| "Pumps and a Bump" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Hammer | ||||
| from the album The Funky Headhunter | ||||
| Released | February 13, 1994 | |||
| Format | CD single 12" single Cassette |
|||
| Recorded | 1993 | |||
| Genre | Hip-hop | |||
| Length | 5:05 | |||
| Label | Giant Records | |||
| Producer | Teddy Riley | |||
| Certification | Gold (RIAA) | |||
| Hammer singles chronology | ||||
|
||||
"Pumps and a Bump" is a song by Hammer, released as the first single from his album The Funky Headhunter.[1]
Contents |
The video for "Pumps and a Bump" generated a great deal of controversy because it showed Hammer in swimming briefs and with what appeared to be an erection. As a result, the video did not receive much airplay on MTV since it was considered too graphic. In response, Hammer filmed an alternative version of the video.
NFL cornerback Deion Sanders appeared in the re-shoot of the video.
The original video may have been one factor in unraveling Hammers's career. After having built a relatively wholesome image in the rap genre prior to releasing The Funky Headhunter, Hammer appeared to take on a gangsta persona to adjust to the changing landscape of hip hop. Within the video, he presented an overly sexualized image that did not coincide with his relatively clean-cut image from previous records. For example, Hammer was known for not using profanity or lyrics laced with sexual innuendos. Yet, he was trying to gain a new audience while still maintaining street cred at the same time.
In 2000, MC Hammer released the music video compilation MC Hammer - It's All Good/The Adventures of the Funky Headhunter, which included the two versions of the "Pumps and a Bump" video, as well as videos for other songs from the The Funky Headhunter album. This video compilation includes brief interviews with Hammer. After the "Pumps and a Bump" video is shown, a female interviewer asks Hammer, "A lot of women want to know, inquiring minds want to know, what's up with the Speedos? Tell us the truth, was there a sock in there?" Hammer appears to become embarrassed, then laughs and says, "I always have reservations from the standpoint of the questions that get asked. You know, 'Is it real?' 'Is this that?' You all know better than that. That's all real Hammer man." The interviewer proceeds with the questioning, "But why did you make another version? Was it because there was a rumor that you had an erection?" Again, Hammer laughs, and then jokingly asks "There was a rumor that it was headed in your direction?" He proceeds to offer a serious explanation, saying that his appearance in the video was too controversial because it seemed to endorse the stereotype that African American males have large penises. This prompted the filming of an alternative version in which Hammer remains fully clothed throughout the video.
| Charts | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 26 |
Additional chart positions: US R&B #21 / US Rap #3 / US Dance #34
During a mid-1990s appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, talk show host Arsenio Hall said to Hammer, "Women in the audience want to know, what's in your Speedos in the 'Pumps and a Bump' video?" A clip from the video was then shown, to much approval from the audience. Hammer didn't give a direct answer, but instead laughed. Arsenio Hall then said, "I guess that's why they call you 'Hammer.' It ain't got nothin' to do with Hank Aaron."
In 2010 American Idol contestant General Larry Platt sang a self-penned tune called "Pants on the Ground" that some in the media said sounded similar to "Pumps and a Bump".[2]
|
||||||||||||||