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Stanley Burrell: A Biography


Full Name and Common Aliases


Stanley Burrell was known professionally as MC Hammer, a name that would become synonymous with 90s pop culture.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on March 30, 1962, in Oakland, California, MC Hammer passed away on October 31, 2023.

Nationality and Profession(s)


An American rapper, dancer, entrepreneur, and music video director, MC Hammer was a multifaceted artist who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in Oakland's poverty-stricken neighborhoods, Stanley Burrell developed an interest in dance and music at an early age. He attended a private Christian high school and later enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied criminology.

Major Accomplishments


MC Hammer rose to fame with his debut album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), which sold over 50 million copies worldwide and included hits like "U Can't Touch This" and "Have You Seen Her." He went on to release several successful albums, including Too Legit to Quit (1991) and The Funky Head Nurser (1994).

Notable Works or Actions


MC Hammer's impact extended beyond his music. He produced a string of chart-topping music videos that showcased his signature dance moves, often incorporating humor and social commentary. His video "U Can't Touch This" parodied Rick James' 1981 hit "Super Freak," which helped to launch MC Hammer's career.

Impact and Legacy


MC Hammer's commercial success paved the way for future rappers from diverse backgrounds. He was one of the first African American artists to break into mainstream pop culture, influencing generations of musicians. His music also addressed social issues, such as gang violence and racism, providing a platform for marginalized voices.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


MC Hammer's enduring popularity stems from his innovative approach to dance and music videos. He revolutionized the entertainment industry with his energetic performances and catchy hooks, inspiring countless artists to experiment with their craft. MC Hammer remains an iconic figure in American pop culture, symbolizing the power of creativity and perseverance.

Despite facing financial struggles after his commercial peak, MC Hammer maintained a devoted fan base and continued to produce music throughout his life. His impact on hip-hop and popular culture will be remembered for generations to come.

MC Hammer's legacy extends beyond his own career; he inspired a new generation of artists to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry. As an icon, MC Hammer will forever be associated with 90s pop culture, a testament to the enduring power of music and dance to transcend time and generations.

Quotes by Stanley Burrell

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The final score definitely is misleading. We didn't play Xavier basketball at all. I'm really disappointed with the loss.
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He still plays a huge role on this squad. Everyone looks to him and can see how the game could be easily taken away, so don't take it for granted. He's such a leader and we're so glad that he came along with us.
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I remember talking at the beginning of the week about having a long road ahead of us. Now we have to get over the last hurdle.
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I let my team down. I apologized to the guys in the locker room. I wasn't even attacking. I'm probably the main reason we were in the hole we were in.
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It was hard. But we needed that to come together. We were kind of splintered a little bit, and we were going away from the team thing. Guys were going in separate directions. Getting up at 6 a.m., guys could be like, 'Aw, forget this.' But we really came together and helped each other.
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It's nice to have something to build off of and get ready for next year. Knowing what we did at the end of the season takes some momentum into next year.
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It's our Super Bowl. Love it, love it. It's one thing if you're playing a couple mediocre teams, but when these big games come around, you definitely got to get up for them. You got Vitale in the building. It don't get no bigger than that.
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I told you all at the beginning of the week that we had a long road ahead of us. I really meant that. It wasn't going to be easy to get to the (NCAA) tournament with everything we were going through. We've got so much heart; we never gave up. It paid off for us in the right way.
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I told him to stop worrying so much about being a jump-shooter and to be a slasher. Use mid-range and get to the rim. He does a great job of getting to the basket. He does a good job of getting to the rim and finishing with the big guys.
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They're so long. Everybody's 6-(foot)-5 and up. They have long arms, and they're in the passing lane. You get the ball and get trapped, and somebody comes out of nowhere to steal the ball. It's tough.
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