The MTV Video Music Award 2018 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.
Eminem, OutKast, Missy Elliott, Drake, and Nicki Minaj are the biggest winners in this category, winning twice, while the former is the only act to win for two consecutive years. Kanye West owns the most nominations, with a total of nine. Missy Elliott was the first female rapper to win this category.