from his stage name, Hammer released Too Legit to Quit (also produced by Felton Pilate) in 1991. [117][118] After the death of Shakur in 1996, Burrell left the record company. he said. [171], In addition to his websites and Internet presence,[168] Hammer has also appeared demonstrating much of his dancing abilities on talk shows such as The Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Late Night with Conan O'Brien (performing O'Brien's famous "string dance" together as well), The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The View. [284][285][286], Widely considered the first "mainstream" rapper, Hammer continues to entertain while sharing his legacy with other rappers (as cited on BET.com). 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'. I'm getting you a hat that says 'Ex VP,' that says 'Executive Vice President.' [256], During numerous interviews on radio stations and television channels throughout the years, Hammer was constantly questioned about his bankruptcy. Along with a fickle public, Hammer would go on to explain in this album that he felt many of his so-called friends he had helped staff had used and betrayed him, which contributed to a majority of his financial loss (best explained in the song "Keep On" and the bio from this album). Hammer and Vanilla Ice had a one-off concert at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah. Soon after, M.C. The terms of the settlement remain sealed. A video was produced for "Full Blast", a song that attacks Eminem and Busta Rhymes for previous disrespect towards him. ", "Rumors: Hip-Hop Rumors: MC Hammer Releases Jay-Z Diss Trailer", "Rapper MC Hammer Claims That He HAS PROOF That Jay Z Is A DEVIL WORSHIPPER!!! 57 in the UK. [287][336][337][338], With over 2.6 million Twitter followers in 2010, his contribution to social media and as a co-founder of his own Internet businesses (such as DanceJam.com), Hammer was announced as the recipient of the first Gravity Summit Social Media Marketer of the Year Award. In 2012, Slaughterhouse released a single called "Hammer Dance", along with a video. It was 1990 when MC Hammer, armed with a flamboyant wardrobe and flashy dance moves, released his hit song "U Can't Touch This," helping to pave the way for future artists to prove the rap genre could be mainstream and appeal to the masses. In the spring of 1988, Tony Valera (a 107.7 KSOL Radio DJ), played the track "Let's Get It Started" in his mix-shows. Rapper MC Hammer and singer Kendrick Washington of Special Generation performs at the Fort Wayne Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana in November 1990. [214][215][216], M.C. [167] Well known for bringing choreography to hip-hop, many of his dancing skills can still be seen on dance-focused and social networking sites. 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. known as the Holy Ghost Boy(s). [162], In 1991, M.C. [92] During this same time, Hammer also appeared in The West Coast Rap All-Stars posse cut "We're All in the Same Gang". Purists chastised him for being more dancer than rapper. Middleweight fighter Nate "The Great" Marquardt wore an Alchemist shirt as he walked out to the boxing ring. See generally Complaint, docket entry 1, November 21, 2011. [109][110] This led to an alternative video being filmed (with Hammer fully clothed) that was directed by Bay Area native Craig S. Brooks. "I Got It From The Town" was used in the movie but is only present in one scene instead of the originally planned two on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (soundtrack). Hammer was followed by related musicians such as Will Smith, dc Talk, BB Jay, Diddy (aka "Puffy" or "Puff Daddy"), Young MC, B Angie B, M.C. originally identified himself as M.C. It remains the genre's all-time best-selling album.[91]. [220] He later suffered an injury to his knee that halted his dancing career for a period of time. Best TikTok Dances of 2020 So Far | Time 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. Hammer: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em:: Capitol Records", "MC Hammer: Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em: Music Reviews", "Hammer's hilltop mansion | Ebony | Find Articles at BNET", "Ep. In 2010, Rick Ross released "MC Hammer" from the Teflon Don album which samples Hammer's "2 Legit 2 Quit". Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1963), better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. Ashley Everett and Kimberly Gipson Who are. Hammer", "Wired Covers DanceJam Without Trashing M.C. Free Online Library", "From Bank To Broke: 20 Celebs Who TANKED Their Fortunes", "M.C. His dancing skills are still taught to this day. Hammer and Friends, a Christian ministry program on TBN. 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 and Dwayne Murphy to start an independent record label business. [73][74], At about the age of 12, Oakland native Keyshia Cole recorded with Hammer and sought career advice from him.[75][76][77][78]. TV", "MC Hammer and Psy's 'Gangnam Style' Duet Is 2 Legit [VIDEO] - Yahoo! In its first ever film acquisition, MTV Films eventually acquired Better Luck Tomorrow after it debuted at The Sundance Film Festival. A court date was scheduled; however, all charges were dropped in early March. As a result of the success of his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, Hammer had amassed approximately US$33 million. And it's all good". He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s, until the early 1990s. Oaktown's 3.5.7 was a rap group formed by MC Hammer in 1989, via his Bust It Records label and Capitol Records.Members included Sweet L.D. "What Happened to Our Hood?" Hammer was also a dance judge on Dance Fever in 2003, was the co-creator of the dance website DanceJam.com,[13][14] and was executive producer of his own reality show titled Hammertime (which aired on the A&E Network during the summer of 2009). MC Hammer is an American rapper, entertainer and dancer who has a net worth of $2. Two hours later, he wired the money we needed into a bank account and saved us. Yet, as with previous records, Hammer would continue to call out and disrespect other rappers on this album. [199][200] The director said, "Out of desperation, I called up MC Hammer because he had read the script and liked it. [47], Before Hammer's successful music career and "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back saga",[48] Burrell formed a Christian rap group with singer and musician Jon Gibson (or J.G.) However, a manuscript for an inspirational book called Enemies of the Father: Messages from the Heart on Being a Family Man (addressing the situation of African American men), for which Hammer received advance money to write, was never submitted in 2003. [134][135], In 2008, Platinum MC Hammer was released by EMI Records. Therefore, Hammer eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Oakland, California,[246] on April 1, 1996. Find Mc Hammer Dance stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The award was presented to him at the 3rd Annual Gravity Summit on February 22, 2011 at the UCLA Covel Commons.[339][340]. Hammer. Hammer opened his own music management firm. What is another name for MC Hammer's "hammer dance"? Q Tip criticized him in "Check the Rhyme", saying: "What you say Hammer? Hammer. It ain't got nothin' to do with Hank Aaron."[107]. Stamped by a US Federal Judge", Hammer tweeted from his account @MCHammer. Hammer),[58][59] which was later released on Gibson's album Change of Heart (1988). CREATIVE. 4 in the UK. Notable feuds and beefs Hammer had with other rappers included: LL Cool J,[310][311] Vanilla Ice,[312][313][314] Too Short,[315] Redman,[316][317] 3rd Bass,[318][319][320] Jay-Z,[321][322] Eminem,[323][324] A Tribe Called Quest,[325][326] and Run-DMC. Tracks "That's What I Said" and "Feel My Power" were used for the Rocky V film and soundtrack. Soundtrack: The Addams Family. "[296] According to VH1, "Hammer was on the money. During his hiatus between albums, Hammer consequently signed a multi-million dollar deal with a new record company. You're running the joint around here." At one point, it was uncertain if his reaction would be a film video, a music video or a combination of both. ", "Q&A: What was it like to work with MC Hammer? Carter was the lead dancer and head choreographer for MC Hammer in the 1990s. [6] Hammer, who played second base in high school, dreamed of being a professional baseball player but did not make the final cut at a San Francisco Giants tryout. "[156], On February 3, 2011, M.C. [clarification needed] However, the album was a No. [98][288], Hammer is well known for his fashion style during the late 80s and early 90s. Hammer, told. 9 single "Yeah! "Dancin' Machine" sampled The Jackson 5, "Help the Children" (also the name of an outreach foundation Hammer started)[90] interpolates Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "She's Soft and Wet" also sampled Prince's "Soft and Wet". The song charted No. "It's All Good" was the second single released from the album. (Suhayla Sabir), Lil P (Phyllis Charles) and Terrible T (Tabatha Zee King-Brooks).. Hammer dubbed the group's name as a salute to their hometown of Oakland, and to emphasize the power of the trio as dancers (comparing them to a .357 Magnum). [120], In October 1996, Burrell and Oaktown signed with EMI, which saw the release of a compilation album of Hammer's hit singles prior to The Funky Headhunter. MC Hammer Net Worth $2 Million Drake Rick James R Kelly Wayne Newton What is MC Hammer's net worth? The inside story of MC Hammer's 'U Can't Touch This' music video Hammer Mattel dolls, lunchboxes and other merchandise were marketed. [221], Hammer stayed active in the dance media/genre, both on television shows and as co-founder of DanceJam.com (which showcased dance competitions and instructional videos on all the latest dance styles) until he and his partner Geoffrey Arone sold it to Grind Networks. The "2 Legit 2 Quit" video featured many celebrity appearances. (Details)", "MC Hammer Takes Offense At Jay-Z Diss, Planning Retaliation Record [Video]", "Rumors: Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Disses Hammer? "Can't touch this." MC Hammer, hip-hop's first Large Ham, real name Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962). Hammer, Soundtrack: The Addams Family. [90] Additionally, Hammer was also honored with a Soul Train Music Award (Sammy Davis, Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year) in 1991. Unique Dancer Names The Cougarettes Valerie The Ladybirds Dance-versity Dancing Around The Issue Lil' Hopper Poofball The Pursuit of Tappyness Dancer With Attitude Raindance Hunger Hoppersa Rhythmic Eagles B-Block Roxie Gold The Redefiner Starr Conqueror of The Dancefloor Pink Princess Blitzdawgs Dancing Queens Project Street Dance Wuzupers The track was Hammer's first release in the UK. The song had an infectious hook and memorable beat; the bold and novel way Hammer . She helped set up his corporate operations and administration, at Bust It Management & Productions Inc. in Oakland, California. It's the core of our culture", Burrell told Wired. The song "Help Lord (Won't You Come)" appeared in Kingdom Come.[111]. ", "Redman On Getting Stepped To By MC Hammer In The 90s: "Hammer Don't Play!!" He is known for hit songs such as "U Can't Touch This", "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump", flashy dance movements, extravagant choreography and his eponymous Hammer pants. (Death of Auto-Tune)" on AllHipHop. I'm so happy right now, the magic is here."[144][145]. M.C. The Burrells would frequent thoroughbred horse races, eventually becoming owners and winners of several graded stakes.[38]. [42] This is not the first commercial in more recent years that Hammer has been in, or his songs/raps/dancing was used for and included in such as Lay's, Hallmark Cards, Purell, Lysol, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Citibank, etc. "Hammer Dance" was the lead single from the Welcome to: Our House album. [121] In 1998, another "greatest hits" album, called Back 2 Back Hits, was produced and released by CEMA. An import was released by Capitol Records. [citation needed], Hammer debuted the video for "Pumps and a Bump" during another appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show during the mid-1990s. Do you know what happened to MC Hammer after he went bankrupt? "[43], He acquired the nickname "M.C." [171][172] After receiving $4.5 million in total equity funding, the site closed on January 1, 2011. [184][185], M.C. [157][158][159], 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" by The Isley Brothers) in early 2014, with his newly formed group Oakland Fight Club (featuring Mistah F.A.B.). [7][8][89][9] 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. [39], In 1992, Hammer had admitted in depositions and court documents to getting the idea for the song "Here Comes the Hammer" from a Christian recording artist in Dallas named Kevin Christian. Video by Keyshia Cole - AOL Music", "MC Hammer And The Posse - Stupid Def Yal - Ring 'Em - Artist Info", "MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This (Live @ Arsenio Hall) - Video", "M.C. See more Nickname: Mello Yello 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. He defected from the Soviet Union to Paris in 1961, despite KGB efforts to stop him. Speaking for Evergreen Copyrights, David Schulhof stated the songs "will emerge as a perfect fit for licensing in movies, television shows, and corporate advertising. [203][204] The following year, Hammer appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly June 3, 2009, to promote his show which began June 14, 2009, at 10 PM Eastern Time Zone (EST). M.C. There he discussed his relationship with Vanilla Ice, his stint on The Surreal Life, his show Hammertime, his family, his mansion, about him being in shape, his positive financial status and other "colorful topics" (subliminal jokes) regarding his baggy pants.[299][300][301]. The right dancer nickname or stage name can help a dancer stand out, but sadly, coming up with the right dancing name or nickname is not as easy as it seems; asides from the countless hours spent thinking about names, when you find a good one, there is the disappointment of it being taken by a popular dancer. During the 2013 Oakland Athletics season, the "2 Legit 2 Quit" music video played on the Diamond Vision in between innings, usually during the middle of the 8th inning. He starred in many of the multiplatinum-selling hip-hop artist's videos and went on tour with him, per the East Bay Express. 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. In the 1990s, creativity was at an all-time high when it came to dancing. 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). He has also been a presenter/performer at Soul Train's Music Awards several times, including The 5th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1991), The 9th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (1995) and Soul Train's 25th Anniversary (1995). They helped make him a star. [264] According to a 2017 episode of the Reelz TV series Broke & Famous, the situation was eventually resolved. 185 Mc Hammer Dance Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images [206][222][223], While Hammer may have challenged and competed with Michael Jackson during the height of his career, they were friends, proven by a phone call Hammer had with Jackson about his "Too Legit to Quit" video which he shared on The Wendy Williams Show in July 2009. In the same interview, he promised to unveil the "second leg" of his career. Hammer's estate sells for $5 million in Fremont, California | Jet | Find Articles at BNET", "Hammer Time On House Sale - Music, Celebrity, Artist News", "MC Hammer lets world in on his quiet home life", "A&E bails out MC Hammer, orders 'Hammertime', "MC Hammer urged to marry Whitney Houston | Daily Dish | an SFGate.com blog", "MC Hammer Says He Was Encouraged To Marry Whitney Houston", "This November: It's SAFE California Time", "Mc Hammer $33 Million 1991 News 24 by 7", "M. C. Hammer Sells Mansion, Moves to Tracy / Rap star leaves Fremont hills for rental house SFGate", "Songwriter claims Hammer stole his song: sues him. And so is the floss. Young and accompanying studios. [280], During an interview on TBN (between 1997 and 1998), Hammer claimed he adopted the "M.C." Terrible T From Oaktown's 3.5.7. MC Hammer: U Can't Touch This (Music Video 1990) - IMDb Oh, and the awards? "After asking Hammer who the registered owner was, he became very argumentative and refused to answer the officer's questions," police spokesman Herb Walters typed in an e-mail to CNN. [12], Along with a Mattel doll and other merchandise, Hammer starred in a Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman in 1991. Oakland Athletics team owner Charlie Finley saw the 11-year-old doing splits and hired him as a clubhouse assistant and batboy as a result of his energy and flair. After publicly dropping the "M.C." Music videos from this and previous albums began to receive much airplay on MTV and VH1. Hammer's dance style not only helped pave the way for the San Francisco Bay Area movement called hyphy,[217] but also helped to bring hip-hop and rap to the Bay Area. I say some great things about him in the book I have coming out [Decoded] that wasn't a cheap plug," he laughed. ReferencedBy. Here comes Pipeline! As a result, he has created and produced his own acts/music including: Ho Frat Hoo!,[17] Oaktown's 3.5.7, Special Generation, Analise, DRS, B Angie B,[18] Gentry Kozia[19][20] and Oakland Fight Club. Sales were strong (over five million copies),[94] with the title track being the biggest hit single from this record. [178][179][180], In October 2011, Hammer announced a new internet venture called WireDoo, a "deep search engine" that planned to compete with the major search engines, Google and Bing. Hammer would tour, perform and record with his hype man 2 Bigg MC or Too Big (releasing a song in which he claimed "He's the King of the Hype"). Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, M.C. Hammer opened the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards performing "2 Legit 2 Quit" in Atlanta along with Rick Ross, Diddy and DJ Khaled (all performing together during "MC Hammer" from the Teflon Don album as well) on October 2 (televised October 12). There It Is" is a fun and lighthearted song that has stood the test of time and continues to be played at dance parties, sporting events, and other social gatherings. Select from premium Mc Hammer Dance of the highest quality. LL Cool J 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." Hammer owed $779,585 in back taxes from his earnings dating back to 19961997; during the years, Hammer was believed to be facing his worst financial problems. [Archive] - My Block Community - Hip-Hop & Entertainment Forum", "MC Hammer Lyrics: Break 'Em Off Somethin' Proper", http://www.detnews.com/article/20090514/ENT09/905140390/Grapevine--Hammer--Mojo-go-at-it, "It'll Be Hammer Time In '05 For Nationwide Insurancek", http://www.hollyhoodhdtv.com/video/mc-hammer-tells-chelsea-he, "Chelsea Lately - Starring Chelsea Handler", http://futuresound.tv/en/hip-hop-news/29939-mc-hammer-birthday-10-facts-about-the-rapper-on-his-50th-birthday, "The Ultimate MC Hammer 50th Birthday GIF Wall | VH1 Celebrity", "MC Hammer's Super Bowl Ad For The New Cheetos Popcorn Celebrates 30 Years Of 'Can't Touch This', "MC Hammer Says Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial Was No-Brainer: 'I Guarantee it Will Put a Smile On Your Face', "U Can't Touch This | Feature | Oakland, Berkeley & Bay Area News & Arts Coverage", "LL Cool J Remembers Knocking Out MC Hammer With A Diss & Explains Why (Video)", "LL Cool J Finally Talks About Dissing MC Hammer 30 Years Ago In Infamous Beef", "COVER STORY: WAR OF THE RAP EGOS: M. C. HAMMER: Well, the Hammer'll Be Glad to Clue You In", "VANILLA ICE: RAPPER OR RIP-OFF? [221], From 2009 to 2010, Hammer joined Jaeson Ma at a crusade in Asia. [226][227], At the time of his first album, M.C. [53][54] Additionally, "The Wall"[55] featured Hammer[56][57] (a song Stanley Kirk Burrell or K.B. My Life as a Mc Hammer Dancer Michele Lisette Jennings aka Mello Yello 3.18K subscribers Subscribe 7.9K Share 720K views 5 years ago **Rest In Heaven Jan 24th, 2020 Grandmother you will be. Former MC Hammer Dancer Busts Out Old Moves Because He's - HuffPost [105], In 1993, Hammer began recording his fifth official album. Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" music video", "LOCAL INTERVIEW WITH RAP STAR IS WORTH THE WAIT FOR SHRIVER", "Live with Regis and Kelly - Guest Guide", "MC Hammer Remembers His Friend Michael Jackson", "And #BobbyBrown presents to you: Diaper Pants! 400+ Dancer Nicknames, Names, and Stage Names [146][147][148], Hammer released a sample of his "beef" with Jay-Z (aka 'Hell Boy' according to Hammer) in a brief teaser trailer called "Better Run Run" by 'King Hammer'. As a result of this unfortunate experience, the song would help advance their success. [129] The album, like its predecessor, failed to chart and would not sell as many copies as previous projects. It sold over 60,000 copies, and was distributed by City Hall Records. [4][5], A multi-award winner, Hammer is considered a "forefather" and pioneering innovator[6] of pop rap (incorporating elements of freestyle music), and is the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album. Hammer; nicknaming himself "MC Elmo" and along with two backup singers they rap a song about the number five called "Five Jive". His video for the song appeared after the movie. [6] However, he has been a participant/player in the annual Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game wearing an A's cap to represent Oakland (American League). Kelly Patrick. [52] 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 (1988). 8. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s, until the early 1990s. There he 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. To adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop, this album was a more aggressive sounding album entitled The Funky Headhunter. Hammer's relationship with Suge Knight dates back to 1988. Hammer received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement (not to be mistaken for the Gershwin Prize), presented during the UCLA Spring Sing in Pauley Pavilion on May 17, 2013. This TikTok dance, created by user Thaddeus William-Coates, is a riff on the Macarena, set to a remix of MC Hammer's classic track, "U Can't Touch This.". Behind The Scenes Of 'U Can't Touch This' And The Rise Of MC Hammer "I didn't know that [Hammer's financial status] wasn't on the table for discussion!" While at Bust It, she and her husband brought their artist 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. U Can't Touch This - Wikipedia was the subject of an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show and the VH1 series Behind the Music (music from his album Inside Out was featured in this documentary). Hammer didn't give a direct answer, but instead laughed. Bust It Records spawned Bustin' Records, and collectively the companies had more than 100 employees. accuses Jigga of being in league (and in the studio) with Satanand then Hammer defeats the devil and forces Jay to be baptized. In 1995, Hammer released the album Inside Out (or inside out V). Additionally, Hammer released the tracks "This is What We Do" on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie soundtrack (1990), and "That's What I Said" on the Rocky V soundtrack (1990). [69][139][140], "Getting Back to Hetton" was made public in 2008 as a digital single. A clip from the video was then shown, to much approval from the audience. Follow-up successes included a cover of the Chi-Lites' "Have You Seen Her" and "Pray" (a beat sampled from Prince's "When Doves Cry" and Faith No More's "We Care a Lot"),[88] which was his biggest hit in the US, peaking at No. Oaktown's 357 - Wikipedia (Video)", "#DXCLUSIVE: Radio Icon Greg Mack & Pete Nice Refute MC Serch's Version Of "MC Hammer KDAY Story", "MC Serch Talks MC Hammer Placing A Hit On Them After Diss [NSFW, VIDEO]", "It's Twitter war: MC Hammer raps Jay-Z over song putdown", "Eminem, Jay Z, MC Hammer and More: Rap Chart Facts You May Not Know", "In 1990, Hammer, Vanilla Ice, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ice Cube reflected the splintering of the hip-hop nation", "Rap Battle of Words Dominates Show: Pop music: M. C. Hammer and Run-DMC exchange potshots backstage at the Soul Train Music Awards. 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.