The Bert Show – Vault: Interview With MC Hammer

Date: October 27, 2025
Host: The Bert Show Cast (Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy & others)
Guest: MC Hammer

Overview of the Episode

This vault episode of The Bert Show features a candid and charismatic interview with hip-hop icon MC Hammer. The hosts—overtly starstruck—invite Hammer to reflect on his legendary career, the highs and lows of fame, his financial choices, philanthropic motivations, the mark he left on music and fashion, and his perspective on legacy. Hammer’s responses are energetic, witty, and demonstrate deep self-awareness, making for an engaging listen that blends nostalgia with insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nostalgia & Introductions

• The hosts’ excitement is palpable, immediately harkening back to their childhood fandom.
  • "When we had MC Hammer on the show, I was like a 12 year old all over again. Hammer." (Interviewer 1, 01:46)
• MC Hammer greets the team warmly, setting a friendly tone.
  • "Good morning. How you doing?" (MC Hammer, 01:54)

2. Addressing the Highs and Lows: Life Story & Movie

• The conversation starts with a question about reflecting on both the ‘highs and lows’ of Hammer’s life.
  • Question: “Is it painful to sit back and write about your life because there were so many highs and so many lows?” (Interviewer 1, 02:12)
• MC Hammer reframes the narrative:
  • Quote: "As a matter of fact, it's the opposite. There's so many highs and only one low... Life is not one moment. Your life is made up of many moments put together that equals life." (MC Hammer, 02:20)
• He briefly recounts his journey from East Oakland to international stardom and numerous awards.
  • Quote: "I was born many years ago and began my life in East Oakland in humble beginnings. And from there have gone on to see the world... been around the world nine or 10 times, played in front of millions... collected numerous awards... absolutely, it's been a great life now." (MC Hammer, 02:20)

3. The Money Question: Spending, Payroll, and Choices

• Bert asks directly how Hammer 'spent the money', addressing his infamous financial woes.
  • Quote: "I had a payroll of $800,000 a month, over 200 employees... very simple math... puts a big dent on anybody's fortune. But it was a conscious decision that I made." (MC Hammer, 03:07)
  • Hammer emphasizes that it was his choice to employ people in his community and take care of others.
  • Quote: "I always said if I make it that I would help others out. Money... I didn't start this, you know, this business or being an artist to make money. I became an artist because I knew I had a talent." (MC Hammer, 03:42)
• Hammer clarifies his intent was philanthropy, not just extravagance.

4. Legacy: Will It Be About Triumph or Loss?

• The hosts probe what Hammer believes his ultimate legacy will be, considering the media's focus on his financial downfall.
  • Question: "Is the legacy that you're leaving... gonna be that you were so big or that you lost all that money?" (Interviewer 1, 04:07)
• Hammer responds assertively:
  • Quote: "It depends on who you're talking to... If you're talking to people who are unaccomplished... then they'll focus on... 'If I had one Hammerhead, I would have done it this way.'... One moment will never take away my talent." (MC Hammer, 04:19)

5. Philanthropy: Would Hammer Make the Same Choices Again?

• The team asks if Hammer would repeat the same approach if he became wealthy again.
  • Hammer answers thoughtfully—he’s learned there are many ways to help your community, not just through direct employment.
  • Quote: "You can utilize parts of your own [wealth] and then you have... non-profits... corporations... government programs... Certainly if it's not direct employment, I will still be doing things to help my community. That is my calling." (MC Hammer, 04:47)

6. Influence & Innovator Status in Hip Hop and Fashion

• The hosts bring up Hammer’s influence on acts like Puffy (Sean Combs/Diddy) and discussions about big-budget performances in hip-hop.

  • Quote: "I definitely can... see the influence... that I have on Puffy and others, and that's always flattering. But at the end of the day, I'm me... MC Hammer is MC Hammer at the end of the day." (MC Hammer, 05:47)

• They discuss the upcoming ‘J Slick’ clothing line, tying into his history of influencing fashion.

  • Quote: "I've been affecting fashion for quite a while... from the very first time with the baggy pants... And so to diversify into fashion is a natural thing." (MC Hammer, 06:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There's so many highs and only one low. Life is not one moment. Your life is made up of many moments put together that equals life.” (MC Hammer, 02:20)
• "I had a payroll of $800,000 a month, over 200 employees... it was a conscious decision... I always said if I make it that I would help others out." (MC Hammer, 03:07–03:42)
• “If you're talking to people who are unaccomplished... then they'll focus on... 'If I had one Hammerhead, I would have done it this way.'... One moment will never take away my talent." (MC Hammer, 04:19)
• “Certainly if it's not direct employment, I will still be doing things to help my community. That is my calling.” (MC Hammer, 04:47)
• “When you see me do my thing, you'll see... it's flatter to have others who do parts of my act. But MC Hammer is MC Hammer at the end of the day.” (MC Hammer, 05:47)
• "To diversify into fashion is a natural thing. Most performers are creative... It's just again, another byproduct of what we do." (MC Hammer, 06:20)

Important Timestamps

• 01:46: Interviewers express excitement and introduce MC Hammer.
• 02:20: MC Hammer philosophizes on life’s highs and lows.
• 03:07: Transparency about finances—$800,000/month payroll and philanthropic intent.
• 03:42: Discussion about helping his community and personal motivations.
• 04:19: Hammer addresses perceptions of his legacy.
• 04:47: Would Hammer do it all again? Exploring philanthropy in new forms.
• 05:42–06:13: His influence on modern performers and thoughts on fashion.

Tone Reflection

The tone is fun, casual, and nostalgic, with Hammer striking a balance between humility and pride in his achievements. He’s direct but jovial in addressing the legends and rumors, and he leaves no doubt about the impact he’s had or the thoughtful purpose behind his decisions. The hosts maintain their energetic, irreverent “best morning radio” vibe, making the chat fast-paced and relatable.

Summary

This episode offers more than a celebrity check-in—it’s a meaningful reflection on success, purpose, and resilience from MC Hammer, told with humor, wisdom, and enduring confidence. Fans and newcomers alike will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the man behind the parachute pants.