The
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.