News of January 27, 1997
American Music Award: Tupac Posthumously Voted Favorite Rap Artist
Brandy accepted the award: Four months after his death, Tupac won the American Music Award as favorite rap and hip-hop artist on January 27, 1997.
At the 24th American Music Awards on January 27, 1997, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Tupac Shakur was honored as favorite artist in the rap and hip-hop category. Singer Brandy accepted the award on his behalf. The gala, broadcast by ABC and hosted by Sinbad, was dominated by Alanis Morissette and Toni Braxton, who each won two awards; Mariah Carey came away empty-handed despite five nominations.
Between Award and Film
The Los Angeles Times connected the news to the deceased’s next appearance: Tupac’s film Gridlock’d had been screened at the Sundance Festival that same month and was released in theaters shortly thereafter. What MTV reported about the evening can be found in the magazine under American Music Awards 1997: A Fan Award for Tupac. Further awards and honors: Awards.