M.C. Hammer

From his supercharged performances to his stylish outfits, M.C. Hammer was entertainment personified at the height of his powers. He burst onto the music scene in 1990 with the groundbreaking album Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em, featuring the smash hit single "U Can't Touch This." Considered one of the first "mainstream" rappers, Hammer delivered rap music to a new segment of the population, paving the way for elaborate choreography and showmanship never before seen from any artist of that genre. He even started a new dance craze called the "Hammer Dance." Hammer's sophomore release, Too Legit to Quit(1991), also sold millions. Hammer bounced back in the 21st century with both a newfound spirituality as well as new ventures like his own reality show "Hammertime" (A&E, 2009) and successful start-ups in the tech arena. His influence in rap music was undeniable, as attested by the popularity of later rappers like Kanye West whose extravagant live shows, flashy footwork, and sampled melodies would not have existed without Hammer's original vision.