- published: 24 Feb 2009
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"U Can't Touch This" is MC Hammer's 1990 super hit signature song, from his album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em. The album sold more than 10 million copies, due primarily to this single, and gaining multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA, and other Recording Industries.
Rick James sued Hammer for infringement of copyright, as the song basically consists of the prominent opening riff of "Super Freak", which is constantly repeated throughout. The suit was settled out of court when Hammer agreed to credit James as co-composer, effectively cutting James in on the millions of dollars the record was earning. James was accordingly credited as a co-author.
The song received its debut live performance on a late 1989 episode of The Arsenio Hall Show. The lyrics describe the rapper as having "toured around the world, from London to the Bay" and as being "magic on the mic", which Hammer says combines with Rick James' "beat that you can't touch". It secured the Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap Solo Performance in 1991, a brand new category at the time. The song was a huge success chart wise: it reached #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was also a big success in other parts of the world, peaking at #1 in Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden, and #3 on the UK singles chart.
Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s. Remembered for a rapid rise to fame before filing bankruptcy, Hammer is also known for his hit records (such as "U Can't Touch This"), flamboyant dance movements and trademark Hammer pants. Hammer's superstar-status made him a household name and pop icon. He has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Burrell also became a preacher during the late 1990s, was a television show host and dance judge, is a record label CEO, and as of 2008 works as a co-creator of a dance website called DanceJam, while still performing concerts at music venues and assisting with other social media, ministry and outreach functions. In addition, he was executive producer of his own reality show called Hammertime which aired on the A&E Network during the summer of 2009. Prior to becoming ordained, Hammer signed with Suge Knight's Death Row Records by 1995.
Hammer: Hammer time!
Nails: Can't top this!
Hammer: Oh yeah
N: Can't top this!
H: Here with my friends
N: Can't top this!
H: Mr. Saw, Mr. Pliers, Mr. Screwdriver
N: Can't top this!
H: My my my
Name is Hammer and I'm here to say
I'm a tool that hammers night and day
With an awesome swing and chillin' blow
Can drive any nail where I want it to go
Can whack on walls, whack on wood
Knock things together and it makes you feel good
So you better step aside and watch me pound
Watch me hammer all these flat-heads down
N: Go Hammer! (repeats over and over until next verse)
H: Yeah, I'm gonna do my thing
Watch me move
'Cause I'm in full effect
N: Go!!!
H: Call me Hammer 'cause I'm way cool
When Hammer's on the scene I totally rule
Don't twist or pull like a pair of pliers
Don't screw things down like a sweet screwdriver
I'm a hammer, bustin' on any old nail
Gimmie lots of room, watch this home tool wail
You better step aside and watch me bang
You can't top this - It's a Hammer thing!
N: Go Hammer! (repeat over and over)
H: Oh yeah, like I said before
We are in full effect
And you can't top this
Like I said
Yeah, all of those other tools are way cool
But Hammer is the tool that totally rules!
You can't top this!