MC Hammer’s Radio Interview: The Death Row Deal
February 1990 –
L.A.'s Hottest Hip-Hop Radio Station
The energy inside the studio was electric. The past week had been filled with one of the biggest headlines in hip-hop—MC Hammer, the man who brought flashy dance moves and high-energy performances to the mainstream, had officially signed with Death Row Records.
It was a move no one saw coming. Death Row had a reputation for hardcore gangsta rap, while Hammer was known for party anthems and commercial success. Fans, critics, and industry insiders were all asking the same question: Why?
To get answers, L.A.'s most influential hip-hop radio host, Big Mike, had invited MC Hammer for an exclusive interview. And today, the world was about to hear the full story.
As the door to the studio opened, MC Hammer walked in with his signature confidence. Dressed in a crisp black suit with gold accents, he carried himself like a man who knew exactly what he was doing. He dapped up Big Mike and took a seat across from him, adjusting his shades as he got comfortable.
Big Mike: "Man, Hammer! It's been a crazy week. People are losing their minds over this Death Row deal. I gotta ask—how the hell did this happen?"
Hammer leaned back, a knowing smile crossing his face.
MC Hammer: "Man, it's a long story. But if we gonna talk about this, we gotta go back to '88."
Big Mike leaned in, intrigued.
Big Mike: "Oh, we going way back, huh?"
Hammer nodded.
MC Hammer: "Yeah, because if I hadn't met Tupac back then, none of this would've happened."
---
1988: The First Meeting with Tupac
Hammer glanced at the microphone as if replaying the moment in his mind.
MC Hammer: "A lot of folks don't know this, but back in '88, I was grinding hard, trying to finish my album Let's Get It Started. I had the moves, I had the energy, but I needed the right songs. Something fresh."
Big Mike listened closely as Hammer continued.
MC Hammer: "That's when Ice-T hit me up. He said, 'Hammer, I know this young cat who's got a crazy pen. He's been ghostwriting for some underground artists. If you need hits, he's the one.'"
Big Mike raised an eyebrow.
Big Mike: "Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me Tupac—17-year-old Tupac—helped write your album?"
Hammer chuckled.
MC Hammer: "Exactly, bro. Ice told me about this kid named Tupac. Now, back then, Pac was just some hungry young dude, but Ice swore he had talent. Said he could write a whole album in a week if I needed him to."
Big Mike shook his head in disbelief.
Big Mike: "And what did you think?"
Hammer smirked.
MC Hammer: "Honestly? I wasn't sure. Pac was known for street-heavy rap, and I was making dance hits. I told Ice, 'Man, I don't know if he's the right fit.'"
Big Mike laughed.
Big Mike: "Yeah, I can see why. That's two different worlds."
MC Hammer: "Exactly. But Ice wasn't having it. He said, 'Just meet him. Give him a shot. If he don't impress you, send him home.'"
Hammer paused before continuing.
MC Hammer: "So I agreed. And man, that was one of the best decisions of my life."
---
Tupac's First Studio Session
MC Hammer: "A few days later, Pac walks into the studio. First thing that shocked me? How young he looked. Dude was 17 but carried himself like he'd been in the game for years. He walked right up to me, shook my hand, and said, 'Hammer, I appreciate you bringing me in. Let's make some hits.'"
Big Mike grinned.
Big Mike: "No hesitation?"
MC Hammer: "None. No nervousness, no doubt—just confidence. Like he knew he was gonna be great."
Hammer leaned forward, remembering the moment.
MC Hammer: "I expected him to show me one or two song ideas. Instead, he pulled out a list—50 songs deep."
Big Mike's eyes widened.
Big Mike: "Fifty?"
MC Hammer: "Fifty, man. He handed me the papers and said, 'Pick whatever you want.'"
Big Mike shook his head in disbelief.
Big Mike: "That's insane."
Hammer nodded.
MC Hammer: "I flipped through the lyrics, and my jaw nearly dropped. Every song was fire. I picked five."
Big Mike: "And Let's Get It Started was one of them?"
Hammer pointed at him.
MC Hammer: "Exactly. One of the biggest songs of my career. And Pac wasn't just a writer—he was involved in the entire process. I remember recording the hook, and he straight-up stopped the session."
Hammer laughed, shaking his head.
MC Hammer: "He told me, 'Nah, Hammer, you gotta hit that last word harder. When you say STARTED, stretch it out. Make people feel it.'"
Big Mike cracked up.
Big Mike: "That sounds like Pac."
MC Hammer: "Yeah, man. He got up, started bouncing to the beat, and showed me how it should sound. I ran it again with his tweak, and it changed the whole vibe."
---
1990: The Death Row Deal
Big Mike: "Alright, so you and Pac had history. But let's talk about the big news—why did you leave Capitol Records for Death Row?"
Hammer sighed, leaning back.
MC Hammer: "Capitol was good to me, but I wanted more control. Labels take their cut, they own your masters, and they tell you what to do. Death Row? They're changing the game. Artists are getting better deals—higher royalties, ownership after ten years, and creative freedom."
Big Mike nodded.
Big Mike: "Yeah, but you know people are saying Death Row doesn't fit your image."
Hammer smirked.
MC Hammer: "That's what everybody thinks. But Death Row ain't just about gangsta rap. It's about talent. And guess who was the first person to call me after he heard I was considering the deal?"
Big Mike: "Let me guess… Tupac?"
Hammer pointed at him.
MC Hammer: "Bingo. Pac called me and said, 'Hammer, if you sign with Death Row, I'll write for your next album too.' That was all I needed to hear."
Big Mike let out a low whistle.
Big Mike: "Damn. So Pac really played a role in you signing?"
Hammer nodded.
MC Hammer: "Yeah, man. And I started thinking… If I hadn't met Pac in '88, I might still be just another underground artist. One moment can change your whole life."
Big Mike shook his head.
Big Mike: "That's deep."
---
Changing the Industry
Big Mike: "Alright, let's talk business. You got a 30% royalty rate and own your masters after ten years. That's unheard of."
Hammer smiled.
MC Hammer: "It is. But this is the future. No more artists getting played. Death Row ain't just about hardcore rap—it's about building something bigger."
Big Mike sat back.
Big Mike: "Man, I don't think people understand just how big this move is."
Hammer chuckled.
MC Hammer: "They will soon."
Big Mike looked at the camera broadcasting the interview live.
Big Mike: "Y'all heard it here first. MC Hammer on Death Row. And it all started with a young Tupac in '88. Hip-hop history in the making."
AN
Guy there are going to less chapter updated due you guys supporting the less story plus my final exam are coming up maybe you willnot see daily updates but I will update when ever I can.