8575 - Tupac Shakur Signed Program for the 21st Annual American Music Awards (1994)

Tupac Shakur Signed Program for the 21st Annual American Music Awards (1994) Original program from the 21st Annual American Music Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on February 7, 1994, 70 pages, 8.5 x 11, signed inside on an Alfred Haber, Inc. advertisement on page 43 in ballpoint by Tupac Shakur, who writes, “Peace 2U, 2PAC.” The page is also signed by Meat Loaf and hip-hop duo Kid 'n Play. A nominee listings section on the inside front cover lists 2Pac as a nominee for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist, and his artist profile appears on page 56. In fine condition, with light scuffing to the signed page, and wear and creases to the covers. Accompanied by a signed statement of provenance from the original recipient, who states that she personally obtained the signatures backstage at the 21st Annual American Music Awards. She explains that her access to the venue and backstage areas came through her grandfather, who had served as Potentate of the Al Malaikah Shriners. Tupac was nominated that night for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist, losing to Dr. Dre; three years later, just months after his September 1996 death, he posthumously won Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the 1997 American Music Awards. Meat Loaf, whose signature appears alongside Tupac's on the present program, played a prominent role in the 1994 ceremony, co-hosting the awards with Reba McEntire and Will Smith. Tupac's murder at just 25 years old brought his career to an abrupt end, leaving a scarce number of authentic signatures from his brief career.