The name "MC Hammer" was synonymous with parachute pants, dancing entourages, suspenders and funky fresh dance moves. PLEASE HAMMER, DON'T HURT 'EM is a real trip in the time machine for those of us old enough to remember its early 1990s release. I was eight years old at the time, and practically everyone I knew [and their brother] was ripping "U Can't Touch This" (with a recognizable sample from Rick James' "Superfreak") in their tape decks. Hammer's combination of up-tempo, synthesized instrumentals and energetic raps appealed to a cross-section of listeners. Kids and teenagers imitated his look with flamboyantly-colored wide-legged ("parachute") pants and "take no prisoners" swagger. Also, his songs were catchy (if embarrassingly so, at times). Other songs he made famous on this album were "Have You Seen Her," (the closest thing The Hammer gets to a ballad), "Help The Children" and "Pray." Yes, this album will most likely cause a lot of snickering, and I realize I am dating myself, writing this review, but, hey, you knew this review was inevitable!...oh, and I am not shy about saying that the CD is indeniably a lot of fun, and takes you back to a place and time in pop culture that no longer exists.
uh oh! uh oh! here comes the music!
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