A&E Network today announced a new original series, "Hammertime," following the life of rapper and dancer MC Hammer, his wife of more than 23 years and their family of seven. The series is currently in production and slated for premiere in 2009.
"MC Hammer is an iconic figure in American pop culture but many people only know him for his music and fashion sense, now A&E takes an unprecedented look behind his larger-than-life personality and into his life as a devoted husband, father and business entrepreneur," said Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President, Nonfiction and Alternative Programming, A&E. "Hammertime truly captures the intimate, funny and genuine moments that resonate with our viewers and underscore the essence of our brand."
"Each week we'll open our home to viewers to showcase the hectic pace of our lives and our eclectic family, our real life truly is drama and there is no better place than A&E for some Hammertime," said executive producer MC Hammer.
"Hammertime" will feature 11 half-hour episodes that take a peek inside the life of Stanley Burrell who rapped and danced his way into the hearts of America in the 1990s as MC Hammer and to date has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and is a three-time Grammy award winner. Known for his thrilling stage shows, powerful dance moves, catchy pop hits and his community commitment, Hammer faced some very public financial woes and now lives a more economically balanced life in Oakland, California with Stephanie, his wife and confidant of more than 23 years, and their family of seven ranging in age from 3-21.
Hammer is a new-age dad, he contributes equally to the child rearing responsibilities and daily household chores which is not an easy task considering he is building his new social media empire with his online website "Dance Jam" and his HAMMERTIME iPhone application, performing at concerts, juggling speaking engagements and running his social media optimized music label "FullBlast." The Hammer brood consists of: daughter Akieba, 21, a senior at University of Texas and opera, pop and soul singer; nephew Jamarius, 18, a talented football player; daughter Sarah, 15, an aspiring fashion designer and singer; Stanley Jr, 13, aka Boobie, who is following in his father's dancing footsteps; nephew Meschek, 12, a talented musician and athlete; Jeremiah, 10, a skateboarding daredevil and avid video gamer; and America's next top baby, 3-year old Samuel, the angel of the bunch.
"Hammertime" is produced for A&E Network by 3 Ball Productions Inc. ("Biggest Loser," "Beauty and the Geek"). J.D Roth, Todd Nelson and MC Hammer are series executive producers. Executive Producers for A&E are Robert Sharenow, Scott Lonker and Stephen Harris.
