The video vixens of the 2000s: where are they now?
From music to fashion to television shows, the 2000s was a whole vibe. In fact, it was so popular that it resurfaced in many of the trends you see today. From low-rise jeans to body chains, Y2K is all over our timelines. Fans are also talking about the early 2000s video vixens, with many wondering what the bombshells are up to today.
The Rise of the Music Video Vixens
Y2K was a pretty big deal following the 90s decade. It was new, uncharted territory. And because of this, many people worried about what the turn of the century would bring. So much so, that the concern even coined a new term — “Y2K panic.”
Some people freaked out about the rapid progression of the internet, others warned that the world would end. But instead, the Y2K era gave us something much, much better.
The Y2K era ushered in the rise of the video vixen. Video vixens started to pop up in music videos in the late 90s and by the 2000s, many were well-known in the industry and by fans.
Sad News in the Industry
Unfortunately, in June of 2022, popular video vixen Pasha Bleasdell passed away from a brain tumor, according to her friend Director X. Many recognize Bleasdell as the beauty who starred in the hit 2002 song “Hot in Herre” by rapper Nelly. Her presence not only charmed Nelly but fans as well.
Soon after, video vixen Miya Granatella also passed away due to a blood clot at the age of 41. She starred in the 2006 music video for “Overnight Celebrity” by Twista, and was also the leading lady in music videos for Cam’Ron and Jay-Z.
Upon hearing the news, fans took to social media to share their deepest sympathies, remembering the women for their influence and impact on the culture today.
2000s Video Vixens: Where Are They Now?
Y2K ushered in the rise of the video vixen. Many of them paved the way for the models and influencers you see today. But where are they now? Take a look at what some of the 2000s beauties are up to today.
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Karrine Stefans
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Karrine Steffans, a.k.a “Superhead,” was a very popular video vixen in the 2000s. She appeared in more than 20 music videos, including “Hey Papi” by Jay-Z and “Danger” by Mystikal.
Her sexual involvement with rappers and hip-hop artists caused quite the controversy. And even more, when she wrote about her experience in her New York Times bestselling book “Confessions of a Video Vixen.”
Since then, Steffans (now Elisabeth Ovesen) has gone on to author even more books. Many of her books educate and empower women as it relates to sex and sexuality.
In her book “Vindicated: Confessions of a Video Vixen, 10 Years Later” she says, “I realized recently that I’m surrounded by young women who have never had a sexual revolution. So I became almost this figure, this Joan of Arc [for them]”.
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She also works as a university keynote speaker and workshop leader where she teaches everything from healthy eating to female sexual autonomy. You can listen to her thoughts on season one of the “Asking For A Friend” podcast right here on 21Ninety.
Melyssa Ford
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Melyssa Ford was one of the most popular video vixens of the 2000s. She appeared in several music videos, including the $1.4 million music video for Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’.”
Her beauty and hourglass figure earned her the nickname “Jessica Rabbit.” But in an interview with CNN, she questioned whether her role as a video vixen may have done more harm than good for Black women’s image.
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Since stepping away from the industry, she started her work as a news personality. In 2016, she worked as a co-host for “Hollywood Unlocked,” a pop culture radio station. And as a mental health awareness advocate, Ford launched a podcast called “I’m Here For the Food,” where she and her guests chatted about a wide range of topics, including colorism, forgiveness, and sex trafficking.
Lola Monroe
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Lola Monroe was THAT girl in the 2000s. Fans may recognize her as the showstopper in Kanye West’s popular “Good Life” music video. She also appeared in many other music videos, such as the hit rap song “I Get Money” by 50 Cent.
But before Monroe was a bombshell video vixen, she was a writer. She started writing poetry as a young girl, which would later blossom into a full-blown rap career.
In 2009, she released her first mixtape “Boss Bitch’s World,” with her single “Overtime” airing on BET’s “106 & Park.” She would later create five more mixtapes, and was even nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2011 BET Awards.
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In addition to rapping, she owns a skincare company called Vegan Goddess, where she sells products that target a variety of skin concerns.
Esther Baxter
Also known as “Miss Freek-A-Leek,” Esther Baxter is recognized for her role in the popular 2004 Petey Pablo music video for “Freek-A-Leek.” The bombshell seductress charmed fans, making her one of the most recognized and sought-after video vixens of the 2000s.
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Following her time as a video vixen, Baxter pursued a career in acting. She appeared in a number of television shows, including “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and “Meet the Browns.” Later, she would move on to film acting, including playing love interest “Christine” in the 2010 hit dramedy “Speed-Dating.”
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Currently, she works as a celebrity personal chef and the owner of a lingerie store called Bel Ange Lingerie.
Lashontae Heckard
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Lashontae “Tae” Heckard has appeared in some of the most popular music videos of the 2000s. From Kanye West’s “Golddigger” to Busta Rhymes’ “Give It To Me,” Heckard showed the girls how to be the HBIC of the early 2000s.
Her entrancing good looks and oozing sex appeal earned her many fans, many of which were celebrities, including her famous friendship with Teyana Taylor. However, in 2015, she sparked controversy when she welcomed a son with NBA athlete Brandon Jennings, Taylor’s ex-fiance. The couple later announced their engagement before calling it off not too long afterward.
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Since her days as a video vixen, Heckard has pivoted to acting. She appeared in several movies, including “ATL,” “Getting Even,” and “Back Then.” She also acted in a number of popular television shows, from “The Game” to “#blackAF.”
K.D. Aubert
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K.D. Aubert is the hottie behind some of your favorite 2000s music videos, from Fabolous and P.Diddy’s “Trade it All Part II” to Lloyd Banks’ “Karma.” As a result, she quickly became a fan favorite for both men AND women.
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Today, Aubert has an impressive acting portfolio in television, film, and even advertising. She acted in popular television shows such as “CSI: NY” and “Bones.” She even hosted the hit MTV television show “Kidnapped.”
And in 2012, she starred alongside actor Igoni Archibong in the film “Turning Point” and later won an African Oscars award for her performance.
Aubert is also a skilled singer and owns a record label called Roseland Records.