In 1999, Eve released her debut album, Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, which sold over 210,000 in its first week.
According to Eve, Jay-Z called her at the time to congratulate her, but also told her that her success would be shortlived.
On the call, Jay allegedly told her that “female rappers don’t really do that well.”
The album proved to be a global hit, selling more than two million copies and even reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
So excited to be doing these exclusive UK events to coincide with the book release. Tickets available here: https://t.co/ORIMnFxAIe pic.twitter.com/Clmnd5PRqk
— EVE (@TheRealEve) September 2, 2024
In the interview, Eve revealed that a music executive advised her to stop making music and focus on getting pregnant and that her label fought against her when she created “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” with Gwen Stefani, which ended up peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also landed her a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002.
“The audacity that these men had,” she told The Times “Now I have age and experience on my side, nobody’s coming at me like that.”
