The 1996 Soul Train Music Awards was held on March 29, 1996, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The show honored the best in R&B, soul, rap, jazz, and gospel music from the previous year. The show was hosted by Brandy, LL Cool J and Anita Baker.

Special awards

Heritage Award for Career Achievement

Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year

Winners and nominees

Winners are in bold text.

R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Male

R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Female

R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo

Best R&B/Soul Single – Male

Best R&B/Soul Single – Female

Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band, or Duo

R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year

Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video

Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist

Best Rap Album

Best Jazz Album

Best Gospel Album

Presenters