MC Hammer takes aim at Jay-Z in New Video
MC Hammer Targets Jay-Z in Explosive New Track
MC Hammer was once the king of rap and one of the most recognized names in pop culture. He has reignited his career with a controversial diss track aimed at Jay-Z. The song, titled “Better Run Run,” was released alongside an over-the-top music video. This video portrays a dramatic and theatrical narrative of betrayal and redemption. The feud stems from a single line in Jay-Z’s verse on Kanye West’s “So Appalled.” There, Jay-Z casually referenced Hammer’s well-documented financial troubles. Now, Hammer is hitting back hard. As a result, combining humor, drama, and even a touch of theology to make his point.
The Feud That Sparked the Fire
The tension between MC Hammer and Jay-Z began in September when Jay-Z dropped a brief but stinging line in “So Appalled.” The verse, “Hammer went broke, so you know I’m more focused / I lost 30 mil’, so I spent another 30,” alluded to Hammer’s widely publicized financial downfall in the 1990s. The former rap mogul once boasted a $30 million fortune. However, he saw his empire crumble due to mismanagement and excessive spending.
Many in the hip-hop community have poked fun at Hammer’s financial woes over the years. However, Jay-Z’s lyric struck a nerve. Hammer took to Twitter shortly after the track’s release, accusing Jay-Z of disrespect and even linking him to alleged ties with the Illuminati. In a series of tweets, Hammer wrote, “Laughing at these grown men coming on my timeline with their #pompoms waving for #HellBoy (Jigga)… You wanted my attention, #HellBoy (Jigga)… you got it.”
“Better Run Run:” A Diss Track with a Message
MC Hammer responded to Jay-Z’s lyric with “Better Run Run,” a track and accompanying music video that combines diss rap with theatrics. In the song, Hammer accuses Jay-Z of selling his soul to the devil for fame and fortune. The hook, “Better run, better run run,” serves as a warning, while the verses detail Hammer’s disdain for Jay-Z’s perceived betrayal of hip-hop values.
The video takes the drama to another level, featuring a Jay-Z lookalike being chased through a forest by a demon. The chase ends with Hammer baptizing the lookalike, symbolizing redemption and salvation. While the video’s low-budget effects and exaggerated narrative have drawn mixed reactions, it has certainly captured public attention.
Lyrics That Pack a Punch
The lyrics of “Better Run Run” are a mix of direct shots at Jay-Z and broader commentary on the state of hip-hop. Lines like “The Devil said ‘I’ll give you the world’ / ‘I’ll take it plus give me a girl'” accuse Jay-Z of making a Faustian bargain to achieve success. Hammer also mocks Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella brand with the line, “He said ‘Throw the Roc up, that’s one of mine.'”
Hammer doesn’t shy away from addressing Jay-Z directly, rapping, “Yo Jay, I got a reason to doubt / If I knocked on your door, would you come on out?” The verse calls back to Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and challenges the rapper to confront Hammer’s accusations head-on.
A Comeback or a Comedy?
The release of “Better Run Run” has sparked widespread debate. Some see it as a bold comeback for MC Hammer, who has largely stayed out of the music spotlight for years. Others view it as a desperate attempt to remain relevant in an industry that has long moved on.
Critics have labeled the song and video as over-the-top and lacking in musical quality, but fans of Hammer appreciate his willingness to stand up for himself. The video, with its campy visuals and symbolic narrative, has become a viral sensation, proving that Hammer still knows how to grab the spotlight.
Hammer’s Evolution: From Rap Mogul to Minister
MC Hammer’s career trajectory has been one of the most fascinating in hip-hop history. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was a trailblazer, bringing rap to mainstream audiences with hits like “U Can’t Touch This” and “Too Legit to Quit.” However, his extravagant lifestyle and financial mismanagement led to bankruptcy, turning him into a cautionary tale.
In recent years, Hammer has reinvented himself as an ordained minister and motivational speaker. His faith plays a central role in “Better Run Run,” as he positions himself as a spiritual warrior battling the evils he perceives in the music industry. The video’s baptism scene underscores his belief in redemption and the power of faith.
Jay-Z’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Jay-Z has yet to respond directly to MC Hammer’s diss track, a silence that some interpret as indifference. As one of the most successful and influential figures in hip-hop, Jay-Z is no stranger to controversy and public feuds. Over the years, he has faced off with the likes of Nas, 50 Cent, and others, often emerging unscathed.
By choosing not to engage, Jay-Z may be signaling that Hammer’s track is not worth his attention. Alternatively, he could be taking a strategic approach, allowing the hype to die down without further fueling the feud.
The Broader Implications for Hip-Hop
The feud between MC Hammer and Jay-Z highlights the ongoing tension between old-school and new-school hip-hop. For veterans like Hammer, the genre represents authenticity and struggle, values they feel have been compromised by commercialization. Jay-Z, on the other hand, embodies the evolution of hip-hop into a global, multi-billion-dollar industry.
While the diss track itself may not go down as a classic, it serves as a reminder of the generational divides within hip-hop. Hammer’s accusations about the Illuminati and the pursuit of material wealth reflect broader concerns about the direction of the genre.
Conclusion: A Comeback Wrapped in Controversy
MC Hammer’s “Better Run Run” has reignited his career and sparked a heated debate within the hip-hop community. While the song and video have drawn criticism for their over-the-top approach, they also showcase Hammer’s unwavering confidence and commitment to his values.
As the dust settles, the question remains: will this feud mark a new chapter for MC Hammer, or will it fade into hip-hop history as a fleeting moment of controversy? Only time will tell, but for now, Hammer has proven that he still has a voice—and he’s not afraid to use it.