2013 marks the return of Ruff Ryders’ for first lady Eve , who independently released her long-awaited comeback album Lip Lock on May 14th.
The hip-hop Queen appears in Complex Magazine ‘s June/July 2013 issue, where she discusses the new album, the downside of fame and beefs between female rappers in a round of “ Would You Rather .”
Photographed by Brooke Nipar , the 34-year-old Philly bombshell rocks selections from Osklen, American Apparel, Alexis Bittar, A-Morir , and more chosen by fashion stylist Rose Garcia .
Eve’s hair is styled by Martin-Christopher Harper , with makeup by Ryan McKnight and manicure by Casey Herman .
Lip Lock , which I just so happen to be listening to, includes guest appearances by Missy Elliott , Dawn Richard , Snoop Dogg, Chrisette Michele, Pusha T , and Juicy J .
Check out what she had to say her in Complex interview below.
I’d rather experiment than follow the same formula.
I’m a curious person. It’s gotten me into trouble, but I say, “Why not? Let’s try it.” My new album is going to shock people because it’s like nothing I’ve done before. Whether people like it or not, artistically I had to do something different. Why pay attention to me if I’m not doing something new?
I’d rather be known as a tough girl than a sweetheart.
Then I can surprise you. Most people tell me, “You’re so much nicer than I expected you to be!” I’m like, “Did you expect me to walk in here barking?”
I’d rather be a master of one thing than a jack-of-all-trades.
I like to dabble in different things, but music is my first love. It connects to me in a way my side projects don’t because it’s so personal. I write the words. Music is like my diary. It’s my therapy.
I’d rather make all my secrets public than have an image based on gossip.
I’d rather put it out there myself and control it. What surprised me most about fame is how unpleasant it can be. I used to think it was going to be so fun. I got excited about the parties. You don’t anticipate friends being jealous of you and critics giving your music bad reviews. Media and rumors—that stuff hurts.
I’d rather raise my kids globally than exclusively in the U.S.
There is so much culture and history in Europe. We have culture in the U.S. but you have to look for it. A lot of the kids I’ve met in Europe are more mature because they’ve gotten to travel. In an hour, you can be in a different country. I’m going to be one of those crazy parents who wants her children to speak three languages. They’re going to hate me, but they will love me for it in the end.
I’d rather avoid beef than use it in my career.
The biggest misconception about female rappers today is that we’re trying to take another person’s light and we’re all competing against each other. I hate drama. If you have a problem with me, let’s talk about it woman to woman. Media pitting female artists against each other is the dumbest thing in the world. I don’t indulge in that shit.