“Have You Seen Her” is a heartfelt hip-hop ballad by MC Hammer, released in March 1990 as the single from his breakthrough album, Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. The song is a reimagining of the classic soul hit by The Chi-Lites, originally released in 1971. Hammer’s version combines his signature rap style with the soulful, nostalgic vibe of the original, paying homage to the timeless theme of searching for lost love.
The song’s lyrics, like the original, tell the story of someone longing for a past lover, reflecting on their memories and wondering where they might be now. MC Hammer incorporates spoken verses and storytelling rap into the track, giving it a contemporary twist while maintaining the emotional core of The Chi-Lites’ classic. Hammer’s lyrics add a personal touch, blending the yearning of the original with a modern perspective that resonated with his audience.
Musically, Hammer’s version stays true to the soulful essence of the original while adding elements of hip-hop, including a steady drumbeat and subtle samples. The smooth chorus, sung by female backup vocalists, echoes the iconic refrain, “Have you seen her? Tell me, have you seen her?”, which remains the emotional centerpiece of the song.
The track achieved commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and performed well on R&B and hip-hop charts. It also charted in several other countries, reaching the top ten in numerous countries, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Germany. The song’s success followed the phenomenal performance of his prior hits, including U Can’t Touch This, and helped maintain the momentum of his career during this peak period.