(NEW YORK) - Rapper/entrepreneur MC Hammer is to release his first new album in three years next month. |

Hammer says that the album, Family Affair, has a funky, hip-hop feel, but the "content is all based on spirituality." The album's first single "Big Man" deals with child abuse, according to Hammer, who is releasing the album on his own Oaktown Records with distribution by Word, Hit-Tyme and City Hall.

Hammer commences a 40-city U.S. and Caribbean tour in June. As for future projects, Hammer has acquired the soundtrack rights to Return To Glory: The Powerful Stirring Of The Black Man, a new book highlighting the accomplishments of people with African roots throughout history.

A documentary based on the book is in pre-production and co-author Joel A. Freeman says he hopes to launch a feature film project soon. Hammer is inviting a long list of R&B and gospelacts to participate on the music side. "This gives them an opportunity to express how happy they are to know about their heritage."