He is best known for his hit rap songs "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit". He is the first artist to gain diamond status for an album and has sold 50 million records throughout his lifetime. He is remembered for a rapid rise to fame, flashy dance moves, choreography, and his trademark parachute pants. His superstar status and entertaining showmanship made him a household name and hip-hop icon in the 1980s and 1990s. He was also a TV producer, television show co-host, and is the head of his own music management firm. A self-described "super-geek", he is currently either investing in or consulting for eight technology companies. He was one of the first celebrities to embrace social media and spends 10-12 hours daily working on his technology projects.
He says, "I am honored that Jesus has taken a wretch like me and said I got some work for you to do." Today, he devotes his time to prison and youth ministries.