POP/ROCK - Dec. 21, 1990

Hammer Tops ‘Em: Rap artist M.C. Hammer, the “dancing machine” from Oakland, received seven nominations Thursday for the 18th annual American Music Awards, the most of any recording artist. Hammer has brought rap into the mainstream with his album “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” topping the charts as the best-selling album this year, with more than 8 million records sold. Hammer’s nominations came in three categories: pop-rock, rap and soul-rhythm and blues. Janet Jackson was second in nominations with five. Madonna received four nominations. The awards will be presented Jan. 28 on ABC.