How MC Hammer Took Control of His Career
MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell, is best known for his flashy style, electrifying dance moves, and unforgettable hits like “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” But beyond his career as a chart-topping artist, Hammer took control of his destiny by managing his own recording business, proving that he wasn’t just a performer—he was a savvy entrepreneur with an eye for the music industry.
The Rise of MC Hammer: A Music Icon is Born
In the late 80s and early 90s, MC Hammer took the music world by storm. His 1990 album “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” became the first hip-hop album to go diamond, selling over 10 million copies. The album’s breakout single, “U Can’t Touch This,” catapulted Hammer to global stardom, earning him two Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award.
At his peak, Hammer was making an estimated $30 million a year from record sales, tours, endorsements, and merchandise. However, Hammer wasn’t content with just being a star—he wanted to control his career and future.
Hammer’s Vision: Taking Control of His Own Career
While other artists relied on major record labels to manage their music, MC Hammer wanted full control over his art and business. In 1991, he founded his own record label, Bust It Records, which allowed him to produce and promote his music independently.
🔹 Bust It Records: The label was instrumental in giving Hammer creative freedom and allowing him to sign and mentor other artists.
🔹 Oaktown Records: Hammer also launched Oaktown Records, a subsidiary that focused on developing talent from his hometown of Oakland, California.
With his label, Hammer was able to expand his brand, release music on his own terms, and keep a larger share of his earnings.
Related: MC Hammer’s Rise and Fall: From $70 Million to Bankruptcy
Managing His Own Empire: The Business Side of Hammer
Hammer wasn’t just an artist—he was a music mogul. His decision to run his own record label gave him control over:
Production and Distribution: Hammer had the freedom to produce music without label interference.
Artist Development: Hammer mentored and signed upcoming artists, giving them a platform to showcase their talent.
Merchandising and Tours: By managing his own business, Hammer ensured that profits from merchandise and tours went directly to him.
His ventures extended beyond music, including Hammerman Productions, a multimedia company that produced television shows, commercials, and endorsements.
Challenges and Setbacks: When the Music Slowed Down
Despite his success, Hammer’s empire faced challenges. As music trends shifted towards gangster rap in the mid-90s, Hammer’s popularity began to decline. Album sales dropped, and the cost of managing his record label and production company added to his financial burdens.
Hammer’s lavish lifestyle—combined with supporting a 200-person entourage—eventually led to his well-documented bankruptcy in 1996, where he reported $13 million in debt.
Hammer’s Comeback: Rebuilding His Empire
After his financial collapse, MC Hammer didn’t give up. He reinvented himself by diving into technology, ministry, and consulting.
🔹 Tech Ventures: Hammer invested early in tech startups like Twitter and Square, regaining some of his wealth.
🔹 Music and Media: Hammer continued to manage his own productions and make selective appearances in music and television.
🔹 Motivational Speaking: Using his personal story as a cautionary tale, Hammer became a motivational speaker, guiding others on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
The Legacy of MC Hammer: A Trailblazer in Music Business
MC Hammer’s decision to manage his own record label paved the way for other artists to take control of their careers. He showed that musicians could be both creative and business-minded, managing their own empires while staying true to their artistic vision.
Today, Hammer remains an inspiration—not just for his music but for his ability to adapt, evolve, and rebuild after adversity.
Hammer’s Business Legacy Lives On
MC Hammer’s journey from a rap superstar to a music mogul and entrepreneur is a testament to his vision and resilience. Despite facing financial struggles, Hammer’s pioneering spirit in managing his own business left a lasting impact on the music industry.
His story proves that true success is about more than just talent—it’s about knowing how to build, manage, and protect what you’ve worked so hard to create.
