M.C. Hammer Publishing Catalog Up For Sale

October 31, 2005, 4:20 PM ET

By Susan Butler, N.Y.

Music publishing and other copyright assets of M.C. Hammer, whose legal name is Stanley Burrell, have been put up for sale nine years after the multi-platinum rapper first filed for bankruptcy in California. The court-appointed publishing administrator says that the catalog is still generating "substantial income."

The sale will include a 50% interest in "U Can't Touch This," which hit No. 1 in 1990 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and a 90% interest in "2 Legit 2 Quit," which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100.

Wixen Music Publishing in Calabasas, Calif., has been the court-appointed administrator for the publishing assets of five Hammer companies since shortly after the 1996 bankruptcy filing. The delay in offering these assets is the result, in part, of litigation with EMI Music Publishing, EMI Records and others, Randall Wixen tells Billboard. All the claims have been resolved.

The bankruptcy trustee is attempting to locate 33 songwriters who had deals with the Hammer publishing companies. They risk losing their royalties if they do not contact attorney Terrance Stinnett with Goldberg, Stinnett, Meyers & Davis in San Francisco by Dec. 31. After that date, the royalties will by paid to the state of California as unclaimed property.

According to an ad placed in the Nov. 5 issue of Billboard, bids are due by Feb. 28, 2006. For more information, contact Randall Wixen at 24025 Park Sorrento, Suite 130, Calabasas, Calif. 91302.

http://www.billboard.com/...1001392990

Maybe MJ can buy the catalog. Remember when Hammer said he could out dance MJ?

From Billboard.com:



It's "still generating substantial income"? People are still buying Hammer records? Or maybe it's all the airplay that "Addams Groove" gets on those 'Jack' formats.

sextonseven said:

thesexofit

minneapolisgenius said:

He probably already placed a bid.

I want to own "Pray".

carlcranshaw said:

No. I don't remember that.

CinisterCee said:

Prince already owns 75% of that one.

I want to own "Pray".

But they're all majorly sampled anyway, what could they possibly be worth since barely anyone buys or plays them anymore?

Ellie said:

That's why only 50% of "U Can't Touch This" is for sale. Rick (or his estate) owns the other half. But you can own a whopping 90% of the song "2 Legit 2 Quit".

And you didn't read the article carefully. The publishing administrator says that the catalog is still generating "substantial income."

sextonseven said:

dont forget the addams family song... the classic that it is.

sosgemini said:

It's worse than the Teletubbies catalogue!

sosgemini said:

I couldn't forget that one. It was the first song I mentioned in the first post.

Seriously guys, this is a great chance to make some money and everyone is laughing. I'm gonna have to bust out my Billboard book tonight and show you guys how many chart hits the mighty Hammer has had. You could be the next Michael Jackson after he bought the Beatles catalog!






I couldn't type all that with a straight face.

MikeMatronik said:

Thats harsh coming from a fan of just disposable gay pop

thesexofit said:

This comes from the number one Don Johnson fan!

Listen Buster:

If you can get a joke, get a bloody sense of humour!

DIG!

MikeMatronik said:

Sorry, iam sick of the repeated hammer bashing on here. Everyone can bash him if they want, but i've heard it all now. Ok, its such a shame that hammer was original and did actual rap u could dance to instead of the usual shit of hearing a rapper and commenting "wow, how deep that contrived line really relates to my life" sorta verses, but thats hammer for u. Rap fans need to get their heads out of their asses....


Iam glad u didn't flame me. But that line was tough. Sometimes i doint know if its a joke with hammer. Peace
[Edited 11/3/05 15:51pm]

thesexofit said:

omfg..your mc hammer arent you?

sosgemini said:

i dont think hammer even cares anymore. He use to.

"Hammer, can u hear me"



buy mc hammer, and u will be rewarded

thesexofit said:

now your sounding like a tobacco lobbyist.