MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video was first given out at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards . The award , according to MTV , was originally intended for hip-hop - '' inspired '' songs , not necessarily actual hip-hop music videos ( which were instead honored by Best Rap Video ) . This explains the recognition of non-hip-hop songs such as " Thong Song " and " I 'm Real ( Remix ) " . The award was not given out in 2007 , as the VMAs were revamped and most original categories were eliminated , however , Best Hip-Hop Video was reinstated in 2008 . By then , though , the rules had relatively changed , as R&B and rap videos also became eligible for nominations in this category since the awards for Best Rap Video and Best R&B Video were not brought back
1999 MTV Video Music Awards
1999 MTV Video Music Awards
MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video