Review by Booklist Review
Grammy-winner Eve's memoir invites readers to explore the world of hip-hop through an intimate look into the life of a prominent and versatile performer. Coauthored with Iandoli (Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah, 2021), it delves into the inner workings of the person behind the well-known public image. From her days in West Philadelphia to achieving fame, Eve's experiences are characterized by resilience and growth. Her remarkable achievements in producing several albums, starring in 15 films, coproducing the sitcom Eve, and cohosting The Talk demonstrate her remarkable talent and unwavering determination. Here, too, are Eve's struggles with health issues, fertility challenges, and the difficulties of balancing fame with personal matters. Offering insights into the hip-hop scene, Eve shares stories from her time with Ruff Ryders, of figures in Hollywood, and as a trailblazing female rapper in a male-dominated industry. Powerful testimony to her journey, Eve's memoir is honest and emotionally deep. Essential reading for fans, all pop-music lovers, and everyone intrigued by how people navigate high-profile careers and overcome personal obstacles.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Rapper Eve traces her arc from the Philadelphia projects to the top of the charts in this galvanizing personal history. Taught to love hip-hop by her aunt (who "slept with the radio on"), Eve was the only girl at her West Philadelphia high school who regularly participated in rap battles. She'd often cut class to attend music video shoots and perform her original songs at local talent shows, but it took a chance conversation with rapper Ma$e while she was dancing at a strip club to convince her that her rap dreams were possible. In exuberant prose, Eve highlights the thrill of recording her first demo, "Eve of Destruction" ("I thought I had arrived and was living the dream"), and signing with the hip-hop label Ruff Ryders; offers behind-the-curtain peeks at the writing and recording of her four full-length albums (each one gets its own chapter); and recounts the birth of her son in 2022. Her straightforward reflections shine brightest when she discusses the struggles of making it as a woman in the rap game. The result is a vibrant testament to self-belief. Agent: Robert Guinsler, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The pioneering, multihyphenate female rapper traces her odyssey from vulnerable teenager to fierce superstar. Eve (born Eve Jihan Cooper) recounts her childhood raised poor in West Philadelphia's Mill Creek housing project. She had an early affinity for music and eschewed college to pursue a career as a rap artist. After relocation to New York City, Eve endured a brief, "pretty sobering" stint as a topless dancer. She started rapping for customers, one of whom turned out to be newly discovered talent Ma$e, who ushered her into the industry. As "Eve of Destruction," complete with her signature paw print chest tattoos, she rose to fame amid industry manipulation, misconception, and cutthroat competition. It didn't help to be condescended to by stars such as Jay-Z, who offered congratulations on her 1999 Billboard chart--topping debut album,Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders' First Lady, yet foresaw its inevitable failure "because female hip-hop albums don't really do that well" within the predominantly male-dominated rap music industry. On the contrary, to date she has produced four successful albums, not to mention her numerous film and television credits. Co-authored by hip-hop journalist Iandoli, her earnestly written memoir shares many memories: the melodrama of creating songs and albums with numerous producers and co-writers; a collaboration with Prince; becoming the new "it" girl in hip-hop; the downside of touring at 21 "trapped in a hurricane of my own making"; and becoming the first artist to win a Grammy for best Rap/Sung collaboration. She also reveals the intimate details of her relationship with husband Maximillion Cooper and the numerous fertility challenges she faced before their first child, Wilde Wolf, was born in 2022. Eve fans will have a lot of behind-the-scenes details to savor in this inspirational and heartfelt self-portrait. A potent, passionate celebrity autobiography grounded in authenticity and fearlessness. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
