Today, January 13, 2010, marks the 20th anniversary of the release of “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer.
I know many of my readers weren’t even born in 1990, but I remember the song, and I definitely remember the look. I proudly wore my pairs of “Hammer Pants” back in elementary school, would break out in my own sad version of the rap (caught one time on tape at one of those amusement park karaoke booths), and definitely owned the cassette. I’ll event admit to watching an episode or two of the failed animated series Hammertime.
I know I’m not alone in my love of the music of MC Hammer. At my friend’s wedding this summer, the DJ definitely played the popular track from the 90’s, causing one of my friends to break out into a full MC Hammer impersonation and the rest of us to breakout as backup dancers. (Don’t deny it, we were cool).
Sadly, MC Hammer has faded into the background of pop culture popularity, appearing now on sad former celebrity reality shows. I honestly feel bad for him as his wealth and riches have often disappeared.
He was one of the most popular artists in 1990, and he changed the music landscape, giving rise to new artists.
Still, he fell. Why?
Because he cared too much.
Hammer had one of the largest entourages at the time. He could easily have 50-100 backup dancers in a performance, most of them friends or friends of friends from his old Oakland neighborhood. He tried employ as many people as he possibly could, providing them income, and hopefully transitioning their lives in the process.
Unfortunately, he attempted to help too many and as his music declined in sales, he was unable to sustain that lifestyle.
So I still have respect from MC Hammer, but I think there is a lesson to be learned as well.
We have to remember to be a little bit selfish. For some things, we really have to say “You can’t touch this.”
Yes, we need to give.
Yes, we need to volunteer.
Yes, we need to help those around us.
Yes, we need to be generous.
But there is a certain point where we need to pause. Where we need to rest. Where we need to focus on ourselves so we can focus on others. I have no doubt that MC Hammers stress in keeping those around him employed, created a level of stress that affected his ability to create new music.
So we need to find the balance.
Today, I’m finding some of that balance by listening to a song I loved 20 years ago.
I hope you find some joy today as well.
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