If you’ve ever heard the classic song “Hammer Time” by MC Hammer, you know that it’s one of the most iconic hip hop songs of all time. With its catchy beat and memorable lyrics, it’s easy to see why it was so popular when it was released in 1990. In this article, I’ll be exploring the lyrics of “Hammer Time” in detail, explaining the meaning behind each line and discussing why it became such a classic. I’ll also talk about the influence the song has had on popular culture since its release. It’s time to get your dancing shoes on and get ready to explore the lyrics of “Hammer Time”!
Hammer Time
MC Hammer’s hit song “U Can’t Touch This” was released in 1990 and quickly gained widespread success. It was his most successful single, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart, remaining on the chart for a total of 28 weeks. It was also certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of over one million copies.
The song’s lyrics are based on the catchphrase “Can’t touch this”, which MC Hammer raps over a sample from Rick James’ “Super Freak.” It is full of energy and great dance moves. The lyrics boast of the rapper’s prowess on the dance floor and declare his dominance over other dancers. They also include several pop culture references, including lines about Hammer’s “fly style” and “fresh threads.”
The song has been featured in many films, television shows, and commercials. It was also used in a Sprite commercial featuring Kobe Bryant, which has been viewed over 19 million times on YouTube. Its popularity has led to it being used in a variety of popular dance routines, including the “Hammer Dance” created by professional dancer Caleon Fox.
The song’s popularity and catchy tune has made it an undeniable classic in hip hop music. It has become an iconic piece of the “golden age” of hip hop, influencing many of the artists that have come after MC Hammer
History: When it All Began
The phrase “hammer time” originates from the hit song “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. The song was released in 1990 and was an instant success, quickly becoming one of the most popular hip hop songs of all time, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to become certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and earned Hammer a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
The phrase “hammer time” quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, with the phrase featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media. It was so popular that the American Dialect Society named it the most memorable phrase of the year in 1990.
Since then, “hammer time” has been used by many as a way to express joy and excitement, particularly when something great happens. It is also frequently used in connection with pop culture references; for example, when something is particularly “cool”, somebody may say “That’s hammer time!”
While the phrase “hammer time” has become a popular part of everyday speech, its origins can be traced back to the song “U Can’t Touch This”. The song’s success has made MC Hammer an icon in the hip hop world and has helped to cement the phrase “hammer time” as a part of popular culture.
Meaning of Lyrics
Though it was released over 30 years ago, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” is still a classic. The song is full of energy and boasts catchy lyrics that have become a cultural phenomenon. But what does “U Can’t Touch This” actually mean? Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics to uncover the underlying message.
The lyrics center around Hammer’s success and his message to critics that they can’t compete with his style. He proclaims, “Stop! Hammer time! Go with the funk, it’s hammer time!” This is Hammer’s way of saying that his work is in a class of its own; no one can match his sound and style. The chorus, “U Can’t Touch This,” is Hammer’s way of saying that his talent is unrivaled.
In addition to a message of success, the song also carries a message of positivity and perseverance. Hammer encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and their dreams, saying, “If you got the vibe and you got the motion, The rest is simple, just, follow your heart.” This encourages people to listen to themselves and stay committed to their goals.
The song’s success is evidenced by its continued relevance and popularity. According to Billboard, “U Can’t Touch This” is the 9th most successful song of the 1990s and its music video has over 150 million views on YouTube. Its success is a testament to Hammer’s message of resilience and determination.
Overall, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”
Popularity: Cultural Impact
The classic hit song ‘Hammer Time’, written and performed by MC Hammer, is arguably one of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the 1990s. The catchy hook of the song, which features a repeated staccato phrase of “Stop! Hammer time!”, has been popularized and widely used in popular culture ever since its debut in 1990. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified double-platinum in the United States. The song also held the number one position on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks for seven consecutive weeks.
The popularity of Hammer Time transcends music, as the phrase has been used in many other forms of media. It has been featured in movies like “The Princess Diaries” and “Dumb and Dumber”, as well as in television shows like “The Simpsons” and “Friends”. The phrase has been referenced in video games and in commercials. It has also become an internet meme, with the phrase used as a caption for videos and images.
The cultural impact of Hammer Time is undeniable. The phrase itself has become a part of popular vernacular, and it is often used by people of all ages to describe having an exciting or energetic moment. The song has become a staple of dance clubs, and it is often played at parties and special occasions. It has been used in sports franchises, and it has even been utilized as an icebreaker in the military.
The influence of Hammer Time continues
Music Video: Visuals
When it comes to classic hip-hop music videos, few can rival the iconic 1993 visuals of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”. Directed by Rupert Wainwright, this video was an instant hit with its vibrant colors and Hammer’s signature dance moves. It also featured an array of celebrity cameos, from MC Hammer himself to Janet Jackson and Carmen Electra. The video remains one of the most memorable hip-hop music videos of all time, with over 600 million views on YouTube.
What made Hammer Time so iconic was its unique visual style. The video was shot on the Universal City Walk in California and featured a mix of live performance and traditional video effects. Hammer’s signature dance moves were choreographed by John Carleo and included the “Toecam”, “Hammer Glide”, “Hammer Slide”, and “Hammer Backflip”. This mix of visuals and choreography, combined with Hammer’s electric energy, made for an unforgettable viewing experience.
The success of “U Can’t Touch This” was so massive that it helped to define the sound and style of the 90s hip-hop scene. The song’s line “Stop Hammer Time” became a massive catchphrase and part of pop culture. The song was also seen as an important influence in the development of popular rap-rock fusion genres such as nu metal.
Today, “U Can
Samples: Origins
“Hammer Time” is a song released by American rapper and entertainer MC Hammer in 1990. It was released as the second single from his third album, Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em, and became his most successful single, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for 10 weeks. The song remains one of the most recognized rap songs in history and its signature catchphrase “U Can’t Touch This” has been used in popular culture for decades.
The lyrics of “Hammer Time” sample the chorus of “Super Freak” by Rick James, as well as the traditional African-American spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”. The song also samples a line from the Pointer Sisters’ hit single “Jump (For My Love)”. These samples, combined with Hammer’s fast-paced rapping, helped make “Hammer Time” one of the most iconic songs of the early hip-hop era.
The music video for “Hammer Time” was released in 1990 and was filmed on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot. It featured Hammer in a variety of colorful and eye-catching outfits and showcased a series of elaborate dance moves. The video was a huge success and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Short Form.
The popularity of “Hammer Time” led to it being referenced in numerous television shows, films, and video games, making it a classic piece of hip-hop culture. Its legacy has been further cemented by its inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall
Legacy: A Lasting Effect
The iconic 1990s rap song “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer is a classic in the hip-hop genre that continues to resonate today. It has been sampled countless times, and its influence can be seen in dozens of contemporary rap and hip-hop songs. It was also the first rap song to reach diamond certification, selling more than 10 million copies since its release.
The song’s most famous lyrics, “You can’t touch this,” have become a popular phrase. It’s been used in movies, TV shows, as the title of a book, and even as the name of a popular mobile game. According to a survey by the American Association of Public Opinion Research, “U Can’t Touch This” is the second most recognizable song for Americans between the ages of 18 and 24.
This song is iconic for many reasons. Its positive message stands out amidst a sea of more negative rap lyrics. It has a catchy beat, and the chorus is extremely memorable. Additionally, its accompanying dance moves have been replicated by hundreds of fans over the years.
Despite its positive associations, the song also has some negative connotations. It has been criticized for its use of the phrase “U Can’t Touch This,” which some people find to be braggadocious. However, the phrase has been embraced by others and has become a lasting part of popular culture.
Ultimately, “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
Conclusion
Hammer Time lyrics are a fun and creative way to express your love for music and dancing. They are inspiring and uplifting, and they always make me want to get up and dance. By listening to Hammer Time, we can open our minds to a new way of thinking and listening to music. We can use the catchy words and beats to enrich our lives and bring more joy into our days. I encourage everyone to take a few moments to listen to Hammer Time and experience the joy and energy it can bring. Let’s all take a Hammer Time and dance to the beat!