MC Hammer's Net Worth: How He Turned Hits into Millions?

MC Hammer, whose real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, is an American rapper, dancer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his energetic performances, flashy dance moves, and catchy hit songs, MC Hammer became a cultural icon during the height of his career. 

He gained worldwide success with his breakout album "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em," which featured the chart-topping hit "U Can't Touch This." Beyond his music, Hammer also made waves in the business world with his own clothing line and various entrepreneurial ventures. With his unique style and positive messages, MC Hammer left an indelible mark on the music industry and pop culture.

Net Worth of MC Hammer in 2023

MC Hammer, an American rapper, entertainer, and dancer, achieved massive success in the 1990s, amassing a personal fortune that once reached $70 million. 

However, due to extravagant spending and excessive personal expenditures, he faced financial troubles and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 1996. Despite his earlier wealth, MC Hammer's net worth currently stands at $2 million. 

One notable factor contributing to his financial downfall was an opulent mansion, characterized by lavish features and expenses, which pushed him off a financial cliff. 

Impressive Record Sales

Throughout his career, MC Hammer experienced significant earnings and financial successes, as well as some notable financial setbacks. In 1987, his album "Feel My Power" sold approximately 60 thousand copies, bringing in an estimated $64,000 in earnings. 

The following year, he signed a contract with Capitol Records and received an advance payment of $1.7 Million.  His 1988 album "Let's Get It Started," along with a re-issued version of "Feel My Power" and additional tracks, sold around 2 million copies, earning him $2.2 Million. In 1990, the album "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em" sold a staggering 14.5 million copies, resulting in earnings of $14.7 Million. 

The success continued in 1991 with his album "Too Legit to Quit," selling 5 million copies and earning him $5.5 Million. However, as his fame soared, so did his extravagant spending, leading to financial troubles. Despite selling his mansion in 1997 for $5.3 Million, he filed for bankruptcy in 1996.

 In 2006, he sold his music catalog to Evergreen/BMG for $3 Million, and his album "Look Look Look" sold 300 thousand copies, bringing in $306,000. The rollercoaster of earnings and financial challenges showcases the highs and lows of MC Hammer's career in the music industry.

Earnings Throughout The Years

MC Hammer's career saw both remarkable success and financial challenges. Despite experiencing a highly publicized bankruptcy, he managed to bounce back through new album releases, managing his record label, and engaging in other entrepreneurial endeavors.

In 1991, MC Hammer achieved a peak earning year, raking in an astounding $33 million from various sources such as record sales, merchandise, endorsements, and revenue from touring. To put this figure into perspective, earning $33 million in 1991 is equivalent to earning approximately $70 million in today's dollars, showcasing the immense financial heights he reached during that time.

While his financial journey has been a rollercoaster, MC Hammer's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit have allowed him to rebuild his career and continue making an impact in the music industry and beyond.

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Massive Spending Habits Resulted in Bankruptcy 

During the years of his immense earnings, MC Hammer's lavish spending habits led to the accumulation of around $10 million in debt between 1990 and 1996. Eventually, this financial strain resulted in his official bankruptcy filing in 1996. 

Hammer's bankruptcy records revealed substantial loans, including a $500,000 personal loan from NFL/MLB star Deion Sanders and another $500,000 loan to a personal lawyer.

The rapper's extravagant lifestyle included extravagant purchases like numerous luxury sports cars, airplanes, and a record company. Additionally, he owned a sprawling 12-acre estate in Fremont, California.

Notorious for maintaining an extensive entourage, MC Hammer reportedly spent a staggering $500,000 per month on his entourage alone during the peak of his fame. These excessive expenditures, coupled with mismanagement of his finances, eventually led to his well-publicized financial downfall.

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Endorsement Deals

During the peak of his career, MC Hammer was a prominent figure in marketing campaigns for major brands like Pepsi, KFC, Toshiba, British Knights, and Taco Bell. He secured a substantial endorsement deal worth $138 million with a shoe company, further cementing his status as a highly sought-after endorser.

Apart from his commercial endeavors, Hammer was also known for his involvement in social and political causes. He endorsed the SAFE California Act, a proposal aimed at repealing the death penalty. Although the act was defeated in November 2012, his advocacy demonstrated his commitment to important issues beyond the realm of entertainment.

Mc Hammer's Investment in Crypto and Clothing Businesses

MC Hammer is currently heavily involved in the digital business sector, providing advice and investments to eight different companies. He dedicates 10-12 hours each day to his technological projects and actively engages on social media, tweeting 30-40 times daily.

In July 2010, Hammer established a mixed martial arts management organization called Alchemist Management. This venture aims to manage, market, promote, and build the brands of fighters. Based in Los Angeles, Alchemist Management is now responsible for overseeing the careers of ten fighters.

Additionally, Hammer has introduced his latest venture, Alchemist Clothing, which offers a vibrant new lifestyle through its clothing line. The premiere of the clothing line took place during an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight in Austin, Texas.

The Dream House

In October 1990, MC Hammer purchased a 12.55-acre property in Fremont, California, for $5 million. He demolished the existing 11,000-square-foot mansion and built a lavish 40,000-square-foot custom mansion costing between $12 and $20 million. 

The extravagant home featured numerous luxurious amenities such as a bowling alley, swimming pools, tennis courts, a recording studio, and more.

 However, the construction costs and upkeep of the property contributed to Hammer's financial troubles, leading to his bankruptcy in 1996. The mansion was subsequently listed for sale, and it was sold for $5.3 million in 1997 and again for $5.4 million in 2012.

Tours and Ticket Prices

MC Hammer has been part of numerous notable tours and concerts throughout his career. Some of these include the A Spring Affair Tour (1989), Summer Jam '89 (1989), Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em World Tour (1990 & 1991), Lawlor Events Center at the University of Nevada, Reno (1990-2017), Too Legit World Tour (1992), Red, White and Boom (2003). 

The Bamboozle Festival (2007), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (2008–2013), McKay Events Center with Vanilla Ice (2009), Illinois State Fair with Boyz II Men (2011), MusicFest (2012), Jack's Seventh Show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (2012), Kool & the Gang Superjam at Outside Lands (2014), and Hammer's All-star House Party Tour (2019). 

MC Hammer tickets on the secondary market can have varying prices depending on several factors. Generally, you may find MC Hammer tickets for as low as $48.00, while the average price hovers around $81.00.

Wife and Children

Currently, MC Hammer resides in a relatively modest ranch-style house located in Tracy, California, alongside his wife Stephanie, whom he has been married to since 1985. The couple is blessed with five children named Bobby, Jeremiah, Sammy, Sarah, and A'keiba. Additionally, they also raised Hammer's nephew.

Despite his successful music career, Hammer is now actively involved in the tech industry and frequently shares updates on social media. He is currently advising for or investing in eight tech companies, dedicating 10-12 hours daily to work on various tech projects. Known for his active presence on Twitter, Hammer has been seen tweeting 30-40 times per day.

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