Hammer Attacks Proposition 21
Former superstar rapper Hammer, now a San Jose, Calif.,
preacher, entered a makeshift jail cell in the parking lot of San Jose's
Jubilee Christian Center on Sunday (March 5) to protest California's
Proposition 21. Hammer plans to stay in the cell until after the state's
primary election Tuesday (March 7), in which voters will decide the fate of
the ballot measure — also known as the Gang Violence and Juvenile Crime
Initiative — which would amend the state's penal code to treat some
youthful offenders as adults and increase penalties for gang-related
offenses. Hip-hop duo Black Star, Latin hip-hop/groove band
Ozomatli and singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello played a
benefit concert in Santa Cruz, Calif., on Friday to raise funds and
awareness to fight the measure. Hammer is best known for his high-stepping
dance moves and catchy rap hits such as "Can't Touch This" and "Too Legit to
Quit."