IN CONVERSATION WITH EVE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Eve is a Grammy Award–winning rapper, singer, actress, and television host whose influence has helped shape hip-hop for more than two decades. She made history with her 1999 debut album Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making her only the third female rapper to achieve that milestone, and went on to earn double-platinum status. Beyond music, she expanded her career as a co-host of CBS’s The Talk from 2017 to 2020, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. Today, Eve continues to evolve creatively while embracing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and life on her own terms.

Looking back at Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, did you realize at the time how groundbreaking that moment would be?
I had no idea what Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady would be. I was just so happy to finally have an album out and that people started knowing my name.

You entered hip-hop during a period when female rappers had to fight for space. What fueled your confidence early on?

I was just so determined to be in the music business that I didn’t see any other path for my life. I really deep down believed that I was meant to be there and knew that I was good at my craft.

jacket MAXIMILIAN GEDRA
trousers ANGEL BRINKS
shoes DACCORI
jewellery MAISON H JEWELRY

Collaborating with artists like Missy Elliott and The Roots helped shape your sound. What did those creative partnerships teach you?

I would say that coming up with Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady first shaped my sound, and then being able to collaborate with people like Missy Elliott definitely helped me to start to understand how I can allow a different type of creativity into my music.

How do you reflect on your role in opening doors for women in hip-hop today?

I definitely think I had a hand in opening doors and inspiring, just like all the women that came before me. I wouldn’t have a career without those ladies from before.

top RITUAL
shorts SEHNSUCHT ATELIER
earrings HOUSE OF EMANUELLE
shoes DACCORI
hat PIERCE ATKINSON

Your career has moved fluidly between music, film, and television. How did hosting The Talk change the way you use your voice?

I was actually scared to join The Talk at first, and to be on a platform that was all about my perspective and voice and not based off my music. Before that, I didn’t really share my personal stories publicly, etc. In the end, I am so happy that I had that experience. I grew a lot as a person on that show.

How did being part of a daily talk show influence your perspective on culture, politics, and womanhood?

In so many ways. Being on a panel with four other successful women from different backgrounds, industries, etc., helped me to look at the world in a broader sense.

Becoming a mother later in life is a transformative experience. How has motherhood reshaped your priorities and creativity?

It is truly transformative. He is my yes and especially my no. Meaning, I weigh opportunities based on what makes sense for my family, what is worth me being away from home, or what opportunities can I bring him to while still being able to be the best mom I can be for him.

Hip-hop has evolved dramatically since the late 90s. What excites you most about the genre today?

I love that there are really no rules with hip-hop as it is now. Genre crossing is the norm. I love the social media presence that we didn’t have when we were coming up in the business.

left:
dress DO LONG
shoes JIMMY CHOO

right:
jumpsuit ANGEL BRINKS
blazer NAMILIA
hat W!LDCH!LD
shoes ANINE BING

How do you stay grounded after achieving so many firsts in your career?

I do a lot of reflection, constant evaluation about my life and my peace. Happiness is really important to me, so I make decisions from that space of “Is this gonna mess up my peace?” If it’s a yes, then I avoid it.

What does creative fulfillment look like for you at this stage of your life?

Creative fulfillment, for me, is being able to dip in and out when necessary, being open to opportunities not just in music but other industries as well, and understanding that creativity can come in many forms.

Is there a new chapter, musical or otherwise, that you feel curious about exploring?

Musically, I am wanting to explore what some re-imagined songs could be, especially with the 25th anniversary of Scorpion coming up. But also figuring out how to blend my love of music and wellness and what that means. Some exciting things coming in 2026.

suit ANAKIKI
shoes and gloves SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
glasses BALENCIAGA

TEAM CREDIT:

talent EVE
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling WILFORD LENOV
makeup AUSTIN SATHER
hair EDMUND BOSSMAN
production JAY SIVAYAVIROJNA
video MEECH
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
studio HYPERION LA