Who is Melyssa Ford? Details explored as Drake features actress on Nokia hoodie merch

19th Annual Harold And Carole Pump Foundation Gala - Source: Getty
Who is Melyssa Ford? Details explored as Drake features actress on Nokia hoodie merch (Image via Getty)

Melyssa Ford was born on November 7, 1976, in Toronto, Canada. She is of mixed ancestry, having a Barbadian father and a Norwegian and Russian mother. She majored in forensic psychology at York University before becoming a part of the entertainment business.

Her career began after music video director Little X discovered her. She played a significant role in numerous hip-hop music videos in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her experiences made her one of the big names in hip-hop and the entertainment industry.

In addition to modeling, Ford has appeared in films such as Three Can Play That Game and Think Like a Man. She has also been a radio host for Sirius Satellite Radio and has been featured on Bravo's Blood, Sweat & Heels.


More details about Melyssa Ford

Melyssa Ford is a Canadian television personality, actress, and former model. She has a mixed heritage, with a Barbadian father and a mother of Norwegian and Russian ancestry. Before pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, she attended York University to study forensic psychology.

Her path to stardom started in the late 1990s when music video director Little X discovered her. She became widely known for appearing in many hip-hop music videos. Throughout her career, she diversified into becoming a radio personality, actress, and reality TV personality. Ford has also appeared in men's magazines and played roles in films such as Think Like a Man and Three Can Play That Game.

Ford recently made headlines when she was featured in Drake's "Nokia" hoodie merchandise. The move has sparked debates regarding her past work in the hip-hop industry and her recent media presence.

Some believe Drake’s mention of Ford is due to her association with The Joe Budden Podcast, which has frequently discussed his music. This piece delves into Ford's career, her popularity in pop culture, and the background of her recent affiliation with Drake.

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Why is Melyssa Ford featured in Drake's merch?

Drake released his album $$4U, which includes new merchandise. Among the items is the "Nokia" hoodie, which features Melyssa Ford. This generated buzz due to Ford's history and her connection to Joe Budden.

Joe Budden and Drake have had a tense history, as Budden frequently criticizes Drake’s music. Since Ford is part of The Joe Budden Podcast, some regard Drake's merch as a veiled response to their discussions about him.

Drake's reference to Ford highlights her lasting influence in hip-hop culture. Though she is no longer active in modeling, she remains a prominent figure.

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What is Melyssa Ford doing now?

Melyssa Ford has transitioned from modeling to media. She has been co-hosting The Joe Budden Podcast since 2022, where she discusses hip-hop, entertainment, and social issues.

She also remains active on social media, sharing her opinions on pop culture and industry trends. Her shift to podcasting has kept her relevant in the entertainment world.

Her recent appearance in Drake's merchandise demonstrates her continued significance. Although her career has evolved, she maintains a connection to hip-hop and media.

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Melyssa Ford was one of the most well-known video models in hip-hop. She later moved into acting and the media and is now a co-host on The Joe Budden Podcast. Drake featuring her in his "Nokia" hoodie merchandise has reignited interest in her legacy.

Regardless of whether the reference was intentional or not, the merch ties Ford back into hip-hop discourse. Her career exemplifies how entertainment figures can evolve. While she may no longer appear in music videos, Ford remains a recognizable name in media.

Edited by Ritika Pal