Drake’s surgical precision in rekindling his decade-long friction with Joe Budden reached a new level of “diabolical” with the release of “Gimme A Hug.” Featured on the Valentine’s Day 2025 surprise project $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, the track wasn’t just another subliminal—it was a strategic wedge driven right through the heart of The Joe Budden Podcast.
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By simultaneously praising Melyssa Ford and incinerating Budden, “The Boy” turned a rap verse into a HR nightmare.
The Lyric That Sparked the Rift
On the song’s second verse, Drake wastes no time weaponizing his shared Toronto roots with Ford:
“Melyssa Ford, you a legend from the 6ix, hate to see you with a d**k-sucker.”
The line was a double-edged sword. For Ford, it was a rare public flowers-giving from the biggest artist in the world. For Budden, it was a blatant attempt to devalue him in front of his own staff. While the JBP crew initially laughed it off, the underlying tension was impossible to ignore.
From Shoutout to Pawn Status
In the days following the drop, Ford didn’t shy away from the spotlight. “It’s awesome,” she admitted, noting it wasn’t her first time being referenced by the 6 God. However, the “appreciation” quickly soured into a “chess match.”
The drama escalated when Drake released “$$$4U” merch featuring a vintage photo of Ford. In a move that felt like a corporate troll, the domain on the merch redirected users directly to Joe Budden’s Patreon. This led to a public outcry from Ford, who demanded to know where her check was, realizing she was being used as a “pawn” in a high-stakes game of ego.
“I kinda think I might have been a little bit of a pawn,” Ford later told The Stop. “I’m fine with that, sh*t! Saying ‘Melyssa Ford you’re a legend’… I’ll take it.”
The Great Exit: Why Did Melyssa Leave?
By late August 2025, the “legend” was officially missing from the JBP intro. While the Drake drama created the initial cracks, the eventual split seemed to be a mix of contract negotiations and a desire for a fresh start.
- The “Silent” Departure: Ford’s name was scrubbed from the credits, and her seat was eventually filled by Mona Love (Don’t Call Me White Girl).
- Joe’s Stance: During an interview with Jim Jones, Budden dismissed rumors of a “firing” or a “swap,” stating, “Melyssa stepped away… Mel was negotiating for quite some time. We love her.”
- The Aftermath: Ford has since moved on, removing the JBP handle from her social media and focusing on her own brand, leaving the “chess piece” life behind.
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