Stanley Kirk Burell also know as 'MC HAmmer', 'Hammer' or 'Hammer Time' was most popular during the late 80's to mid 90's. He was known for his hit records, including "U Can't Touch This", his crazy dance techniques and trademark Hammer pants.
In addition to his rapid climb to fame Hammer is also known for his massive financial lost. Dude went bankrupt point blank. I'm not one to make assumptions BUT it could be that a large contribution to his depletion in funds may have to do with 15+ member entourage not including his army of back-up dancers decked out in Troop.
Now, Troop Sport is no longer with us but in the late 80's it was a huge urban athletic wear company that was especially popular amongst the hip-hop community. According to some tom foolery gossip 'Troop' was an acronym for 'To rule over oppressed people' and then it was believed that consumers(whom were mostly minorities) were being exploited by the KKK.
The rumor then grew and it was said that all sales and profit in the black community went to supporting white supremacists and that the KKK had inserted slips of paper into the lining of the jackets and sneakers that said 'Thank you niggers for making us rich'. One rumor stated that LL Cool J appeared on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and urged the viewers to protest against the company. Another rumor claimed that LL Cool J was leading his people to support the KKK. Poor LL.
Obviously Troop had no ties to the KKK or any type of white supremacist organization. It's owners Ted and Harvey Held were Jewish and Howard Kim was Korean. But that didn't stop the rumors. Troop's Marketing Director went was far as slicing open five jackets in Montgomery, Alabama to prove there were no paper messages hidden in the lining.
Unfortunately Troop couldn't over come the rumors and less than fives years after launching they were forced into bankruptcy.
Anyway Troop track suits were a pretty penny and the tennis shoes were the most expensive sneakers sold during the 80's it slaaaaaped a Jordan price tag easily. Some of the most popular Troop Sneakers sold were Troop Factor Low, Troop Pro-Performance, Troop Cobra (boots and trainers),troop web and troop platinum.
Let's Recap,
Mc Hammer's career could have been saved if he just bought some jumpsuits from K-mart
LL Cool J couldn't lick his lips and get out of every situation
AND Oprah rules the world.
the end
-Meg Prosper
