MC Hammer - Michael Benabib, Classic Hip Hop Photographer
Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer, is an American hip hop recording artist, dancer, record producer, entrepreneur, and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s, until the late 1990s. Remembered for his rapid rise to fame, Hammer is known for hit records (such as "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit"), flashy dance movements, choreography and eponymous Hammer pants.
A multi-award winner, M.C. Hammer is considered a "forefather/pioneer" and innovator[1] of pop rap (incorporating elements of freestyle music), and is the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album.[2][3][4][5] Hammer was later considered a sellout due in part to overexposure as an entertainer (having live instrumentation/bands, choreographed dance routines and an impact on popular culture being regularly referenced on television and in music)[6] and as a result of being too "commercial" when rap was "hardcore" at one point, then his image later becoming increasingly "gritty" to once again adapt to the ever-changing landscape of rap.[7][8] Regardless, BETranked Hammer as the #7 "Best Dancer Of All Time".[9] Vibe's "The Best Rapper Ever Tournament" declared him the 17th favorite of all-time during the first round. Read more on Wikipedia.