The King of New Jack Swing Energy
"Here Comes the Hammer" is a high-octane track from MC Hammer's blockbuster 1990 album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em. While it shares the danceable DNA of "U Can't Touch This," this track requires more vocal stamina and aggressive projection. It blends pop-rap with funk, demanding a performance that is less about melodic range and more about rhythmic precision and attitude.
To rap this well, you need to lock into the pocket of the beat. The vocals are percussive, acting almost like an additional drum track. Let's break down the flow techniques required to master it.
AI Coach Tip: Diction is Key
Many users slur words during the fast verses. Our analysis recommends over-enunciating your consonants (T's, K's, and P's) to ensure the lyrics cut through the heavy production.
Phase 1: The Hype Intro
The song starts with pure energy. MC Hammer's delivery here is shouted but controlled. You need to use your diaphragm to project without shouting from your throat, which causes strain.
The Trap: Don't blow all your air on the first "Here comes the hammer!" shout. You need to reserve breath for the rapid-fire verse that follows immediately.
Phase 2: The Verse Flow
The verses feature a classic late-80s/early-90s flow pattern. It's relatively simple rhythmically but requires consistency. The challenge is maintaining the intensity.
- Rhythmic Precision: Focus on landing your rhymes exactly on the snare hits (beats 2 and 4).
- Breath Control: Identify the small gaps at the end of every second bar to take a quick "sip" of air. Do not wait until you are empty to breathe.
- Tone: Keep your voice in a chest register with a "forward" placement to sound authoritative.
Phase 3: The Call and Response
The chorus relies on the chant "Here comes the hammer!" This is an anthem. Imagine you are performing to a stadium. The vocal needs to be punchy and staccato.
To nail this section, visualize hitting the notes. Short, sharp bursts of air will give you the percussive quality that MC Hammer is famous for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vocal track peaks around an E4 during the shouted sections, but pitch is less important here than rhythm and timbre.
Yes. Use the Singing Coach AI app to slow the tempo down to 70%. Master the diction slowly, then speed it up. It's about muscle memory, not just speed.
Physical engagement helps. MC Hammer was a dancer first; try moving or bouncing to the beat while practicing to keep your vocal energy high.
