San Joaquin County Superior Court is set to hear a breach of contract and property possession case brought by JPMorgan Chase Bank against rapper MC Hammer, alleging he defaulted on a financing agreement for a 2023 Land Rover Defender.
In a complaint filed July 31, 2025, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., claims Hammer, legally known as Stanley Kirk Burrell, and his business entity, U Cant Touch This LLC, failed to make required monthly payments on a $114,376.90 loan. The agreement, executed March 18, 2023, obligated Hammer and the LLC to pay $2,433.97 beginning May 2, 2023, for 60 consecutive months.
The bank asserts that Hammer ceased payments in May 2024, making only three subsequent payments of $2,500 each—two in June 2025 and one in July 2025. According to the complaint, the remaining balance is $76,732.79, and the vehicle remains in Hammer’s possession despite repeated demands for its return.
The filing seeks judicial orders for repossession of the Land Rover and recovery of the outstanding loan balance, plus applicable costs. JPMorgan’s suit alleges two causes of action: possession of personal property and breach of contract.
Hammer rose to prominence in the late 1980s with hits such as “U Can’t Touch This” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” At the height of his career in 1991, Forbes estimated his net worth at more than $33 million. By 1996, however, media reports placed his debt at $13 million, leading to a bankruptcy filing and the sale of his Fremont Hills mansion.
Past legal matters involving Hammer have included a copyright dispute over “U Can’t Touch This,” resolved through royalties to Rick James, and a 2013 incident in which Hammer accused law enforcement of racial profiling during a traffic stop.
Since then, Hammer has maintained a lower public profile, engaging in ministry work, business ventures, and occasional performances. His most recent large-scale tour was in 2019.
The pending case could resolve through settlement or proceed to trial. Procedural steps, including serving the complaint and awaiting Hammer’s formal response, remain underway.
Hammer has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. The court has not set a trial date.
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