Hip-hop pioneer and icon MC Hammer has had a career spanning just over three decades and over fifty million albums sold. With the 25th anniversary of "Too Legit Too Quit" quickly approaching, Hammer took some time out of his busy schedule to reminisce about the triple-platinum hit, and express optimism for the future of hip-hop.
"That whole project we had a lot of fun," Hammer told CBS News. The video for the title track to the album, "2 Legit 2 Quit," is still one of the most expensive music videos ever created, and featured many of the biggest stars of the era, including other music legends such as Queen Latifah, the late James Brown, and NWA's Eazy-E. The song became an instant hit as soon as it was released, and even now, almost twenty five years later, Hammer still sees the song's influence on modern hip-hop and pop. "There's a tremendous amount of dancing going on, and that was the foundation we laid, from the late 80's into the 90's, celebrating the art of dance, beats, performance, and music," Hammer said.
Hammer also expressed his admiration for modern artists, such as Kanye West, and Drake, saying "Hip hop is in good hands." He specifically pointed out his love for Chance the Rapper's latest, critically acclaimed mixtape, saying it epitomized the "touch points and sensibilities of hip-hop."
While Hammer seemed eager to reflect on the influence and impact of his biggest hits, he isn't content to live in the past; the veteran artist is preparing a brand new single, "The Plug," which he says is "already a classic." He's also starring in a series of a commercials for Command Wallstrips, where he uses his famous "hammer time" catchphrase to promote the company's ironically hammer and nail free alternative to hanging wall decor. "We need to stop hammer time. Do no harm to the walls," Hammer joked.
By Michael Lacerna for RAPstation.com
