Rap Artist 
MC Hammer Back in the fold



by Daina Doucet

After years as a backslider, MC Hammer says he's rededicated his life to Jesus.
He was known in the music business as the entertainer's entertainer, a superstar who sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and whose accolades include three Grammy's, seven American Music Awards and two MTV Awards. But in spite of his fame, rap artist MC Hammer faded from view two years ago.


But Hammer is back. And now, he says, Jesus is with him.
Last October in Barbados, in the midst of billows of smoke, with fireworks exploding above his head, Hammer rose from beneath a stage at the World Gospel '97 extravaganza. Wearing a metallic gold space suit, the prodigal son sang about his renewed faith in God.


MC Hammer, born Stanley Burrell, made an initial commitment to Christ in 1984. With a passion for God, he attended Bible studies and church meetings almost daily.
He was also active on an outreach team with a street ministry. Simultaneously, a gospel group he formed, the Holy Ghost Boys, produced a single called "Son of the King," which eventually became one of Hammers biggest hits. (Jon Gibson was a member of the Holy Ghost Boys)


But a change came in 1988. Capitol Records re-released his first album, Feel the Power, as Let's Get It Started. It produced three top 10 singles and sold over a million copies.
Thankful for the success, Hammer promised God he would include one song of praise on each album. He kept his word, but fortune gradually sucked him into what he calls"some serious junk." He began to slide into sin and away from God's protection.


Sin for Hammer wasn't blatant. He wasn't on drugs, but his business became a drug. Most people who are addicted to success, Hammer said, "can't identify this business drug. It takes all your time away from God, from the family, from extended loved ones."


Hammer believed he was living an illusion: "You create a utopia around you so you donÕt have to deal with the reality that you're not in the will of God. You wake up and realize you're a backslider."


The downward spiral continued until he produced a video several years ago, which he doesn't care to name. "That video was definitely over the line," he said.


He knew he was moving away from the Lord: "How can a Christian who's not being obedient make Christian materials," he asks.


Fifteen months ago Hammer chose to allow the Spirit to lead him once again, a decision he says didn't please demonic powers. It has been a difficult journey ever since.


Within the last year, he has survived bankruptcy, a serious knee injury and the trauma of his wife's cancer diagnosis. But he says God spoke to him in a dream: "God said, "You have suffered mentally and physically, but if you keep your love for Me through all this, you can come out."


Hammer awoke to find his pastor, Willie Harper, at his side, "I'm ready for the mission God's given me, I plan on being obedient," Hammer announced.


According to Hammer, God not only brought him out but also healed both him and his wife. Since then, he has become an evangelist.


He chronicled, his deliverance in a song, "He Brought Me Out," on a new album released last fall. The album, Family Affair, reflects his journey back to obedience."It was going to be a regular Hammer album with one gospel song. Then God took over and said, "Here's another, and another, and another, for a total of eight."


At World Gospel '97 in Barbados, Hammer launched his new career and debuted his new entourage of 25 musicians, choir members and dancers. Hammer sang "He Brought Me Out," combining it with the best in contemporary dance.


It's my transition album." Hammer said. "(The next one) will have a new hybrid style of inspirational, gospel and folk together. It won't be what the world considers secular."


Hammer stresses that although his music speaks of his spiritual commitment, he doesn't want to be known as a gospel rapper. He wants his ministry to continue to reach all young people.
"If kids say I'm just a gospel rapper, I won't be able to get in their cars," he added.


In Barbados, Hammer was invited to minister at the local jail. "Hammer preached till his shirt was soaked," Sutton said. "It wasn't a publicity stunt."  Forty-two inmates were saved at the prison.


But it may take time to convince some people that Hammer has changed. His bold style is foreign to an insulated Christian audience. Some express concern that he is mixing worldliness with a Christian message.


Harper disagrees, "Holiness will never change, but the method of winning souls is changing and has changed."
Hammer isn't allowing criticism to deter him from his mission. He told the World Gospel '97 audience: "I'm doing what I'm doing because God said so."

Reprinted by permission, Charisma, Strang Communications