MC Hammer, also known as Stanley Kirk Burrell, is a well-known rapper and record producer who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his hit songs “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” He has had a long and successful career in the music industry and has also dabbled in acting and business ventures.
MC Hammer’s net worth
MC Hammer’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. However, at the peak of his fame, he was estimated to be worth around $70 million. Due to financial irresponsibility, he lost most of that and filed for bankruptcy in 1996.
General info about MC Hammer
Net Worth |
$2 million |
Full name |
Stanley Kirk Burrell |
Known as |
MC Hammer |
Date of Birth |
March 30, 1962 |
Place of Birth |
Oakland, California, United States |
Height |
5’11½” (1.82 m) |
Nationality |
American |
Education |
McClymonds High School |
Profession |
Rapper, record producer |
What is MC Hammer’s salary?
MC Hammer’s salary is not publicly disclosed. At the peak of his fame, it was reported that he was earning around $30 million per year, but since his fall, he’s likely to make a lot less.
What made MC Hammer famous?
MC Hammer, whose real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, first made a name for himself in the late 1980s with his unique blend of rap and dance music. He achieved massive commercial success with his hit song “U Can’t Touch This,” which topped the charts and earned him a Grammy award. The song’s catchy hook and memorable music video featured Hammer’s signature dance moves and made it a cultural phenomenon.
MC Hammer’s flashy and over-the-top performances, complete with elaborate costumes and choreography, also contributed to his fame. He quickly became one of the most popular and influential artists of the time.
How did MC Hammer make and lose his fortune?
MC Hammer achieved great success in music and business ventures. Rising to fame in the late 1980s with the hit song “U Can’t Touch This,” which earned a Grammy award and topped the charts. The unique blend of rap and dance music and flashy and over-the-top performances made him a household name.
Millions of records were sold, and income was generated from tours and merchandise. MC Hammer made investments in real estate and other business ventures. At one point, it was reported that he earned $30 million yearly from record sales and producing music. He was one of the first rappers to start his record label, Oaktown Records.
Unfortunately, these investments did not pan out, and within a few years, Hammer had reportedly spent all of his fortune, an estimated $70 million, and had to file for bankruptcy. This is a cautionary tale of how even the most successful individuals can fall victim to poor financial planning and decision-making.
Family and relationships
MC Hammer is married to Stephanie Burrell, and they have five children. He is known for his strong Christian faith and has been open about family values.
MC Hammer and his son Sammy at 16.
Early life and education
MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell, had a unique upbringing that led to his career in the entertainment industry. Growing up in Oakland, California, he was exposed to baseball at a young age as his father was a former professional baseball player.
He developed a passion for the sport and worked as a batboy for the Oakland Athletics. During his time at the Coliseum, Charles Finley, the owner of the Athletics, noticed his talents as a dancer and entertainer. This led to him being given the nickname “Hammer,” a nod to baseball player Hammerin’ Hank Aaron.
Additionally, the “MC” part of his stage name stands for “Master of Ceremonies,” as he would entertain at various clubs while on the road with the Athletics. Although Hammer had aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player, he ultimately decided to pursue a career in music and entertainment. He attended college for communications and later served in the US Navy as an aviation storekeeper for three years.
Interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about MC Hammer:
- British fashion designer Roger David designed MC Hammer’s iconic Hammer pants.
- He was very good friends with the slain rapper/actor Tupac Shakur. The two recorded music together as labelmates on LA-based Death Row Records in the mid-90s. The music, however, has not ever been “officially” released.
- He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including “The Addams Family” and “MADtv.”
Notable achievements
MC Hammer’s impressive career in music has garnered him numerous accolades and awards. He won a Grammy for Best R&B Song for his hit single “U Can’t Touch This” in 1991 and multiple American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996 to recognize his contributions to the music industry.
Furthermore, MC Hammer was also inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Oakland Walk of Fame in 2019. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts and community service, receiving awards from organizations such as the NAACP and the United Way.
Get to know MC Hammer
To learn more about MC Hammer, readers can check out his books “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: The Dance” and “Inside Out: My Story,” which offer an in-depth look into his life and career. He has also been featured in documentaries such as “MC Hammer: 2 Legit: The Videos” and “MC Hammer: 2 Legit: The Story.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, MC Hammer is a well-known rapper and record producer who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his hit songs “U Can’t Touch This,” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” He has had a long and successful career in the music industry and has also dabbled in acting and business ventures. However, despite his success, MC Hammer ran through his fortune of $70 million within a few years, filing for bankruptcy in 1996. Nevertheless, MC Hammer continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry and has worked his net worth up to $2 million as of 2023.