M.C. Hammer and Vanilla Ice: The Big Chill : Pop Music: Rival rappers reap the honors at the American Music Awards--but then the insults fly.

Rapper M.C. Hammer walked away with the most awards, but rival Vanilla Ice caused the most sparks during the 18th annual American Music Awards.

In a nationally televised ceremony Monday at the Shrine Auditorium, Hammer received five awards: most popular soul/R&B; male artist, single and album as well as rap artist and album.

It was the second most wins by an artist in the history of the awards. Only Michael Jackson, with seven trophies in 1984, won more in a single year.

Hammer’s losses were to Phil Collins in the male pop-rock artist and album categories.

A former Navy seaman, the Oakland rapper dedicated his first award to the allied troops in the Persian Gulf.

“I believe in giving peace a chance,” said Hammer, who participated earlier this month in the much publicized “Give Peace a Chance” video and record, backstage. “But once they’re over (there) defending us, I say, ‘Do all you can to stand and win.’ ”

Explaining his broad appeal, Hammer, whose latest album has sold more than 9 million copies, added backstage, “People like me for different reasons. Some people may (just) like the dancing. Some people may like the dancing and the energy of the music, and some people like the fact that it’s a change . . . something different. I present myself contrary to the stereotypical rap artist and some people might find that refreshing.”

When asked about any low points in his phenomenally successful year, Hammer took what appeared to be a veiled slap at Vanilla Ice, who has sometimes been described by critics as a Hammer clone.

The low point, according to Hammer: “Numerous imitations, and you can interpret that yourself.”

Ice, whose debut album has sold more than 7 million copies and been No. 1 on the national charts for more than three months, won awards for most popular new rap artist and new pop-rock artist.

Ice, who is the first white solo star in rap and who has also been under attack for exaggerating his background to make him appear to be more “streetwise,” lashed out at detractors when accepting the first of his two awards.

“To the people that try to hold me down, kiss my white butt,” he said. The remark was edited out of the tape-delayed telecast. To make sure, however, that no one missed the words, he repeated them for the press backstage.

Facing a battery of reporters, he added, “People don’t believe a white guy like me can grow up in the streets. . . . The bottom line is it’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.”

Aside from the rap attacks, the rest of the show was the usual glitz and glitter. Unlike the Grammy Awards, the record industry’s equivalent of the motion picture Oscar ceremony, the American Music Awards is strictly a fan-oriented popularity contest. The results are based on a survey of 20,000 record buyers across the country.

The three-hour program was highlighted by singer Gloria Estefan’s first public performance since suffering a broken back in a bus crash last March 20. She received a standing ovation for her version of “Coming Out of the Dark,” a song from her just-released album.

Hammer was just one of several artists who made fleeting references either on stage or backstage to the Persian Gulf War. Some artists appeared to express their patriotism through their wardrobe. Vanilla Ice, the duo Nelson and Alice Cooper were among those with outfits with star-spangled designs.

In all, artists vied for 27 awards in six categories, ranging from rap to country to heavy metal.

Besides Collins, winners in the pop-rock category were Janet Jackson, female artist; Aerosmith, band or duo, and Jon Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory,” single record.

Jackson was also victorious in the female soul/R&B; category. Tony! Toni! Tone! was named most popular band or duo in the same field, while Bell Biv DeVoe was voted most popular new artist.

Reba McEntire was the only double winner among country artists. She was voted most popular female artist and her “Reba Live” was voted most popular album. Other country winners: George Strait, male artist; Alabama, band or duo; Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” single record, and Kentucky Headhunters, new artist.

The winners in heavy metal were Aerosmith, artist; Motley Crue’s “Dr. Feelgood,” album, and Slaughter, new artist. Dance winners: Janet Jackson, artist; Madonna’s “Vogue,” single record, and Bell Biv DeVoe, new artist.