Eve Opens Up About Industry Misogyny and Jay-Z’s Doubts in New Interview

In a revelatory sit-down with The Times, rapper and actress Eve has shared a candid glimpse into the challenges she faced in the music industry, as detailed in her new memoir, “Who’s That Girl?”.

The interview and book delve into the misogynistic obstacles Eve encountered and offer a poignant look at her journey through the male-dominated world of rap.

One of the standout revelations in “Who’s That Girl?” is an incident from 1999, the day Eve released her debut album, “Let There Be Eve… The Ruff Ryders First Lady”.

Despite the album’s impressive debut—selling 213,000 copies in its first week and eventually surpassing 2 million copies—Eve recounts a discouraging phone call from rapper Jay-Z.

In her memoir, Eve details how Jay-Z congratulated her on the release but cautioned her not to get her hopes up, remarking that female rappers “don’t really do that well.”

Eve’s memoir reveals the underlying misogyny that has persisted in the industry, a theme she expands upon in her interview.

She reflects on how such attitudes have shaped her career and the broader experiences of female artists. Despite these challenges, Eve’s groundbreaking success with her debut album stands as a testament to her resilience and talent.

The “Let There Be Eve” album not only established Eve as a formidable force in rap but also set the stage for her influential career.

Her ability to break barriers and succeed despite the odds highlights her significant impact on the industry.

In addition to discussing her memoir, Eve’s interview touches on her reflections on the industry’s progress since her early days and her hopes for a more inclusive future for female artists.