MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell, is a pioneering rapper in the late 1980s. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide throughout his career. MC Hammer had an exceptional musical talent that he used to carve out a unique niche in the music industry. In this article, I explore MC Hammer net worth in 2023 and how he has amassed his wealth.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
How MC Hammer Started in the Music Industry
MC Hammer, whose real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, grew up in East Oakland, California. He was introduced to music at a young age by his father, who was a professional poker player and jazz musician.
MC Hammer’s first foray into the music industry came when he joined a group called Holy Ghost Boys while he was still in high school. After graduation, Hammer began performing as a dancer for various artists before finally getting his big break as a rap artist.
Breakdown of his early album sales and tours
MC Hammer’s debut album “Feel My Power” was released independently in 1987 and sold over 60,000 copies in the Bay Area alone. However, it wasn’t until he signed with Capitol Records and released his third album “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” that he truly rose to fame.
The album featured the hit single “U Can’t Touch This,” which became an international sensation and won MC Hammer multiple awards. The album itself sold over 10 million copies worldwide. This album is also one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time.
MC Hammer capitalized on his newfound success by embarking on several tours around the world, including opening for Whitney Houston on her tour in Europe. He also performed at major events like the Super Bowl halftime show in 1992. MC Hammer also had his cartoon series called “Hammerman.” Hammer’s early career set him up for massive financial success later on in life. These tours and sales have also significantly boasted MC Hammer net worth till now.
The “U Can’t Touch This” Phenomenon
MC Hammer’s rise to fame was propelled by his hit song, “U Can’t Touch This.” The song became an international sensation in 1990. The hit song reached the top of the charts in several countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. The song’s success was due to its catchy beat and memorable lyrics.
The iconic “Stop! Hammer time!” catchphrase became a cultural phenomenon that is still recognized today. The music video for the song featured MC Hammer’s signature dance moves that became synonymous with his brand.
Hammer’s Endorsement Deals, Merchandise Sales, and Other Sources of Income
MC Hammer was not only a successful musician but also a savvy businessman. He leveraged his fame to secure endorsement deals with major brands like PepsiCo, KFC, and British Knights. In addition to endorsement deals, MC Hammer also had successful merchandise sales.
Hammer had his line of clothing called “Hammer Pants,” which were popular in the early 1990s. MC Hammer also expanded his income streams by investing in various business ventures.
He founded a multimedia company called Oaktown Records & Sports. MC Hammer also owns a racehorse named Dance Floor. However, MC Hammer’s peak of success brought him immense financial wealth through various sources of income beyond just music sales. These deals and ventures have also significantly boasted MC Hammer net worth till now.
Comeback and Current Net Worth
MC Hammer’s Comeback in the Early 2000s
After filing for bankruptcy in 1996, MC Hammer took a hiatus from the music industry. However, he didn’t completely disappear from the public eye. Instead, Hammer focused on other pursuits, including acting and entrepreneurship.
In 2001, Hammer made a comeback with the release of his album “Active Duty.” This album saw MC Hammer experimenting with new sounds and styles and was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Despite this lukewarm response to his comeback album, MC Hammer continued to work on the music while also branching out into other business ventures.
Details on Hammer’s Current Net Worth
As of 2023, MC Hammer net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. In addition to his music career, MC Hammer has also been involved in various business ventures over the years.
He co-founded a digital media company called DanceJam.com in 2007 and has invested in several tech startups over the years. MC Hammer may not be as wealthy as he once was during his heyday as a rapper and pop culture icon. He has continued to stay relevant through his entrepreneurship endeavors and occasional musical releases.
Conclusion
MC Hammer started his career in the music industry with his debut album “Feel My Power” in 1987. He quickly rose to fame with hits like “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit,” earning him millions of dollars. MC Hammer net worth in 2023 is approximately $2 million. His story teaches us that success can be fleeting and it’s essential to manage our finances wisely.
