2000s Icons: Video Vixens
Where have all the video vixens gone?
In another death knell to the dying artform that is the music video, we’re bemoaning the loss of those archetypal muses – the stars of the turn-of-the-millennia televisual spectacle. These vixens became synonymous with the videography of the MTV, TRL and BET eras. They were quite literally the focal point of the video: the drivers of the narrative. What made them stand out and what they all had in common, was their come-hither confidence and sensual femininity, each expressed in unique ways.
Their memory lives on through the myriad archive accounts and blogs that celebrate the contributions of the cover girls some dismissed as ‘eye candy’. Although often portrayed as objects of voyeuristic desire, decades on, we look up to and have names such as Melyssa Ford, Gloria Velez, and Karrine Steffans on our moodboards – examples of fearless, badass, and striking women who could rival the era’s top supermodels. These video vixens were the living embodiment of divine feminine energy; they made waves in the fashion industry, popularising beauty looks and inspiring embroidered, jewel-adorned trends.
To commemorate their enduring influence, this list documents ten vixens from the ‘00s rap and RnB pantheon who left an indelible mark on music video iconography.
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Melyssa Ford in Jay-Z’s ‘Big Pimpin’
Melyssa Ford was undoubtedly the most iconic video vixen of the 2000s, earning the nickname Jessica Rabbit thanks to her striking curves and malleable looks. She starred in music videos for hits like Jay-Z’s ‘Big Pimpin’ where she danced carefree on a yacht, Sisqó’s wildly popular ‘Thong Song’, and Usher’s club classic ‘Yeah!’. After nearly a decade-long vixen career, Melyssa also went onto play important roles in various films, shows, and other appearances.
Gloria Velez in Ja Rule’s ‘Holla Holla’
Long Island native Gloria Velez also began her career starring in legendary music videos by Jay-Z and 50 Cent before becoming a certified 2000s icon. One of her first prominent appearances was in Diddy’s 1997 hit ‘Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down’, later appearing in Fat Joe and Ashanti’s 2002 hit ‘What’s Luv?’. Other major moments in her career include starring in DMX’S ‘What These Bitches Want’ and ‘Knock Yourself Out’ by Jadakiss.
Rita G in Kanye West’s ‘Flashing Lights’
Playboy model and adult actress Rita G gained worldwide fame for playing a sphinxlike femme fatale in Kanye West’s enigmatic 2008 hit, ‘Flashing Lights’. Wearing lacy lingerie and a fur coat, the video takes a dark detour into the mind of a revenge-fuelled killer. Do you remember the man strapped in the trunk of her Ford Mustang? And that shovel?
Karrine Steffans in Mystikal’s ‘Danger’
Karrine Steffans, aka Superhead, is not just one of the most popular video vixens of the past decades but also one of the most contentious. After appearing in dozens of music videos for artists such as Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Ja Rule, and more, Steffans published a memoir in 2005 titled ‘Confessions of a Video Vixen’, in which she shared the ups and downs, the glitz and glam but also the darker connotations of the title she earned. Known not just for her beauty and style but also for sparking a conversation on women’s exploitation in the industry, Superhead remains a fan-favourite video vixen.
Buffie the Body in Tony Yayo’s ‘So Seductive’
Thanks to her curvaceous figure, Buffie Carruth was nicknamed ‘The Body’ and starred in numerous hits, including Tony Yayo and 50 Cent’s catchy 2005 track ‘So Seductive’. Additionally, Buffie continued to captivate fans with appearances in R. Kelly’s ‘Double Up’ and DJ Khaled’s ‘We Takin’ Over’, to name a few. After proudly showcasing her fit physique and dance moves in videos for years, Buffie is now a personal coach.
Esther Baxter in Petey Pablo’s ‘Freek-a-Leek‘
Miss Freek-a-Leek aka Esther Baxter, served memorable looks in Petey Pablo’s 2004 hit, including an aqua blue bikini top and matching hot shorts. She continued to dazzle in many other music videos as well; you might remember her seductive moves in Will Smith’s 2005 hit ‘Switch’, or her steamy workout scenes in Kanye West’s 2005 video for ‘The New Workout Plan’, which also featured the late Anna Nicole Smith. In addition to these video appearances, Esther Baxter graced the covers of numerous magazines including Smooth, VIBE and XXL.
Lola Monroe in Kanye West’s ‘Good Life’
Lola Monroe has had a rich and fulfilling career; she first appeared as an actress in the Wendy Williams biopic Queen of Media, transitioned into a vixen starring in high-budget music videos like Kanye West’s 2007 monochromatic masterpiece ‘Good Life’ featuring T-Pain. Enthused by the world of hip-hop, Monroe went onto to pursue her own rap career.
Pasha Bleasdell in Nelly’s ‘Hot in Herre’
By the early 2000s, Pasha Beasdell was already a well-known name in the R&B scene after her career kicked off with a cameo in Donell Jones’ 1999 video for ‘Where I Wanna Be’. However, her most prominent vixen role is in Nelly’s 2002 dancefloor classic ‘Hot in Herre’. The slow dancing, cheeky bikini top, blue-toned lighting, and Pasha getting low set the bar for clubbing for the decade to come. Sadly, Pasha Bleasdell passed away from a brain tumour June 4th 2022.
Vida Guerra in ‘Shake Ya Tailfeather’ by Nelly, Murphy Lee
Model, actress and video vixen Vida Guerra initially gained exposure from her lingerie spread in FHM in 2002. After being named Model of the Year, Vida starred in numerous music videos, including one for the Bad Boys II Grammy-winning track ‘Shake Ya Tailfeather’ by Murphy Lee, Nelly, and Diddy. Alongside other video vixens, Vida’s role as a head-turner elevated her fame to new heights; she later appeared in the aforementioned ‘The New Workout Plan’ and Frankie J’s underrated track ‘Obsession (No Es Amor)’.
Dollicia Bryan in Joe’s ‘If I Was Your Man’
In 2007, Dollicia Bryan starred in music videos for several major hits, including Chris Brown’s ‘With You’ playing his love interest, Joe’s eternal love song ‘If I Was Your Man’ and 50 Cent’s ‘Amusement Park’. Infamously linked to Drake early on in his career, Bryan’s career gained momentum with each cameo appearance, eventually leading to offers to star in movies.
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