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)". This 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.
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