V Inside Out (V inside out) or Inside Out was the fifth studio album commercially released by M.C. Hammer in 1995, but technically/officially his sixth album in total since his debut effort (Feel My Power) was re-released with additional tracks as his second album (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).
In contrast to his prior albums, the singles did not go as far as previous releases, only debuting 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 poorly (peaking at 119 on the Billboard Charts) 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, the album did get notable attention with "Going Up Yonder" and "Sultry Funk" getting moderate radio play. It is well liked by devout Hammer fans, even considered one of his best artistically.
This album had not sold as well as its predecessors. Some claimed it was victim of the "crab mentality". Hammer would go on to explain in 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 in past and recent interviews, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2009 (as well as 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.
Track listing
"Luv-N-Happiness"
"Sultry Funk" (featuring VMF)
"Anything Goes on the Dance Floor"
"I Hope Things Change"
"Keep On"
"Everything Is Alright"
"I Need That Number"
"Bustin' Loose"
"Nothin But Love (A Song for Eazy)"
"Goin' Up Yonder"
"He Keeps Doing Great Things for Me"
"A Brighter Day"
"Keep On" sampled "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross.
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