It's Hammer Time

Out of Oakland, California, came an energetic rapper in baggy pants calling himself "MC Hammer" who would become one of rap music's biggest stars with the best-selling rap album, "Please, Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em."

The success of the album can be largely attributed to U Can't Touch This. The song dominated the radio and MTV playlists and would go on to win Hammer Grammys for Best R&B Song and Best Solo Rap Performance.

The song was also quite a windfall for funk musician Rick James. The underlying riff is a sample from James' Superfreak. James eventually sued and was awarded royalty payments.

As a bat/ball boy for the Oakland Athletics as a youth, the players gave him the nickname "Hammer" for his resemblence to the home run king, "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron, though I've heard no reports of Aaron donning parachute pants and bustin' some moves.

Hammer's elaborate live show and lavish lifestyle would eventually become his downfall. The stage show for his follow-up album, "Too Legit To Quit," with a cast of singers, dancers, and backup musicians, was simply too expensive to finance and was cancelled before completion.

Hammer filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and his assets were sold at a fraction of their cost.

This prompted Hammer to return to his religious roots emphasizing spirituality and family.