Mon, July 18, MC Hammer

It’s Hammer time. Pop rap star MC Hammer returns to the California State Fair to play a free show (with paid admission to the fair). He’s the first hip-hop act to have a certified diamond album with sales of more than 10 million on his 1990 album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em. The album’s single “Can’t Touch This,” spawned silly dancing, “Hammer pants” and criticism that Hammer sold out. More to the point though, the album (and Hammer’s career arc) paved the way for dozens of modern urban teeny-boppers to create songs and dances, get record deals and make quick millions. Hammer pants optional. 1600 Exposition Boulevard, http://mchammer.com.