Jay-Z, photographed in the press room of the MTV “Video Music Awards” at the Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan on September 9, 1999. Jayhovah is holding the Moonman for “Best Rap Video,” which he won for his hit single “Can I Get A…” with Ja Rule and Amil. Afeni Shakur and Voletta Wallace, the mothers of slain rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., came together to present the award to Jay after they themselves were introduced to the audience by Will Smith and gave an inspirational joint speech on the legacy of their children, pursuing one’s goals, and the power of music to unite. Dame Dash and Jay’s godson “Boogie” Dash, Jr. joined him on stage as he accepted the award and acknowledged his late friend Biggie and 2Pac. The Rush Hour-featured single was also nominated for “Best Video From a Film” but lost to Madonna’s “Beautiful Stranger” from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me; and lost “Viewer’s Choice” to the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” During the show his Def Jam Recordings labelmate DMX was also scheduled to perform, but he was a no-show at the venue so Jay’s set was extended last minute. With an introduction by Stone Cold Steve Austin, and his longtime friend and collaborator DJ Clue on the decks, Jigga performed "Jigga My Nigga,” “Can I Get A...” with Amil, and “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem).” He performed in a Rocawear denim suit and shouted out “Roc-A-Fella forever!” as he left the stage. #JAYZ