Here Comes the Hammer

Last updated
"Here Comes the Hammer"
Here Comes the Hammer cover.jpg
Single by MC Hammer
from the album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em
ReleasedDecember 1990 (1990-12)
Genre Hip hop, dance
Length5:50
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s) Stanley Burrell
Producer(s) MC Hammer
MC Hammer singles chronology
"Pray"
(1990)		"Here Comes the Hammer"
(1990)		"2 Legit 2 Quit"
(1991)

"Here Comes the Hammer" is a song written and performed by American rapper MC Hammer, first released on his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990). It was also released as a single, which reached number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award. At the time of its release, the music video accompanying the release of the single was one of the most expensive ever.

Contents

Lyrics and music

Hartford Courant critic Dawne Simon described "Here Comes the Hammer" as "upbeat", but the lyrics as "egotistical chants". [1] Billboard described it as a "James Brown-inspired funk rave, replete with rapid-fire rhyming, a rousing chant at the chorus and infectious synth line". [2] The song samples Brown's 1970 hit "Super Bad". [3]

Reception

Billboard considered "Here Comes the Hammer" to be a "winner". [2] However, although the three previous singles from the album were Top 10 hits, "Here Comes the Hammer" stalled at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. [4] [5] [6] It performed better on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts, peaking at number 15 and number 17, respectively. [7] [8] Stephen Dalton from NME wrote, "Although his recent hits have always leaned heavily on other people's work, Hammer has sampled James Brown so blatantly and completely here that his own fleeting presence is utterly superfluous." [9] The song was nominated for a 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards. [10]

"Here Comes the Hammer" was later included on Hammer's 1996 compilation album, Greatest Hits . [11] It was also included on the multi-artist compilation album, Original Hits: Rap & Soul, in 2010. [12]

Authorship controversy

Besides utilizing James Brown's "Super Bad," at least two other authors claimed that "Here Comes the Hammer" was based on their work. The band Legend Seven claimed that the refrain chanting "uh oh" was taken from one of their songs. [13] In addition, a musician named Kevin Abdullah sued Hammer, claiming that the hook and refrain were taken from his song "Oh Oh, You Got the Shing", and that "Here Comes the Hammer" "incorporated substantial and significant portions" of "Oh Oh, You Got the Shing". [13] [14] Abdullah claimed that he had once auditioned "Oh Oh, You Got the Shing" for Hammer, and sent Hammer a demo tape containing it, which Hammer rejected. [13] [14] Hammer eventually settled the suit for $250,000. [13]

Track listing

  1. "Here Comes The Hammer" (12" Remix)
  2. "Here Comes The Hammer" (12" Remix Instrumental)
  3. "Here Comes The Hammer (Uh-Oh Here Comes The Hammer '91)"
  4. "Here Comes The Hammer" (7" Edit)

Music video

The music video accompanying "Here Comes the Hammer" cost more than $1 million, making it one of the most expensive music videos ever made at the time. [6] [15] [16] The MTV version of the video was almost nine minutes long, and a fifteen minute version was also available. [15] [16] The plot of the video involves Hammer and his dancers getting chased through various rooms of a haunted house. [15] [16] New York Daily News critic Michael Saunders criticized the video for emphasizing the lame plot over MC Hammer's dancing. [16] Both Saunders and Entertainment Weekly critic James Farber criticized most of the expensive special effects, but Saunders praised the effects used to create a montage of Hammer dancing with Brown, whose backing band is what Saunders believes is "the engine powering the single". [15] [16]

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Hammer</span> American rapper (born 1962)

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known by his stage name MC Hammer, is an American rapper, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. Known for hit songs such as "U Can't Touch This", "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump", flashy dance movements, extravagant choreography and his eponymous Hammer pants. Remembered for a rapid rise to fame, Hammer has also been an entrepreneur and celebrity spokesperson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monica (singer)</span> American singer and actress (born 1980)

Monica Denise Arnold is an American singer, rapper and actress. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, she began performing as a child and joined a traveling gospel choir by the age of ten. Monica signed with record producer Dallas Austin through his label Rowdy Records in 1993, and gained prominence following the release of her debut studio album, Miss Thang (1995). Her follow up releases were met with further commercial success; her second, The Boy Is Mine (1998) remains her best-selling album and spawned three Billboard Hot 100-number one singles: "The Boy Is Mine", "The First Night" and "Angel of Mine".

<i>Please Hammer Dont Hurt Em</i> 1990 studio album by MC Hammer

Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer, released on February 12, 1990 by Capitol Records and EMI Records. Produced, recorded and mixed by Felton Pilate and James Earley, it was made on a small budget of around $10,000 and recorded on a modified tour bus between May 1988 and November 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot in Herre</span> 2002 single by Nelly

"Hot in Herre" is a song by American rapper Nelly, released as the lead single from his second studio album Nellyville (2002). It was released on May 7, 2002, by Universal Records. It was written by Nelly, Charles Brown, and the producers the Neptunes. It features additional vocals by former labelmate Dani Stevenson and incorporates Chuck Brown's 1979 single "Bustin' Loose".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Candy Shop</span> 2005 single by 50 Cent featuring Olivia

"Candy Shop" is the second single by rapper 50 Cent from his second commercial album, The Massacre (2005). It features Olivia and was written by 50 Cent and the song's producer, Scott Storch. The single was released through Interscope Records, Eminem's Shady Records, Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, and 50 Cent's G-Unit Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hate It or Love It</span> 2005 single by the Game

"Hate It or Love It" is a song by American rapper the Game featuring fellow American rapper 50 Cent. It was released as the third single from the former's debut studio album The Documentary (2005). The song was produced by Cool & Dre with additional production from Dr. Dre. The song features a music sample of "Rubber Band" by the Trammps from their album The Legendary Zing Album (1975).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U Can't Touch This</span> 1990 song by MC Hammer

"U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Along with Hammer, Rick James shares songwriting credits with Alonzo Miller, as the song samples the prominent opening riff of James' 1981 single "Super Freak". The song has been used and referred to in many television shows, films, commercials, and other forms of media. It has also received multiple awards and recognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh (Ciara song)</span> 2005 song by Ciara

"Oh" is a song by American singer, Ciara who wrote the song with Ludacris, Andre Harris, and Vidal Davis. "Oh" was produced by Harris and Davis, who work as Dre & Vidal. The song was released on March 1, 2005, as the third single from her debut album, Goodies. The downtempo R&B song features hip-hop elements and a heavy bassline, and can be seen as an anthem to her hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. Ciara sings about the many things the city has to offer, while Ludacris raps the third verse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doo Wop (That Thing)</span> 1998 single by Lauryn Hill

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a song by American recording artist Lauryn Hill for her debut solo studio album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). It was written and produced by Hill. The song was released as her solo debut and lead single from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on August 10, 1998, by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records. No commercial release was originally intended for the single in the US, but limited-quantity physical formats were issued two months later, on October 27.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Have You Seen Her</span> 1971 single by the Chi-Lites

"Have You Seen Her" is a song by American soul vocal group the Chi-Lites, released on Brunswick Records in 1971. Composed by the lead singer Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin, the song was included on the group's 1971 album (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People.

<i>Lets Get It Started</i> (album) 1988 studio album by M.C. Hammer

Let's Get It Started is the second studio album, and first major-label debut, by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records on September 28, 1988. The album was produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Hammer discography</span> Discography of American rapper M.C. Hammer

The discography of MC Hammer, or simply Hammer, an American rapper, includes hit records "U Can't Touch This", "Pray" and "2 Legit 2 Quit". Hammer is known for his flashy dance movements, choreography and Hammer pants. His superstar-status and entertaining showmanship made him a household name and hip hop icon. Hammer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, breaking down numerous doors for rap music and demonstrating that hip-hop had the potential for blockbuster success. A multi-award winner, M.C. Hammer is considered a "forefather/pioneer" and innovator of pop rap, and is the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crack a Bottle</span> 2009 single by Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent

"Crack a Bottle" is a song by American rappers Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. The song was released as the lead single from the former's sixth studio album Relapse (2009). On February 12, 2009, the song broke the first week digital sales record with 418,000 downloads, topping the previous record held by "Live Your Life" by T.I. featuring Rihanna. This record was broken again the following week by "Right Round" by Flo Rida. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm on One</span> 2011 single by DJ Khaled

"I'm on One" is a song by American hip hop artist DJ Khaled, released as the second single from his fifth studio album, We the Best Forever. The hip hop song features Canadian rapper Drake and American rappers Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and features production from Canadian producers T-Minus, Nikhil S. and Noah "40" Shebib. It was released for digital download in the United States on May 20, 2011. Remixes and freestyles were released from rappers such as Tyga, Meek Mill, Jamie Drastik, including other rappers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rap God</span> 2013 single by Eminem

"Rap God" is a song by American rapper Eminem. The song premiered via YouTube on October 14, 2013, and was released in the United States on October 15, 2013, as the third single from Eminem's eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). It contains references to previous conflicts in Eminem's career, as well as to other rappers' conduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only (Nicki Minaj song)</span> 2014 single by Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown

"Only" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Canadian rapper Drake, American rapper Lil Wayne, and American singer Chris Brown, from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was released on October 28, 2014 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records as the third single from the album. The rappers wrote the song with producers Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and JMIKE, with production assistance from HBM and Rock City. "Only" is a hip-hop song that contains an "icy" production that sits "ominously" underneath dirty lyrical metaphors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Without Me (Eminem song)</span> 2002 single by Eminem

"Without Me" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his fourth studio album The Eminem Show (2002). "Without Me" was released on May 13, 2002, as the lead single from the album, and re-released on his greatest hits compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits (2005). "Without Me" is one of Eminem's most successful singles, reaching number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and number one in fifteen countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Baby</span> American rapper (born 1994)

Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He rose to prominence following the release of his 2017 mixtapes Harder than Hard and Too Hard, the former of which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with its lead single, "My Dawg." He signed with Quality Control Music, an imprint of Motown and Capitol Records to release his debut studio album Harder Than Ever (2018), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and was supported by the Billboard Hot 100-top ten single "Yes Indeed". He released two additional retail projects that same year: The collaborative mixtape Drip Harder with fellow Georgia-based rapper Gunna—which saw continued success with its singles "Drip Too Hard" and "Close Friends"—and his commercial mixtape Street Gossip, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.

"Suge" (also known as "Suge (Yea Yea)") is the breakthrough hit by American rapper DaBaby, released as the lead single from his debut studio album Baby on Baby on April 23, 2019. It reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's title is a reference to former music executive Suge Knight. It was produced by JetsonMade and Pooh Beatz. The song was later nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. "Suge" was ranked as the 2nd best song of 2019 by Complex, and the 12th best by Billboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Guidance</span> 2019 single by Chris Brown featuring Drake

"No Guidance" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on June 8, 2019, as the fourth single from Brown's ninth studio album, Indigo (2019). The song was written by Brown, Drake, Velous and Nija Charles, and produced by Vinylz, J-Louis, Teddy Walton, and Canadian producer 40.

References

  1. ↑ Simon, Dawne (July 25, 1990). "Hammer's Physical Show Can't Be Touched by Many". Hartford Courant. p. C3. Retrieved 2019-10-31– via newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 "Single Reviews". Billboard Magazine. December 15, 1990. p. 71.
  3. ↑ Contreras, Felix (May 3, 2018). "The Hip-Hop Influence Of Jab'o Starks, James Brown's Timekeeper". NPR. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  4. ↑ "MC Hammer Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  5. ↑ Colin Larkin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press. ISBN   9780857125958.
  6. 1 2 Paul Greinl (January 5, 1991). "Chart Beat". Billboard Magazine. p. 8.
  7. ↑ "MC Hammer Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  8. ↑ "MC Hammer Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  9. ↑ Dalton, Stephen (1991-02-16). "Singles". NME . p. 16. Retrieved 2023-04-05.
  10. ↑ "Grammy Award Results for M.C. Hammer". Recording Academy Grammy Awards. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  11. ↑ Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "Greatest Hits". AllMusic . Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  12. ↑ Andy Kellman. "Original Hits: Rap & Soul". AllMusic . Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Weitz, Matt (February 26, 1998). "Hammered". Dallas Observer. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  14. 1 2 "Sued Over a Song". Des Moines Register. January 8, 1993. p. 2. Retrieved 2019-10-31– via newspapers.com.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Farber, James (March 8, 1991). "Racy Music Videos". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Saunders, Michael (January 22, 1991). "Hammer Video Gets Nailed". Daily News. p. 31. Retrieved 2019-10-31– via newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ "MC Hammer – Here Comes The Hammer". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  18. ↑ "MC Hammer – Here Comes The Hammer" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  19. ↑ "MC Hammer – Here Comes The Hammer" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – MC Hammer" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  21. ↑ "MC Hammer – Here Comes The Hammer" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  22. ↑ "MC Hammer – Here Comes The Hammer". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  23. ↑ "MC Hammer: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  24. ↑ "M.C. Hammer Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  25. ↑ "M.C. Hammer Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  26. ↑ "M.C. Hammer Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  27. ↑ "Jaarlijsten 1991" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  28. ↑ "American videosingle certifications – Hammer – Here Comes the Hammer". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 26, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.