His sophomore album titled “Please, Hammer Don’t Hurt Em” stayed number one on the Billboard charts for 21 weeks straight. The first time that had happened in rap music. The album ended up selling 22 million copies worldwide. I understand there is a difference between hip hop and rap music and if you need an explanation on the subject; you can listen to KRS-ONE give a great lecture about it in this video.
I’m not trying to criticize or defend Hammer’s transition to the mainstream and pop charts. But I believed if he came out in any other time period other than the time he came out, he would have gotten a lot more props. The lines are blurred in Hip Hop right now. Drake has an album with love ballads on it but he is still considered a rapper. Nelly, Pitbull, and Flo-Rida are a few current examples of rap artists who have taken the pop route with minimum criticism. There is less concern about lyrics and who is dope and more concern about swag and getting money. I refer to 50 Cent’s famous line where he says: “Banks told me to switch the style up. And if they hate, then let them hate and watch the money pile up.”
Contrary to his reputation, I think Hammer was a pioneer and trailblazer of sorts. He was the personification of that famous 50 quote, which also symbolizes the attitude of the new rappers coming out. Hammer was the sacrificial lamb that decided rap music needed a pop star. Whether that was good or bad move for Hip Hop is something that can be debated; but it can’t be denied.
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