"Pray" is a song from American rapper and dancer MC Hammer's third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990). Produced by Hammer, the song heavily samples Prince's 1984 song "When Doves Cry", the first of just a few times that Prince allowed samples of his compositions. The track also interpolates Faith No More's "We Care a Lot". The word "pray" is mentioned 147 times during the song, setting the record for the number of times a song title is repeated in an American Top 40 hit.
Capitol Records released "Pray" as the third single from Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em in August 1990. It became MC Hammer's biggest hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number two. The track also became a top-40 hit in multiple countries, and helped make Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em the number-one album of the year. The song was certified gold in the US on November 26, 1990 (with sales over 500,000 copies). The song, accompanied with music videos, has appeared on several compilation albums, including Greatest Hits, Back 2 Back Hits, and The Hits. It also appeared in Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em: The Movie (1990).
Track listing US CD single "Pray" (Slam the Hammer mix) – 8:01 "Pray" (Slam the Hammer piano dub) – 5:26 "Pray" (Jam the Hammer mix) – 5:00 "Pray" (Hit 'Em Hard mix) – 5:25 "Pray" (Nail 'Em Down chant) – 4:56 "U Can't Touch This" (LP version) – 4:15
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1990–1991)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)5Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)7Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)Radio Luxembourg Singles. December 16, 1990.9US Billboard Hot 1002US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard)27US Dance Club Play (Billboard)3US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)4US Hot Rap Singles (Billboard)7US Cash Box Top 1003
Year-end charts Chart (1990)PositionCanada Dance/Urban (RPM)27 Chart (1991)PositionAustralia (ARIA)56Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)75Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)59Europe (European Hit Radio)86Germany (Media Control)55US Dance Club Play (Billboard)39
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesAugust 21, 1990CapitolAustraliaNovember 26, 1990CassetteUnited KingdomJapanNovember 28, 1990Mini-CDAustraliaDecember 17, 199012-inch vinyl
References