Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em 1990 Album

MC Hammer

Sorry, this record gets a bad rap. I thought pop music was supposed to be fun, first and foremost, and I cannot think of a more unabashedly FUN album than this one. The raps are intentionally simple, pretty much a catchy backdrop for the sample-heavy/dance floor-a-minute grooves which is the rap equivalent of a classic KISS record. Love it or hate it - Hammer made sure you were going to remember it, one way or another.

My second Hammer album in as many days after checking out 'Too Legit to Quit' yesterday. I know what you're wondering, why am I doing this to myself? This one is a bit better largely thanks to the highest moments, 'Pray' and the obvious 'U Can't Touch This' are probably his best songs. They both rely heavily on samples, the former being Prince's 'When Doves Cry' and the latter 'Super Freak' by Rick James. As he did with this follow up album, there's conscious rap present in 'Help the Children', 'Black Is Black' and 'Crime Story' that is something different with Hammer doing some storytelling in each verse. The premise is basically that crime doesn't pay and he is advocating for his listeners to stay away from it. He also appeals to his "brothers in the game" to help keep the kids out of it. I'm not sure if he just means his brothers in general or for his fellow rappers to stop rapping about those topics. The antepenultimate tune, 'Black Is Black', sees Hammer more aggressive on the mic which is a good thing here. He asks black people to be proud of their racial identity and to help the community. Despite its title, 'Let's Go Deeper', it isn't a sexual song, instead it's a motivational one encouraging the listener to push and "elevate... yo mind". 'Dancing Machine', the weakest song here, is placed smack-bang in the middle of the album so you may forget it which is a good thing as it has no redeeming qualities. It doesn't even get me tapping along to the beat. I don't find Hammer to be the complete laugh and horrendous artist that many do. His lyrics are simple and there are some corny tunes but I don't find much of this boring. However, at the same time, there isn't much to save for a rainy day. Best Tracks: U Can't Touch This, Help the Children, Pray, Crime Story