Music Memory Monday: My Walkman, MC Hammer, and One of My First Cassettes
Some of you may have heard me tell this story before on my show, but it’s one of those memories that takes me right back.
One of my earliest real music memories is the first time I can remember buying music of my own — not just listening to what my parents had or whatever happened to be playing on the radio.
I had just been given a cassette Walkman, and boy, did I think I was hot stuff. 😂 I would’ve been around 11 years old, and one of the first albums I bought was MC Hammer’s Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em.
Looking back, I picked a pretty big one.
Released in 1990, Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em became MC Hammer’s massive mainstream breakthrough. The album spent 21 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200, became the first hip-hop album to be certified Diamond in the U.S., and earned an Album of the Year Grammy nomination — the first hip-hop recording ever nominated in that category.
And, of course, it gave us one of the most instantly recognizable songs of the decade: “U Can’t Touch This.” 🔨🎶
But at 11 years old, I didn’t know anything about chart records, Grammy nominations, or Diamond certifications. I just knew I had my own Walkman, my own cassette, and music that felt like it belonged to me.
I can remember taking that Walkman with me in the family van and listening to the tape over and over again. I think that’s why every time I hear “U Can’t Touch This,” or one of the other hits from that album, I’m instantly transported back to those preteen years — sitting in the van with my headphones on and my cassette playing.
That’s one of the things I love most about music. A song can come on decades later and suddenly you’re right back in a specific place and time. You remember where you were, what you were doing, and sometimes even how you felt.
I Want to Hear Your Music Memories 📞
What song, cassette, CD, or album instantly takes you back?
Call 256-299-9090 and leave your music memory on the voicemail. Your story may even make it onto an upcoming episode of The 90s Room.
You can also text 256-299-9090 with a song request. If you have a dedication you’d like to go along with your request, call and leave it on the voicemail.
Two New Shows Are Coming to 90s Plus Radio 📻
Speaking of The 90s Room, two new shows premiere back-to-back on Saturday, September 5, beginning at 2 PM Eastern USA.
🇸🇪 2 PM ET — The Viking Diaries Outloud: 90s Edition with our friend Sharon, @viking.diaries
🛋️ 3 PM ET — The 90s Room with Rich Wheeler
Two show full of 90s memories, music, stories, and nostalgia — only on 90s Plus Radio — Where Nostalgia Meets Now.
📱 Please note: 256-299-9090 is a U.S. phone number. Messaging, data, and international rates may apply.
90s Plus Radio
Tap play to listen