Rap and heavy metal categories were introduced the same year ( along with Best Bluegrass Album ) , but , according to the show 's producers , time constraints prevented both categories from being televised . Nominee Kool Moe Dee performed during the ceremony , but the rap award was presented during the " usually fast-paced pre-televised ceremony " . DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith led a boycott of the ceremony and were joined by fellow nominees LL Cool J and Salt-n-Pepa . Salt-n-Pepa issued the following statement : " If they do n't want us , we do n't want them . " Adding to the controversy surrounding the category , some members of the rap community believed artists such as Big Daddy Kane , KRS-One , and N.W.A ( whose debut album '' Straight Outta Compton '' " launched gangsta rap " ) were overlooked . Awards were presented to Jeff and Smith at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles . While Smith was absent from the ceremony , Jeff was present to accept his award . In 2004 , Serena Kappes of '' People '' magazine ranked Smith 's ceremony boycott number eight on its list of Top 10 Grammy Moments . Jeff and Smith were also recognized by the American Music Awards in 1989 with awards for Favorite Rap Artists and Favorite Rap Album , and " Parent 's Just Do n't Understand " also earned the duo the first MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video . Smith later earned Best Rap Solo Performance awards in 1998 for " Men in Black " and 1999 for " Gettin ' Jiggy wit It " , and was nominated again in 2000 for " Wild Wild West "
first
1989 MTV Video Music Awards
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance