U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer: Song Facts & Video

Album/collection: Greatest Hits
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
iTunes release date: January 13, 1990
Track runtime: 4:17

July 17, 2026

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About the Song

"U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released in May 1990 by Capitol Records as the third single from his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Rick James and Alonzo Miller also have songwriting credits, as the song samples the prominent opening riff of James's 1981 single "Super Freak". It has been used and referred to in many television shows, films, commercials, and other forms of media. The song has also received multiple awards and recognition. The accompanying music video was directed by Rupert Wainwright, featuring Hammer performing in his iconic Hammer pants.

Meaning Behind the Lyrics

Many listeners interpret "U Can't Touch This" as a bold assertion of confidence and success. The song captures the exuberance of the late '80s and early '90s hip-hop culture, celebrating personal achievements and the feeling of being untouchable in the face of challenges. Its catchy hook and memorable beat convey a sense of empowerment, inviting listeners to embrace their own uniqueness and resilience. The use of sampling adds a nostalgic layer, bridging past and present influences in music, making it not just a personal anthem for MC Hammer but also a cultural touchstone that resonates across generations.

Did You Know?

Stanley Kirk Burrell, better known by his stage name MC Hammer, is an American rapper and dancer.
He is known for hit songs such as "U Can't Touch This", "Pray", "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump", as well as flashy dance movements, extravagant choreography and his namesake Hammer pants.