Eve shares insights from her upcoming memoir, highlighting industry sexism and Jay-Z’s caution.
Eve, the acclaimed rapper and actress, is set to release her memoir, Who’s That Girl?, on September 17. In a recent interview with The Times, she opened up about her journey in the music industry, particularly addressing the challenges faced by female rappers. One notable revelation from her memoir is a conversation she had with Jay-Z early in her career.
Eve recalled the moment when her debut album, Let There Be Eve… The Ruff Ryders First Lady, dropped in 1999. The album debuted strong, selling 213,000 copies in its first week and eventually selling over 2 million units. However, during this pivotal moment, Jay-Z reached out to congratulate her but also issued a warning. He advised her to lower her expectations,
saying that female rappers “don’t really do that well.”
This insight sheds light on the struggles that women in hip-hop have faced, often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Eve’s experiences reflect a broader trend of misogyny in the industry, something she explores further in her memoir. As one of the first prominent female rappers, Eve’s journey highlights both the successes and the systemic challenges that continue to exist.
Jay-Z’s warning has taken on a new context in recent discussions about female artists in hip-hop. His comments resonate with the current climate, where debates about representation and success for women in the genre are ongoing. For instance, Nicki Minaj recently expressed her frustrations regarding the Super Bowl halftime show, feeling that it should have featured Lil Wayne instead of Kendrick Lamar. This discussion has reopened conversations about the dynamics between artists from different camps, further emphasizing the challenges women face in gaining equal recognition.
Eve’s story is not just about her struggles; it is also a testament to her resilience. Despite the obstacles she encountered, Eve has carved out a successful career in music, film, and television. In addition to her artistic endeavors, she is now making significant contributions to education. Eve was recently announced as a Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Dean of the Steinhardt School, Jack H. Knott, expressed enthusiasm about her appointment. “We are thrilled to be hosting Eve as our 2024-25 Scholar in Residence. She will share the expertise she’s gained as an award-winning artist in music, film, and television, as well as a philanthropist working with young people in the arts,” he stated. This position will allow Eve to engage with students and faculty, fostering discussions about equity and innovation in the arts.
In a social media announcement, Eve shared her excitement about the residency. “Ya’ll, I can’t believe I am saying this. But I am thrilled to announce I will be joining the 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU. My year-long residency kicks off September 21 with a welcoming event at NYU. I want people to get an understanding of who I am as a person outside of music,” she said.
Eve’s memoir, Who’s That Girl?, promises to provide a deeper understanding of her life and career. It aims to challenge the stereotypes often associated with female artists in hip-hop. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their passions in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The conversation surrounding female rappers and their struggles is more relevant than ever. Eve’s experiences, along with her commitment to education and empowerment, exemplify a shift towards greater recognition and support for women in hip-hop. As she prepares to share her story with the world, her insights will undoubtedly resonate with many who have faced similar challenges.
Eve’s candid reflections on her conversation with Jay-Z highlight the hurdles that female rappers continue to navigate. Despite the industry’s misogyny, she has forged a successful path and is now dedicated to fostering growth and understanding in the arts. Her upcoming memoir and her role at NYU mark significant steps in advocating for change and equity in the music industry. As Eve continues to break barriers, her story serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for future generations.
