Released: August 13, 1986

Songwriter: MC Hammer

[Hammer]
B-boys yo I'm so upset
Break it down hard for the West respect
Bite yo' tongue, but don't you run
The fight ain't over it's just begun
Listen real close I'll get you straight
This is no La-Di-Da-Di or a radio break
Grab yo' speakers, a paper, a pen
And pay close attention because the West is in
Servin this notice and you better take notes
The West is down and we ain't no joke
West coast b-boys on the rise
Hammer and the posse cold kickin it live
Breakin down beats, MC's I devour
Rockin on the mic and you're feelin my power

(Oooh) Yeah, like I knew you should
Yeahhh

[Hammer]
Power is the key and you know what it gets
I come to see your show, that's how you make yo' check
Head so big, give us respect
Y'all talk a lot of stuff sucker boy we legit
Voice like go boom and you know you're doomed
If you try to diss the West when the Hammer's in the room
When the story is told, you act so bold
Leap like a frog if you think you're bold
I chew you like gum, and spit you out
You're nuttin but a fish, a smelt and not a trout
Fish boy liver when you see me you shiver
You talk a lot of whack, MC Hammer, I deliver
Breakin down beats, MC's I devour
Rockin on the mic and you're feelin my power

Yeahhh! Like a nuclear shower
(Oooh) Yeah, West

[Hammer]
Where would you go if you really didn't know
I was chillin at your show sittin in the front row
Me and my posse, posse yell HO
Rockin on the mic just to let you know
No denyin on what you've been tryin
The West ain't dead, yo' raps are dyin
All yo' beats they all sound the same
If yo' name was Joe would his be the same?
B-boy rocker, a real show stopper
Sippin on soda don't drink no vodka
In effect now boy, we in effect
You talk that whack, we want respect
Breakin down beats, MC's I devour
Rockin on the mic and you're feelin my power

(Oooh) Yeahhh! Like a nuclear shower
Yeahhh

[Hammer]
A-B-C-D-E-F-G
I'm not impressed, can you count to 3?
1-2-3 I won't give you hell
Y'all talk a lot of whack yep boy go yell
Don't be a fool, and don't quit school
I rock on the mic and the {?} tool
I'm a real showstopper on a mission to prove
You got an education you're on the move
I stayed in class with a pen and pad
I rock on the mic and I'm no jackass
In effect boy and I dare you to try
The West is def and we won't be denied
Breakin down beats, MC's I devour
Rockin on the mic and you're feelin my power

(Oooh) Yeahhh! Like a nuclear shower
Yeahhh... {*fades*}

MC Hammer

Stanley Kirk Burrell (born 30 March 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer, is an American rapper, dancer, entrepreneur, spokesman and occasional actor from Oakland, California. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the late 1990s. Remembered for his rapid rise to fame, Hammer is known for his hit records (such as “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit”), flashy dance movements, choreography and his trademark Hammer pants. Hammer’s superstar-status and entertaining showmanship made him a household name and Hip-Hop icon. He has sold more than fifty million records worldwide.

A multi-award winner, MC Hammer is considered a pioneer and innovator of pop rap, and is the first Hip-Hop artist to achieve diamond status for an album. Hammer was later considered a sellout due in part to overexposure as an entertainer, and as a result of being too “commercial” when Rap was “hardcore”, then his image later becoming increasingly “gritty” to once again adapt to the ever-changing landscape of rap. Burrell became a preacher during the late 1990s with a Christian ministry program called MC Hammer and Friends. Additionally, he starred in a Saturday morning cartoon called Hammerman in 1991 and was executive producer of his own reality show called Hammertime which aired during the summer of 2009. Prior to becoming ordained, Hammer signed to Suge Knight’s Death Row Records in 1995.

Throughout his career, Hammer has managed his own recording business. As a result, he has created and produced his own acts including Oaktown’s 3.5.7, Common Unity, Special Generation, Analise, One Cause One Effect, Teabag, Dom Kimberley, Geeman, DRS, Pleasure Ellis, B Angie B, Stooge Playaz, Ho Frat Hoo! and Wee Wee, among others. A part of additional record labels, he has collaborated and has been associated with 2Pac, Teddy Riley, Felton Pilate, Tha Dogg Pound, The Whole 9, Deion Sanders, and Big Daddy Kane, as well as others.