M. C. Hammer

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known as M. C. Hammer, holds the distinction of the first recording artist to achieve diamond status for an album, having sold over 50 million records. Born into a financially struggling family with eight siblings, he spent his early years in a small apartment in Oakland California. As a child , Burnell attracted the attention of Charley Finley, the owner of The Oakland Athletics team, who observed the 11 year old doing splits in the parking lot. Impressed , Finley hired Burnell as a clubhouse assistant, batboy and management "spy" so to speak. He earned the nickname as "hammer" due to his resemblance of Hank Aaron whose nickname was "The Hammer". M.C. is the abbreviation which stands for "Master of Ceremonies" a name which he acquired while performing at various clubs. He initially started writing jingles for McDonalds and Coca Cola as a hobby, eventually leading to success in the Hip Hop market. He is a committed Christian involving God in his music as noted when he stated: "A long time ago, I made the commitment to dedicate at least one song per album to God. He has been very good to me, and never for one minute do I want Him to think I've forgotten, because I haven't." M.C. Hammer also noted: "I am honored that Jesus has taken a wretch like me and said I got some work for you to do."