on [[MTV]] with censors claiming that the depiction of Hammer in [[Speedos]] (and with what appeared to be an erection) was too graphic.<ref>{{cite book|last=Morgan|first=Damien|title=Hip Hop Had a Dream: Vol. 1 the Artful Movement|year=2008|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=978-1-4389-0204-3|page=141|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7i2WXKXECJwC&q=mc+hammer+Pumps+and+a+Bump+mtv&pg=PA141}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-06-29/summer-guide/bang-thy-head-carefully/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313031607/http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-06-29/summer-guide/bang-thy-head-carefully/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2007|newspaper=[[SF Weekly]]|title=Bang Thy Head Carefully}}</ref> This led to an alternative video being filmed (with Hammer fully clothed) that was directed by [[Bay Area]] native Craig S. Brooks. "[[The Funky Headhunter#Release and reception|It's All Good]]" was the second single released from the album.

On December 20, 1994, [[Deion Sanders]] released ''[[Prime Time (Deion Sanders album)|Prime Time]]'', a rap album on Hammer's Bust It Records label which featured the minor hit "Must Be the Money". "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'" was also released as a single. Sanders, a friend of Hammer's, had previously appeared in his "[[Too Legit to Quit (song)#Music video|Too Legit to Quit]]" music video, and his [[Deion Sanders#"Prime Time" personality|alter-ego "Prime Time"]] is also used in Hammer's "[[Pumps and a Bump]]" video. The song "Help Lord (Won't You Come)" appeared in ''[[Kingdom Come (2001 film)|Kingdom Come]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246002/soundtrack|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104183600/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246002/soundtrack|url-status=dead|title=Kingdom Come (2001) |archive-date=January 4, 2016|website=IMDb|access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref>

=== ''Inside Out'', Death Row Records and ''Too Tight'' (1995–1996) ===
{{Main|Inside Out (MC Hammer album)}}

In 1995, Hammer released the album ''[[Inside Out (MC Hammer album)|Inside Out]]''. The album sold poorly compared to previous records (peaking at 119 on the Billboard Charts) and [[Giant Records (Warner Bros. subsidiary label)|Giant Records]] dropped him and Oaktown Records from their roster. Songs "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" managed to get moderate radio play (even charting on national radio station countdowns). Along with a fickle public, Hammer would go on to explain in this album that he felt many of his so-called friends (who he had helped) had used and betrayed him. Their abuse reportedly contributed to a majority of his financial loss (best explained in the song "Keep On" and the [[Liner notes#Biographies|bio]] from this album).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000025ZX0 |title=Inside Out: Hammer: Music |website=Amazon |access-date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> He would also hint about this again in interviews, including ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/03/its_hammer_time.php |title=It's Hammer Time |website=Warnerbros.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429060017/http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/03/its_hammer_time.php |archive-date=April 29, 2009 }}</ref> 

In 1995, Hammer released "Straight to My Feet" (with [[Deion Sanders]]) from the ''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]'' [[Street Fighter (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] (released in December 1994). The song charted at No. 57 in the UK. Hammer's relationship with [[Suge Knight]] dates back to 1988. Hammer signed with [[Death Row Records]] by 1995, at the time home to [[Snoop Dogg]] and his close friend, [[Tupac Shakur]].<ref name="daveyd1">{{cite web|url= http://www.daveyd.com/hammer.html|title= MC Hammer Interview – part 1|access-date=March 20, 2009|date=June 1997|publisher = daveyd.com}}</ref> The label did not release the album of Hammer's music (titled ''Too Tight'') while he had a career with them, although he did release versions of some tracks on his next album.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429907/19990805/mc_hammer.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041024231055/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429907/19990805/mc_hammer.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = October 24, 2004|title = MC Hammer|publisher = MTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429908/19990421/mc_hammer.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010822002914/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429908/19990421/mc_hammer.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = August 22, 2001|title = MC Hammer|publisher = MTV}}</ref> However, Burrell did record tracks with Shakur and others, most notably the song "[[MC Hammer discography#Singles|Too Late Playa]]" (along with [[Big Daddy Kane]] and [[Danny Boy (singer)|Danny Boy]]).<ref>{{cite web |last=Burgess |first=Omar |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1320/title.death-row-records-the-pardon |title=Death Row Records: The Pardon {{pipe}} Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop |publisher=HipHop DX |date=March 18, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526170048/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1320/title.death-row-records-the-pardon |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the death of Shakur in 1996, Burrell left the record company.<ref name="daveyd2">{{cite web|url= http://www.daveyd.com/hammerpt2.html|title= MC Hammer Interview – part 2|access-date=March 20, 2009|date=June 1997|publisher = daveyd.com}}</ref> He later explained his concern about this circumstance in an interview on [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] since he was in [[Las Vegas]] with Tupac the night of his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/03/what_had_happened_was_mc_hammer/ |title=What had happened was MC Hammer |website=Vibe.com |date=March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106032958/http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/03/what_had_happened_was_mc_hammer |archive-date=January 6, 2010 }}</ref>

=== Return to EMI and ''Family Affair'' (1996–1998) ===
In October 1996, Burrell and Oaktown signed with [[EMI]], which saw the release of a [[compilation album]] of Hammer's [[hit single]]s prior to ''The Funky Headhunter''. The album, titled ''[[Greatest Hits (MC Hammer album)|Greatest Hits]]'', featured twelve former hits.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Greatest_Hits_M_C_Hammer|title= Greatest Hits by M.C. Hammer Specs|publisher = DealTime}}</ref> In 1998, another "greatest hits" album, called ''[[Back 2 Back Hits]]'', was produced and released by [[CEMA (record label distributor)|CEMA]]. Another compilation version of ''Back 2 Back'' was later released by [[Capitol Records]] in 2006. As Hammer's empire began to collapse when his last album failed to match the sales of its predecessors, and since he unsuccessfully attempted to recast himself in the "[[hardcore hip hop|streetwise/hardcore rap]]" mold of the day, Hammer turned to a [[gospel music|gospel]]-friendly audience.<ref name="answers1"/>

In 1998, Hammer released his first album in his new deal with EMI, titled ''Family Affair'', because it was to introduce the world to the artists he had signed to his Oaktown Records (Geeman, Teabag, and Common Unity) as they made their recording debut. Technically his seventh album since his debut [[extended play|EP]], this record was highly promoted on [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] (performing a more gospel version of "Keep On" from his album ''[[Inside Out (MC Hammer album)|Inside Out V]]''), yet featured no [[Hit single|charting singles]] and selling about 1,000 copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120711053520/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 11, 2012|title = MC Hammer Albums: Family Affair|publisher = yahoo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.pandora.com/music/artist/mc+hammer|title = MC Hammer|publisher = pandora.com}}</ref> The album also features a song written for Hammer by [[Tupac]] called "[[Unconditional Love (Tupac Shakur song)|Unconditional Love]]".<ref name="billboard">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mc-hammer/chart-history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215231216/https://www.billboard.com/music/mc-hammer/chart-history |url-status=live |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |title=Discography |publisher=Billboard }}</ref> Hammer would later dance and read the lyrics to this song on the first ''[[VH1 Hip Hop Honors]]'' in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/hammertime |title=MC Hammer To Perform Hip Hop Honors |website=DallasBlack.com |date=September 22, 2004 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708222347/http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/hammertime |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/vh1-hip-hop-honors/hip-hop-honors--2004/episode/979577/summary.html |title=VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Season 1, Episode 1: Hip Hop Honors : 2004 – TV.... |website=www.tv.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915102615/http://www.tv.com/vh1-hip-hop-honors/hip-hop-honors--2004/episode/979577/summary.html |archive-date=15 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

A [[double album]] mostly about [[faith]] and [[family values]], additional tracks from ''Family Affair'' are: "Put It Down", "Put Some Stop in Your Game", "Big Man", "Set Me Free", "Our God", "Responsible Father Shout", "He Brought Me Out", (Geeman Intro), "Eye's Like Mine", "Never Without You", "Praise Dance Theme Song", "Shame of the Name", (Smoothout Intro), (Teabag Intro), "Silly Heart", "I Wish U Were Free", (Common Unity Intro), "Someone to Hold to You", "Pray" (1998), "Let's Get It Started" (1998), and with "Hammer Music/Shouts/Tour Info" announcements between songs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598 |title=Family Affair {{pipe}} MC Hammer Album {{pipe}} Yahoo! Music |website=Music.yahoo.com |access-date=December 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210215150/http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/family-affair--188884598 |archive-date=February 10, 2013 }}</ref> The [[compact disc]]s are also "[[Personal computer|PC]] Ready" with [[Interactive media|interactive features]]. After this album, new projects were rumored to be in the works, including an album (''War Chest: Turn of the Century'') and a [[soundtrack]] to the film ''Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man'', but neither appeared.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=mc hammer|bio=true}} |title=Information Not Found |publisher=Billboard |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvmusic.com/mc_hammer/ |title=Hammer Music Videos – Watch Hammer Videos at |website=Mtvmusic.com |date=March 30, 1962 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012213221/http://www.mtvmusic.com/mc_hammer |archive-date=October 12, 2009 }}</ref>

=== ''The Hits'' and ''Active Duty'' (2000–2001) ===
{{Main|Active Duty (album)}}

In 2000, another compilation album was released, titled ''[[The Hits (MC Hammer album)|The Hits]]''. Following the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Hammer released his album, ''[[Active Duty (album)|Active Duty]]'', on his own World Hit Music Group label (the musical enterprise under his Hammertime Holdings Inc. umbrella) to pay homage to the ones lost in the [[terrorist attacks]].<ref name="cnn112201">{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/11/22/hammer/ |title=MC Hammer releases message to America |date=November 22, 2001 |access-date=May 12, 2009 |work=CNN|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602202929/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/11/22/hammer/ |archive-date=June 2, 2009 }}</ref> The album followed that theme, and featured two singles (with accompanying videos), "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" and "[[Pop Ya Collar|Pop Yo Collar]]" (featuring Wee Wee) which demonstrates "The Phat Daddy Pop", "In Pop Nito", "River Pop", "Deliver The Pop" and "Pop'n It Up" dance moves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://issykitty.videosift.com/video/MC-Hammer-and-Wee-Wee-Pop-Your-Collar |title=MC Hammer and Wee Wee – Pop Your Collar • VideoSift: Online Video *Quality Control |website=Issykitty.videosift.com |access-date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> The album, like its predecessor, failed to chart and would not sell as many copies as previous projects. Hammer did however promote it on such shows as ''[[The View (talk show)|The View]]'' and produced a video for both singles.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://music.aol.com/album/active-duty/509884| title = Active Duty – MC Hammer| publisher = music.aol.com| access-date = May 11, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090218015739/http://music.aol.com/album/active-duty/509884| archive-date = February 18, 2009| url-status = dead| df = mdy-all}}</ref>

This patriotic album, originally planned to be titled ''The Autobiography Of MC Hammer'', donated portions of the proceeds to [[Financial assistance following the September 11 attacks|9/11 charities]].<ref name="VH1 interview"/><ref name="cnn112201"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-to-attempt-a-comeback--12033747 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710213537/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/artist-namemc-hammer-id1052045-to-attempt-a-comeback--12033747 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News – Yahoo! Music |website=New.music.yahoo.com |date=August 1, 2001 |access-date=March 31, 2010 }}</ref> Hammer shot a video for the anthem "No Stoppin' Us (USA)" in [[Washington, D.C.]], with several members of the [[United States Congress]], who sang in the song and danced in the video. Present members of the [[United States House of Representatives]] included [[J. C. Watts]], [[Eddie Bernice Johnson]], [[Thomas M. Davis]], [[Earl Hilliard]], [[Alcee Hastings]], Rep. [[Diane Watson]] (D-Calif.), Rep. [[Corrine Brown]] (D-Fla.) and [[Jesse Jackson Jr.]]

=== ''Full Blast'' (2004) ===
{{Main|Full Blast (album)}}

After leaving Capitol Records and EMI for the second time in his career, Hammer decided to move his Oaktown imprint to an independent distributor and released his ninth studio album, ''Full Blast'' (which was completed in late 2003 and released as a complete album in early 2004). The album would feature no charting singles and was not certified by the [[RIAA]]. A video was produced for "Full Blast", a song that attacks [[Eminem]] and [[Busta Rhymes]] for previous disrespect towards him. Some of the original songs didn't end up making the final album release. Guest artists included The Stooge Playaz, Pleasure, Rain, JD Greer and DasIt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-258656-00.html |title=Rap News Network – Hip-Hop News: MC Hammer is Back 'Full Blast' |website=Rapnews.net |date=January 29, 2004 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927172158/http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-258656-00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ''Look Look Look'' and ''Platinum MC Hammer'' (2006–2008) ===
{{Main|Look Look Look}}

After going [[Independent record label|independent]], Hammer decided to create a [[Digital distribution|digital label]] to release his tenth studio album, ''Look Look Look.'' The album was released in February 2006 and featured production from [[Scott Storch]]. The album featured the title-track single (''[[Look Look Look]]'') and a [[music video]]. It would sell much better than his previous release (300,000 copies worldwide).

"YAY" was produced by [[Lil Jon]]. "What Happened to Our Hood?" (featuring Sam Logan) was originally from ''[[Active Duty (album)|Active Duty]]''. "I Got It From The Town" was used in the [[The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift|movie]] but is only present in one scene instead of the originally planned two on ''[[The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift#Music|The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (soundtrack)]]''.

Between 2006 and 2007, Hammer released a military-inspired rap song with a political message to President [[George W. Bush]] about sending American troops back home from war, called "Bring Our Brothers Home".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mchammer.blogspot.com/2007/06/bring-our-brothers-home-hannitys.html |title=MC Hammer Blog: Bring Our Brothers Home: Hannity's America |website=Mchammer.blogspot.com |date=June 11, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref> The video was filmed at the [[Santa Monica Pier]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/videos/hammer/151333/bring-our-brothers-home.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090223154908/http://www.mtv.com/videos/hammer/151333/bring-our-brothers-home.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 23, 2009|title = MC Hammer: Bring Our Brothers Home| format = video| publisher = mtv.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.vh1classic.com/view/artist/1173681/151333/M_C_Hammer/Bring_Our_Brothers_Home/index.jhtml|title = MC Hammer: Bring Our Brothers Home|format = video|publisher = vh1classic.com|access-date = May 11, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090702000933/http://www.vh1classic.com/view/artist/1173681/151333/M_C_Hammer/Bring_Our_Brothers_Home/index.jhtml|archive-date = July 2, 2009|url-status = dead|df = mdy-all}}</ref>

In 2008, ''[[MC Hammer discography#Compilation albums|Platinum MC Hammer]]'' was released by [[EMI Records]]. The compilation consists of 12 tracks from Hammer's previous albums, with a similar playlist as former "greatest hits" records (with the exception of including a remix of "[[MC Hammer discography#Singles|Hammer Hammer, They Put Me In A Mix]]" which includes rap lyrics that "[[Let's Get It Started (album)|They Put Me In A Mix]]" originally did not). An import was released by [[Capitol Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/albums/platinum--184690724 |title=Platinum {{pipe}} MC Hammer Album {{pipe}} Yahoo! Music |website=Music.yahoo.com |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Dig-Mc-Hammer/dp/B000XH2TJU |title=Platinum (Dig): Music |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref>

=== ''DanceJamtheMusic'' (2008–2009) ===
Since his 2006 album, Hammer continued to produce music and released several other raps that appeared on his [[Social networking service|social websites]] (such as [[Myspace]] and Dancejam.com) or in commercials,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://adage.com/songsforsoap/post?article_id=130377|title = The Hammer Comes A-Knockin'| publisher = adage.com}}</ref> with another album announced to be launched in late 2008 (via his own record label Fullblast Playhouse). Talks of the tour and a new album were expected in 2009.<ref name="soundcloud"/><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.singersroom.com/news/2136/Too-Legit-To-Quit-MC-Hammer-Goes-Another-Round-With-New-Album|title = Too Legit To Quit? MC Hammer Goes Another Round With New Album|date = August 16, 2008| publisher = singersroom.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/02/14/mc-hammer-i-go-produced-by-lil-jon/|title = MC Hammer – I Go (produced by Lil Jon)|publisher = hiphoprx.com|date = February 14, 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090420232859/http://hiphoprx.com/2009/02/14/mc-hammer-i-go-produced-by-lil-jon|archive-date = April 20, 2009|df = mdy-all}}</ref>

"[[MC Hammer discography#Singles|Getting Back to Hetton]]" was made public in 2008 as a [[Music download|digital single]]. It was a departure for Hammer, bringing in funky deep [[Soul music|soul]] and mixing it with a more [[House music|house style]]. Released through licence on Whippet Digital Recordings, media reviews were said to be "disappointing". However, the song "I Got Gigs" from this album was used in a 2009 ESPN commercial and performed during ''[[Hammertime]]'' (as well as played while he danced just prior to introducing [[Soulja Boy#2007–08: Souljaboytellem.com and iSouljaBoyTellem|Soulja Boy]] during [[YouTube Live]] on November 22, 2008).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i999ebd327d1b0f727cffb348e4b5229d |title=MC Hammer Puts New Single in ESPN Commercial |website=Billboard.biz |date=August 15, 2008 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=January 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113213413/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i999ebd327d1b0f727cffb348e4b5229d |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Other tracks and videos from the album included: "I Go" (produced by [[Lil Jon]]), "Keep It In Vegas", "Lookin' Out The Window", "Dem Jeans" (by DASIT), "Stooge Karma Sutra" (by The Stooge Playaz) and "Tried to Luv U" (by DASIT featuring Pleasure Ellis).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/mchammer/sets/dancejamthemusic |title=DanceJamtheMusic by MCHAMMER |publisher=SoundCloud |date=October 29, 2008 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219165509/http://soundcloud.com/mchammer/sets/dancejamthemusic |archive-date=February 19, 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer.jpg|thumb|MC Hammer performing with [[Vanilla Ice]] in 2009]]

In February 2009, MC Hammer and [[Vanilla Ice]] had a one-off concert at the [[McKay Events Center]] in [[Orem, Utah]].<ref name="newsweek"/> This concert aided in the promotion of Hammer's new music and television show. During the concert (as shown during an episode of ''Hammertime''), it was mentioned between the two rappers that this was their first headline show together in nearly 20 years, since the time when they were touring together at the peak of their hip-hop careers. Hammer said: "Contrary to popular belief, Ice and I are not only cool with each other, we are like long lost friends. I've known him since he was 16, before he had a record contract and before I had a record contract. It is a great reunion." Vanilla Ice said: "It's like no time has passed at all. We set the world on fire back in the day ... I'm so happy right now, the magic is here."<ref>{{cite web |first=James |last=Furbush |url=http://slyoyster.com/music/2009/mc-hammer-and-vanilla-ice-perform-in-utah-last-week-wait-what/ |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice perform in Utah last week. Wait, what? |website=Slyoyster.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312102500/http://slyoyster.com/music/2009/mc-hammer-and-vanilla-ice-perform-in-utah-last-week-wait-what/ |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Joshua|last=Alston |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2009/03/05/a-show-2-lame-2-miss.html |title=MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice Rock Utah |website=Newsweek |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref>

=== Most recent releases (2010–present) ===

==== "Better Run Run" (2010) ====
MC Hammer promised to release a [[diss track|track]] (expected on October 31, 2010) responding to a song by [[Kanye West]] featuring [[Jay-Z]] which attacked him. On the "[[So Appalled]]" track, which features [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[RZA]], Jay-Z raps a verse targeting Hammer about his [[#Bankruptcy, lawsuits, and media reaction|financial dilemma in the 1990s]]. On it, Jay says: 'Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused / I lost 30 mil' so I spent another 30 / 'Cause unlike Hammer 30 million can't hurt me'. Hammer addressed his displeasure about the diss on [[Twitter]], claiming he would react to Jay-Z on [[Halloween]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-promises-jay-z-diss-track-for-hovs-lines-on-so-appalled-track/ |title=MC Hammer Promises Jay-Z Diss Track For Hov's Lines On 'So Appalled' Track |website=BallerStatus.com |date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |archive-date=October 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002001102/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/09/29/mc-hammer-promises-jay-z-diss-track-for-hovs-lines-on-so-appalled-track/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theurbantwist.com/topics/news/2010/09/30/mc-hammers-comeback-may-have-jay-z-in-his-sights/ |title=MC Hammer's Comeback: May have Jay-Z in his sights!! |website=TheUrbanTwist.com |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Steele |url=http://kluc.radio.com/2010/09/27/mc-hammer-vs-jay-z/ |title=MC Hammer VS. Jay-Z |publisher=KLUC |date=September 27, 2010 |access-date=October 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715144813/http://kluc.radio.com/2010/09/27/mc-hammer-vs-jay-z/ |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

Hammer released a sample of his "beef" with Jay-Z in a brief teaser trailer called "Better Run Run" by 'King Hammer'. At one point, it was uncertain if his reaction would be a film video, a [[music video]] or a combination of both.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/10/26/22455137.aspx |title=Rumors : Hip-Hop Rumors: MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss Trailer |website=Allhiphop.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204160732/http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/10/26/22455137.aspx |archive-date=February 4, 2011 }}</ref> Regardless, he claimed he would show evidence that 'Jigga worships the devil'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mediatakeout.com/43805/rapper_mc_hammer_claims_that_he_has_proof_that_jay_z_is_a_devil_worshipper_details.html |title=Rapper MC Hammer Claims That He HAS PROOF That Jay Z Is A DEVIL WORSHIPPER!!! (Details) |website=Mediatakeout.com |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710164744/http://mediatakeout.com/43805/rapper_mc_hammer_claims_that_he_has_proof_that_jay_z_is_a_devil_worshipper_details.html |archive-date=July 10, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/mc-hammer-takes-offense-at-jay-z-diss-planning-retaliation-record-video/ |title=MC Hammer Takes Offense At Jay-Z Diss, Planning Retaliation Record [Video] |website=Hiphopwired.com |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128085348/http://hiphopwired.com/2010/09/26/mc-hammer-takes-offense-at-jay-z-diss-planning-retaliation-record-video/ |archive-date=November 28, 2010 }}</ref> It is possible that Jay-Z was offended by an [[analogy]] Hammer was conveying in an earlier interview in response to "[[D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)]]" on [[AllHipHop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/09/25/22407734.aspx |title=Rumors : Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Disses Hammer? Hammer Replies! |website=Allhiphop.com |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204160725/http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/09/25/22407734.aspx |archive-date=February 4, 2011 }}</ref>

On November 1, Hammer's song with video called "Better Run Run!" hit the [[Internet|web]] in retaliation to Jay-Z's September 2010 diss towards him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/952096/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-video |title=MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss Video |publisher=Billboard |date=September 14, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Danielle |last=Canada |url=http://hiphopwired.com/2010/11/01/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-%E2%80%9Cbetter-run-run%E2%80%9D/ |title=MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss "Better Run Run" [Video] |website=Hiphopwired.com |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180621/http://hiphopwired.com/2010/11/01/mc-hammer-releases-jay-z-diss-%E2%80%9Cbetter-run-run%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=July 24, 2011  }}</ref> Hammer accuses Jigga of being in league (and in the studio) with Satan—and then Hammer defeats the devil and forces Jay to be baptized. Speaking on the video, Jacob O'Gara of ''[[Ethos Magazine]]'' wrote: "What's more likely is that this feud is the last chapter in the tragic cautionary tale of MC Hammer, a tale that serves as a warning to all present and future kings of hip-hop. Keep your balance on the pedestal and wear the crown strong or you'll have the [[Devil]] to pay."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ethosmagonline.com/archives/7956 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126191355/http://ethosmagonline.com/archives/7956 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |title=Sympathy for the Hova |publisher=Ethos Magazine |date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}</ref>

In an interview with [[BBC]]'s [[DJ Semtex]], Jay said he did not mean the verses as a personal attack. "I didn't know that [Hammer's financial status] wasn't on the table for discussion!" he said. "I didn't know I was the first person ever to say that..." He continued, "When I say things, I think people believe me so much that they take it a different way — it's, like, not rap anymore at that point. I say some great things about him in the book I have coming out [''Decoded''] — that wasn't a cheap plug," he laughed. "He's gonna be embarrassed, I said some really great things about him and people's perception of him. But it is what it is, he took it that wrong way, and I didn't know I said anything wrong!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/jay-z-responds-to-mc-hammer-slam--62007036 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721182450/http://new.music.yahoo.com/mc-hammer/news/jay-z-responds-to-mc-hammer-slam--62007036 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |title=MC Hammer News |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2011 }}</ref>

==== "See Her Face" (2011) ====
On February 3, 2011, MC Hammer appeared on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' premiering the track "See Her Face" via [[Flipboard]]. It was the first time Flipboard included music in the application.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inside.flipboard.com/2011/02/03/special-feature-mc-hammer-on-flipboard |title=Special Feature – MC Hammer on Flipboard |publisher=Inside Flipboard |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Whatever-Happened-to-MC-Hammer |title=Whatever Happened to MC Hammer? |website=Oprah.com |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Steinberg |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205064623/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/new-mc-hammer-song-debuts-on-flipboard-20110203 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2011 |title=New MC Hammer Song Debuts on Flipboard|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref>

==== "Raider Nation" and "All in My Mind" (2013–2014) ====
Among other songs, Hammer released "Raider Nation ([[Oakland Raiders]] Anthem)" along with a video in late 2013 and "All in My Mind" (which samples "[[Summer Breeze (song)#Isley Brothers version|Summer Breeze]]" by [[The Isley Brothers]]) in early 2014, with his newly formed group Oakland Fight Club (featuring [[Mistah F.A.B.]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/02/mc-hammer-the-oakland-fightclub-all-in-my-mind |title=Mc Hammer & the Oakland Fightclub – "All in My Mind" |date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026034755/http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/02/mc-hammer-the-oakland-fightclub-all-in-my-mind/ |archive-date=October 26, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fieldofteams.csnbayarea.com/2013/11/04/hammer-and-oakland-fight-club-create-a-new-raiders-anthem |title=MC Hammer and Oakland Fight Club create a new Raiders Anthem {{pipe}} Field of Teams |access-date=April 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082735/http://fieldofteams.csnbayarea.com/2013/11/04/hammer-and-oakland-fight-club-create-a-new-raiders-anthem/ |archive-date=October 6, 2016 }}</ref>

==== "Help the Children" (2017) ====
Hammer released an updated version of his [[Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em|1990 charting song]] with a short film video in late 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mchammer/status/902129555594387460|title=Working on The "Help The Children" short film. #HelpTheChildren #Hammertime25 #StaplesCenter #Sept8 @Iam360WISE @djkingassassinpic.twitter.com/nEuYir04Ot|first=MC|last=HAMMER|date=August 28, 2017}}</ref>