In a recent interview with CNN’s Laura Coates, rapper and author Eve candidly discussed her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated hip-hop industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Eve revealed both the challenges and the support she encountered while rising to fame, particularly in a space that often pits women against each other.
Eve, whose memoir “Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir” has been generating buzz, spoke about her initial expectations of camaraderie among female artists.
She recalled how she approached others early in her career with excitement, only to realize that the music industry could be a “very lonely place.”
“I was such a nerd,” she admitted, recounting her eagerness to collaborate with other female artists. “I was running up to everybody like, ‘Oh my God, girl, I love you so much. Can you be on my album?’ People were looking at me like, ‘Wow, bring it down.’”
Despite the lack of a “giant sisterhood,” Eve acknowledged the support she received from influential figures like Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah.
“Thank God, there were some people there,” she added, expressing gratitude for those who had her back in an industry known for its competitive nature.
Reflecting on the Rough Riders Experience
Known for her affiliation with the iconic hip-hop group Rough Riders, Eve also spoke about the dynamic within the group.
She fondly referred to herself as the “adopted kid” of the group, given that while most members hailed from New York, she was from Philadelphia.
Contrary to the perception of misogyny often associated with hip-hop, Eve said her experience with Rough Riders was one of support and respect.
“I was the most protected, respected, celebrated female in the business at that time,” she shared. “They never tried to make me anything other than who I was, and they never pitted me against anyone else. They were focused on how to make me better.”
Eve’s reflections offer an important perspective on the complex realities faced by women in the music industry.
