A new ad campaign from Ford Motor Company taps into a bit of hip hop history for its latest TV spot promoting the 2021 Ford F-150. The commercial features Derrick Jones, better known by his stage name D-Nice, a legendary music artist, producer and DJ in its main role.
Jones’s history doesn’t go as far back as Ford’s, but there’s some notable entries that fans of pre-Diddy hip hop will look fondly on. The Harlem and Bronx native formed Boogie Down Productions in 1986. He soon signed a deal with Jive Records and his debut record featured collaborations by KRS-One, Naughty by Nature, and Too Short.
In the late 90s and early 2000s Jones transferring out of the music world, forming a creative services company. In March 2020, Jones began hosting “Homeschool at Club Quarantine” on Instagram Live. He won a Webby Award for the effort.
The All-New 2021 F-150: Work It Out | Ford (:30)
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“The ‘More Than Tough’ campaign recognizes and celebrates the spirit of American ingenuity,” said Dibrie Guerrero, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. “By developing many innovative features to accommodate the diverse needs of its F-150 owners, Ford elevates what’s possible with a little creativity and the right pickup truck.”
The “Work It Out” 3-second television spot airs today on OWN, BET and TV One. It features Jones driving to a gig in a 2021 F-150 filled with DJ equipment. Respecting social distancing rules and his responsibilities toward masking up, D-Nice brings the party to the partygoers, utilizing the F-150’s available Pro Power Onboard generator to run his equipment.
The ad runs with the hip-hop classic “Call Me D-Nice” serving as the soundtrack.
“Being tough has new meaning to me after partying in Club Quarantine with some of the strongest people I have ever met,” said D-Nice. “I’m proud to help introduce the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 that they built tougher to take your hustle to the next level.”
The new F-150 has unique features including a fold-out work self, fold-down shifter, tailgate with designated clamp-down areas, and the on-board generator.
