Mastering the Hip-Hop Ballad
Released in 1990 on the blockbuster album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em, MC Hammer's cover of "Have You Seen Her" brings a unique challenge to vocalists. Unlike the original Chi-Lites version which relies heavily on falsetto soul singing throughout, Hammer's version introduces a distinct structure: rhythmic spoken word verses paired with a melodic, sung chorus.
To score high on this track, you need to be a dual threat. You need the rhythmic pocket of a rapper for the verses and the breath control of a soul singer for the hooks. Here is how to break it down.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
In the spoken verses, many users slur their words. The AI detects consonant clarity. Ensure you are enunciating the narrative clearly—imagine you are telling a story to a friend in a quiet room.
Phase 1: The Spoken Verse (Storytelling)
The verses are not sung in a traditional melody, but they are not just "talking" either. They are rhythmic. You must stay locked in with the beat.
The Trap: Rushing the delivery. The beat is a mid-tempo groove. Relax into the pocket. Do not anticipate the snare drum; land right on it. Keep your pitch natural and conversational, but project enough to be heard clearly over the bassline.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Legato Singing)
When the famous line "Oh, have you seen her" arrives, you must switch gears instantly. This section requires legato phrasing—smooth, connected notes with no gaps in sound.
- Pitch Accuracy: The melody is simple but exposed. Avoid sliding up to the notes (scooping). Hit the pitch center immediately.
- Tone: Use a warm chest-voice resonance. Avoid the nasal "twang" used in pop-punk or hard rock; this is a soul track.
Phase 3: Emotional Connection
The lyrics describe a man seeing his ex-lover's face everywhere he goes. It is a song about longing and loss. If you perform this robotically, your "Expression Score" in the app will suffer. Use dynamics—get slightly quieter when the lyrics become more intimate, and louder on the plea "Tell me have you seen her."
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. This style is often called "Pop Rap" or "Hip Hop Ballad." You need to be comfortable switching between speech-level delivery and melodic singing.
This version is performed in Eb Major. It is a comfortable key for most Baritones and Tenors, as the highest notes in the lead vocal rarely exceed F4.
Practice with a metronome or the "Rhythm Trainer" mode in the Singing Coach AI app. Focus on landing your rhymes exactly on the 2 and 4 beats.
