Like Madonna and Cher before her, Eve only needs one name to make it in the music world. The Grammy-winning rapper has sold millions of records and teamed with some big names such as Prince and Gwen Stefani in the process.
The world of rap wasn't enough for Ruff Ryder's First Lady as she starred in both Barbershop films and her own sitcom on UPN with the self titled Eve.
Her latest album, Lip Lock, breaks new ground with singles like "She Bad Bad" and a track named after her. Collaborations continue on it with Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott and Chrisette Michele.
Windy City Times met up with the talented wordsmith to talk Lip Lock and hip hop.
Windy City Times: Hi, Eve. Let's talk about this long career you have had. You made it in a male-dominated world [rapping]. Have you changed over the years?
Eve: I still am the same but definitely more ladylike. I am a woman but when it comes to business I always more aggressive because you have to be. Like you said, it is a male-dominated field. It still is. Even the execs are males so I still have to be aggressive and hold my ground.
WCT: What do you think of Nicki Minaj?
Eve: She is doing her thing. I think she found a lane and a niche. She is living in it really amazingly.
WCT: You were a singer before you started rapping.
Eve: Yes; I started singing first. I was in a little singing group; we did talent shows, and wrote songs and sang to Color Me Badd and En Vogue. [Laughs]
WCT: I just saw En Vogue perform at Gay Pride in Canada.
Eve: Oh, I love it. I was really young when I was singing like that but then I discovered hip-hop and that was my thing.
WCT: Your name is a bit confusing. Is it Eve or EVE?
Eve: EVE came from a song where I spelled it out; then people started calling me that. I say both. My name is obviously Eve but you can say Eve or EVE.
WCT: You have a self-titled song on the new album. How was it creating that song?
Eve: Oh my God, honestly creating that record... Well, I remember that night because I had a session booked to work with this producer and I was exhausted. I called him and apologized. I told him I would come to the studio but was really tired and we might not do much. When I got there and he played the beat, I woke up. I was like, "Oh, we are going to make this fucking song tonight!" We finished the record and called the Jamaican girl that is on the song, Miss Kitty, who I called at one o'clock in the morning. She went to the studio and did her part.
WCT: How did you know her?
Eve: Through Shaggy. I told him, "I know you know a rude Jamaican girl." He said, "Give me a minute..."
WCT: I was thinking of someone like Lady Saw.
Eve: She is my girl, too. I just wanted someone to talk more than DJ I guess. I needed someone to rap. Once the song was mixed then he added the EVE stuff to it.
WCT: The single "She Bad Bad" is a different style for you.
Eve: Very different. The guy that did Eve, his cousin did "She Bad Bad" so that was another funny situation, too, where I wasn't sure how I was feeling but when I went I thought it was amazing. I loved it because it was different and had that African vibe. I go to Africa, like, two times a year. I love their music so I thought, "Why not?" I knew it was a gamble but I wanted to do it.
WCT: The whole thing is a different sound for you.
Eve: Totally, completely. I felt I had been in the game for so long that I needed to take a risk at some point, whether people get it or not. I am not trying to relive any moments. I have had an amazing career. I own my own label. I've waited to express myself artistically and the way I wanted to do it. I just feel lucky that I am able to do that.
WCT: Are you throwing shade to other rappers with this new music? People are saying that...
Eve: Not really. That is not my thing. I don't care. No one else exists in my world. I'm kidding.
WCT: I wore out your song "Tambourine."
Eve: Oh, thank you. I love that record.
WCT: Do you like having short or long hair better?
Eve: It depends on my mood. Literally in the next few weeks I might be bald! I am so over it all.
WCT: How was it being on the television show Glee?
Eve: It was so good. It was funny when I did Glee because it was the beginning and the kids—I call them kids but they are grown—were all excited. It was infectious. Being on that set you could feel how excited they were. It was nice.
WCT: How do you feel about your gay fans?
Eve: Oh, please: I always say if the gays don't like you then you are not cool! I feel lucky to have that support. I support them back as much as I can whenever I can. I love them.
WCT: I can get you booked at a gay event if you like.
Eve: Please do. I just did an after-party in San Francisco for Gay Pride. It was called EDEN. I have done San Diego before and I love it so let me know.
WCT: How many tattoos do you have?
Eve: Fourteen. I still want one more I think.
WCT: Have you ever thought about modeling?
Eve: Aw, I love you. No, I actually never thought about it. I never looked at myself as pretty. I never thought of myself as the pretty girl when I was younger. I was always the homey to my guy friends. All of my guy friends had the pretty girlfriends. I was one of the boys.
WCT: Are you doing more acting?
Eve: I have a very small role in the movie Animal that Drew Barrymore is producing for her company. I leave for Connecticut to go film it tomorrow. I also did a movie called Bounty Killer that I did last year that is coming out in September. It is kind of like Mad Max. I play a crazy gypsy chick. I love acting and want to get back into it.
WCT: How about more reality shows? I know you were on LA Hair with Angela Christine Stevens.
Eve: That is my girl! Angela is from here.
WCT: I drove her around town after our interview for the first season.
Eve: You did? She is so sweet, which is why I did the show in the first place. As far as other reality shows not as of yet but we will see.
WCT: How do people keep up with you?
Eve: My Twitter and Instagram are @TheRealEve and my website is eve-world.com .
