MC Hammer - Inside Out

Disc One: The Monkey Bar, Are More Up Beats and Driving Groover Mixed and Compiled by Longstanding Resident Peter Mcnamara. Disc Two: The Banana Bend, Twists and Turns Through Various Genres of House and is Mixed and Compiled by Jason D'costa, a New Resident &one of Australia's Finest Djs. Album Details

So Long Oaktown, Hello Seattle

This album marked Hammer's foray into alternative rock, more specifically the "grunge" genre. Donning an old flannel shirt and torn jeans in the CD's inner artwork, Inside Out was a significant musical departure from the dance-rap style Hammer helped popularize years earlier. Featuring contributions from industry greats like guitarist Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) and drummer Scott Mercado (Candlebox), the end result was a pleasant surprise to many established Seattle musicians.

"Anything Goes On The Dance Floor" is Hammer's up-tempo tribute to mosh pits and slam-dancing, where Hammer proudly declares "Give a kick to the eye, raise your fist to the sky". "Keep On" is a heavy rock ballad in the lineage of Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train" in which Hammer laments his betrayal by the hip-hop community. "Bustin' Loose" is a power-chord driven rocker reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots' "Plush", which abruptly concludes with Hammer diving into the drum set and a stack of amps. There's even a tribute song to the late Eazy-E ("Nothin But Love") where Hammer's gravelly vocals are laid on top of heavily-reverbed electric guitar.

The majority of MC Hammer fans will likely be shocked by what they hear on this record, but alterno-rock fans alike will have trouble denying that Hammer can jam with the best of 'em. April 12, 2007

Heartfelt and a 180 degree turn from last album - Keep On

On this album the best song is "Going up Yonder". Best gospel rap track ever. Yes, this track is better than Hammer's "Pray", "Son of the King" and "Please don't pass me by". The album is different because it reflects Hammer's turmoil (in song "Keep on")and salvation (in songs "Everything is Alright" and "Brighter Day"). Still this is Hammer's most uplifting CD, however his dance tunes lack energy except for in the songs "Luv-n-happiness", "Everything goes on the dance floor" and "Sultry Funk". Hammer's salute to Easy E on the track "Nothing but love" was captivating and unexpected. The track "Brighter Day" is the most heartfelt song on this album, Hammer's delivery is amazing. Still a fan like myself longs for the dancing energy which was also absent in the next internet album Family Affair but present in Active Duty. The fact is that Hammer never sold out, he peaked too high in the game and was slayed by the black crab syndrome. It is hypocritcal for the same people who were dancing to his lyrics and wearing his baggy clothing and suits to call him a sell out for his commercial success and bankruptcy. His previous albums had social commentary, a love song and a gospel track which were rich and endearing. Undoubtedly Hammer is the most morally positive MC to touch the mic. Artists like Puff Daddy and Kirk Franklin are reflections of Hammer's legacy. Hopefully, the history of Hip-hop will continue to validate the accomplishments of Hammer. He has the most commercially successful rap album ever and was the first rapper to truly challenge the King of Pop during both of their primes. October 14, 2004

Make up your mind, Hammer!

There's really not much redemption after releasing an embarrassment like The Funky Headhunter (something about Hammer in a thong is very disturbing-remember the "Pumps And A Bump" video?). And this album doesn't give heads a reason to check for him either.

The leadoff single "Sultry Funk" is reason enough not to buy the album, but in reality, compared to the rest of the album, Hammer actually does his BEST rapping on here (the song's still not good, though). And this song features raps from someone named VMF (Vicious Man Funk), who drops the wackest bars ever. I don't know where Hammer found him, but he never should have.

Other mistakes on this album are the wannabe party starter "Bustin' Loose" and the get-to-know-you vibe of "I Need That Number". And "Anything Goes On The Dance Floor" is bad as soon as it starts. Even the Eazy-E ode "Nothing But Love" comes off uninteresting.

But while half of the album features standard rap songs (if you can call them that), the other half contains gospel songs. While tracks like "Goin' Up Yonder" and "Keep On" have great choirs backing them up, they really have no business being on this album unless ALL the raps were gospel-flavored. Moreover, Hammer's rapping isn't much better on these songs.

M.C. Hammer still doesn't seem to understand that being too experimental is not a good idea. Filled with out-of-place gospel, bad rapping, and lame guest stars, V Inside Out isn't worth the cash. February 22, 2003

Awesome

One of Hammers best Cds yet,inspiring songs and great dance beats,definitely would reccomend this one!! keep it coming Hammer!! August 17, 2001

Hammer's getting back on track

I must say that i was absolutely shocked when i listened to this Hammer CD. It's nothing like i imagined. And especially with the Gospel touch - it's really cool.Never has a CD captured so clearly the emotions of the artist (other than Tupac's tracks). And a most appropraite title for it -INSIDE OUT. With tracks such as "i hope things change" and "keep on",to the spiritually laced tracks "He keeps doing great things" and "going up yonder", hammer strikes gold once again. And what Hammer CD would be complete without some really groovy dance tracks? Check out "Sultry funk", "Everything's alright", "Luv n happiness", and authentically Hammer "Anything goes on the dance floor". A fantastic and different touch from the man who once sat on top of the rap and hip hop world. INSIDE OUT. October 25, 1999

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