The Nation’s Capital has found a surefire way to spark interest in recent downtown development: Hire an aging, washed-up former rap star.

“Come out and dance, sing and enjoy an evening in Washington, DC,” hails a new announcement from the city’s government. “Thursday, September 6 hip-hop superstar MC Hammer brings his distinct style…with his hits Too Legit to Quit, Pray and U Can’t Touch This.”

Hammer (aka Stanley Kirk Burrell) has not had a hit since the early 1990s.

Still, officials are spinning this as an all-star affair:

“[The] concert will add to the vitality of our already thriving downtown,” explained Tony Gittens, a DC city government official. “We invite all of our residents and visitors to enjoy the diverse cultural activities Washington has to offer.”

Big Head DC has learned that the District will pay thousands of dollars to Hammer and his entourage to cover their lodging and other appearance expenses.