Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper, dancer, record producer, and businessman. Known for hits like "U Can't Touch This," "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump," flashy dance moves, extravagant choreography, and his eponymous Hammer pants. Remembered for his rapid rise to fame, Hammer has also been a businessman and celebrity spokesperson.

Early life and education

Stanley Kirk Burrell was born in Oakland, California, on March 30, 1962. His father was a professional poker player and gambling casino manager (at Oaks Card Club's cardroom), as well as a warehouse supervisor. He grew up poor with his mother (a secretary) and eight siblings in a small apartment in East Oakland. He recalled that six children were crammed into a three-bedroom housing project apartment. The Burrells would frequent thoroughbred horse races, eventually becoming owners and winners of several graded stakes.

Music and entertainment career

Before Hammer's successful music career and "rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-back saga", Burrell formed a Christian rap group with singer and musician Jon Gibson (or J.G.) known as the Holy Ghost Boy(s). Hammer and Tramaine Hawkins performed with Gibson's band, in concerts at various venues such as the Beverly Theatre in Beverly Hills. Some early songs produced were "Word", "B-Boy Chill" (a live audio performance is on YouTube) and "Stupid Def Yal" (1987). 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). Additionally, "The Wall" featured Hammer (a song Stanley Kirk Burrell—or K.B.—originally identified himself as M.C. Hammer), which was later released on Gibson's album Change of Heart (1988). This was CCM's first rap hit by a blue-eyed soul singer and/or duo.

Personal life

At the time of his first album, M.C. Hammer opened his own music management firm. As a result of the success of his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, Hammer had amassed approximately US$33 million. In 1997, Hammer sold his Fremont, California estate and mansion for US$5.3 million, after filing for bankruptcy in 1996.

Hammer most recently resided in a large ranch-style adobe home, situated on a two-acre corner lot in Tracy, California, with his wife Stephanie. They met at a church revival meeting and married December 21, 1985. They have three sons and two daughters, and also raised Hammer's nephew. It was reported in July 2012 that Hammer was encouraged to marry Whitney Houston by her father at the Super Bowl in 1991.

Legacy and pop culture fame

Because of his commercial success during early stages of hip hop music, BET named Hammer as the first "mainstream" rapper. Hammer became a fixture of the television airwaves and the big screen, with his music being used in many popular shows, movies and commercials still to this day. Hammer appeared in major marketing campaigns for companies to the point that he was criticized as a "sellout", including commercials for British Knights during the height of his career. The shoe company signed him to a $138 million deal.