The 1988 Soul Train Music Awards were held on March 30, 1988, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The show was broadcast live in select cities and aired later in other areas. Dionne Warwick hosted.

Special Award

Heritage Award

Winners and nominees

Winners are in bold text.

Album of the Year – Male

Album of the Year – Female

Album of the Year – Group or Band

Best Single – Male

Best Single – Female

Best Single – Group or Band

Best Rap Single

Best Music Video

Best New Artist

Best Rap Album

Best Gospel Album – Solo

Best Gospel Album – Group or Choir

Best Jazz Album – Solo

Best Jazz Album – Group or Band

Performers