Song Lore: U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer
A groundbreaking hip-hop hit or just "Super Freak" with new lyrics? The story behind MC Hammer’s biggest song.
When you think of U Can't Touch This, chances are, a few things immediately come to mind: MC Hammer’s flashy parachute pants, his signature dance moves, and of course, that iconic beat. The song was absolutely everywhere in the early ‘90s—winning Grammys, defining an era, and cementing Hammer as a pop culture icon. But beneath the glitz, the story of U Can't Touch This is just as much about legal battles and sampling controversy as it is about dance moves and platinum records.
A Super Freaky Sample
The driving force behind U Can't Touch This is undeniably its instrumental hook, lifted directly from Rick James’ 1981 funk anthem Super Freak. Unlike some sample-based hits where producers chop up and rearrange the original track, U Can't Touch This keeps the Super Freak riff almost completely intact. The result? A song that feels both fresh and instantly recognizable.
But here’s where things get tricky. MC Hammer originally did not credit Rick James as a songwriter when U Can't Touch This was released. Despite the fact that the entire instrumental backbone came from Super Freak, Hammer initially treated it as his own creation, adding new lyrics and a fresh delivery over James’ work.
Rick James, however, was quick to notice.
Legal Battles & Royalties
Rick James wasn’t about to let his iconic bassline be used without proper credit—or financial compensation. After the song became a massive hit, James and his legal team stepped in, and a settlement was reached. Rick James was eventually credited as a songwriter on the track and received a hefty share of the royalties.
To put things into perspective, U Can't Touch This was one of the biggest songs of 1990. It won two Grammy Awards (Best R&B Song and Best Rap Solo Performance), became the first rap song to be nominated for Record of the Year, and helped MC Hammer’s Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em album go diamond (over 10 million copies sold in the U.S.). That means Rick James made a fortune off the lawsuit—some estimates say he earned more from U Can't Touch This than he did from Super Freak itself.
James later reflected on the situation, saying: "…It made me a lot of money… so I can’t complain too much."
Is It a Hip-Hop Classic or Just Funk Recycled?
Despite the legal controversy, U Can't Touch This undeniably played a major role in bringing hip-hop to the mainstream. At a time when rap was still seen as niche or even controversial, MC Hammer’s pop-friendly style helped open doors for future artists. The song became a cultural phenomenon, appearing in commercials, movies, and endless parodies.
That said, critics have debated its originality for years. Unlike hip-hop legends who transformed their samples into something entirely new, Hammer’s use of Super Freak was incredibly direct. While his lyrics and delivery gave the song a fresh energy, some argue that it leaned too heavily on Rick James’ work.
The Legacy of "U Can't Touch This"
Love it or hate it, U Can't Touch This remains one of the most recognizable songs of all time. Even decades later, it continues to be referenced in pop culture, from TV shows to TikTok trends. And while MC Hammer's career didn’t maintain the same level of success, this song ensures his place in music history.
As for Rick James? He walked away with both credit and cash—proving that even when you’re a Super Freak, you still gotta watch your royalties.
So, was U Can't Touch This an innovative hip-hop masterpiece or just a repackaged funk classic? That’s for you to decide.