Inside Out (MC Hammer Album)

Inside Out (MC Hammer album)

V Inside Out (inside out V) or Inside Out is the fifth studio album commercially released by M.C. Hammer in 1995, but technically/officially his sixth record in total since his debut effort (the EP Feel My Power) was re-released with additional tracks as his first full-length album (called Let's Get It Started).

After the decrease in popularity and sales of his previous album, The Funky Headhunter, Hammer decided to maintain his clean pop image.

The album was a look within Hammer's deep artistic self and featured dance, gospel, and emotionally driven tracks which spawned two singles, "Sultry Funk" and the gospel single "Going Up Yonder" (both of which were performed by Hammer on the popular dance show Soul Train and made countdowns on nationwide local radio stations). As a result, it charted at #23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

In contrast to his prior albums, the singles did not go as far as previous releases, only debuting and peaking at #119 on the Billboard charts. Critics claimed it was unfocused, as it was unclear if the genre was pop or rap. Although, some critics praised the fact it was perhaps intentionally eclectic (combining elements of dance, pop, rap, hip hop, alternative rock, and gospel). Nonetheless, the album sold below expectations and Giant Records dropped him and Oaktown Records from their roster.

However, with his appearance on VH1's Behind the Music, which showcased songs from the album at that time and a music video for "Keep On", the album did get notable attention with "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" receiving moderate radio play. It is well liked by devout Hammer fans, even considered one of his best artistically.

Since this album didn't sell as well as its predecessors (perhaps due to less promotion), some people claimed it was victim of the "crab mentality". Hammer would go on to explain within the liner notes of this album that he felt many of his so-called friends he staffed used and betrayed him, which contributed to a majority of his financial loss (best explained in the song "Keep On"). He would also hint about this again during interviews, including on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2009 (as well as on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1997).

Hammer thanks Eazy-E for introducing him every night they were on tour together in 1991 on the track "Nothin But Love (A Song for Eazy)", which was dedicated to him after his death.