Jay-Z, like many of the other performers at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, played a medley of hits; ever the businessman, he was the only one to plug two separate albums in the process.

Backed by DJ Clue and accompanied by a huge crew, Jay started off with his current hit, "Jigga," from the Ruff Ryders compilation, "Volume 1 - Ryde Or Die," clad in a denim jacket and wearing a blue bandana headband-style.

Shifting to his own album, "Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life," Jay-Z was joined by female rapper Amil-Lion for the VMA-nominated hit "Can I Get A..." before launching into a few bars of "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)." Unfortunately, an expected appearance from DMX did not materialize.

Before leaving the stage, CEO Jay-Z gave a shout-out to his label: "Roc-A-Fella forever."

Catch all the sizzlin', star-packed VMA action direct from Miami on August 28. MTV News' preshow kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT, followed by big show at 8 p.m.

Vote for the Viewer's Choice Award, see a timeline of MTV Video Music Awards history, and relive highlights of last year's event. And for more MTV Video Music Awards news, check out the MTV News VMA archive.