When fans discuss the most successful mainstream female rappers, the list can get pretty long. Cardi B, Salt’ n’ Pepa, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah and Nicki Minaj are often the names that are dropped into the conversation, each for different reasons. All of these artists are successful and influential but there is one whose overall career path could be considered the blueprint for longevity, consistency and success. That artist is Eve.
The Philly rapstress-turned daytime TV talk show host’s career boasts a Grammy, an ASCAP award, a TV sitcom, block-buster movie roles and a VH1 Vogue Fashion Award. Most of all, Eve has been able to reinvent herself successfully with little compromise to her brand while amassing fans that span across age and cultural groups.
FUN FACTS: Both Eve and her TV sitcom were nominated for the Teen Choice Awards in 2004 and 2005, respectively. In 2005 the show earned high ratings among Latina viewers, ages 12-17, plus it gained 3.8 million viewers in that same demographic.
Top Ten Reasons Why Eve’s Career is the Blueprint (in no particular order)
- Eve got an early male co-sign in the rap game for her lyrical ability. Just ask Dr. Dre, The LOX, DMX and Ruff Ryders.
- Eve’s rhymes are battle-tested and approved. Even as the lone female spitter in the Ruff Ryders camp, Eve never shied away from entering a battle cipher to show her skills.
- Eve possesses a unique style that sets her apart from her peers. When all the female artists rocked long hair, she rocked hers super-short in the 2000s. She made biker-style chic and reinvented her style often (thanks to A-list style experts!), which resulted in her fashion sense gaining the coveted attention of The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
- Eve avoided most lasting beef for the majority of her career. While she never ran away from conflict with any of her rap peers, Eve has always kept a consistent message of sisterhood in her music.
- Eve diversified her career early and never relied solely on music. Fashion, TV and acting were all lanes that Eve entered in and enjoyed a notable level of success. She has not slowed down since.
- We saw her evolve from a female rapper to a mainstream, married star who never forgot her Philly roots. And everybody loves an underdog story-just ask Cardi B.
- Eve is a “woman’s woman.” She is relatable to women from all backgrounds, as indicated by her many musical collaborations with a varied list of female artists (Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, Kelly Rowland, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Trina, etc.).
- Eve’s diverse list of guest appearances on hits is LONG and legendary. “Girlfriend” with Blackstreet and Janet Jackson, “Butterflies (Remix)” with Michael Jackson and “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Remix)” with Prince are just a few notable songs that Eve has been featured on.
- She’s human. Eve is no stranger to scandal and has never denied her past. But she’s always made music, not shocking PR moments, her calling card. Her growth and talent speaks for themselves.
- Eve’s music has stood the test of time. Four platinum and gold studio albums later, Eve’s fans are still rocking to her hits “What Y’all Want” and “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” (featuring Gwen Stefani).