Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), known professionally as
M.C. Hammer (and later, for a time, simply
Hammer), is an American hip-hop recording artist, dancer, entrepreneur, spokesman and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the late 1990s. Remembered for his rapid rise to fame, Hammer is known for
hit records (such as "
U Can't Touch This" and "
2 Legit 2 Quit"), flashy dance movements,
choreography and eponymous
Hammer pants. Hammer's superstar-status and
entertaining showmanship made him a household name and hip hop icon. He has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.