CO HOST OF THE 7th ANNUAL (2001) SOUL TRAIN LADY OF SOUL AWARDS

EVE

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Eve is as complex as she is simple and her music is an indisputable reflection of the many characteristics she embodies. She is a multidimensional woman from Philadelphia of myriad talents -- singer, songwriter, emcee and stylish trendsetter. Her lyrics are both off-the-wall party bouncers and conscience-raising mind jugglers. Eve, also known as Eve of Destruction, knows exactly how to grab the mic and load it with verbal ammunition. Her fieriness, combined with her creative, feminine zeal, is what makes Eve a self-described "pit bull in a skirt." Now, after topping the pop, urban and rap charts with her critically acclaimed debut album, Eve: Ruff Ryders' First Lady (which sold nearly 2 million albums), she's back to throb your ears with Scorpion.

Eve Jihan Jeffers, a Philadelphia-bred hip-hop assassin, landed the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Top 200 with a combination of her bold, no-holds-barred attitude and charisma. Her debut album, Eve: Ruff Ryders' First Lady, was a far departure from the ever-growing big-pimpin' frame of mind most hip-hop and R&B artists promote. When Eve presented herself like the irresistible dame she is, eyes opened up -- because she chose to deal with life's many concerns, talking about issues ranging from self-esteem to domestic violence, millions of people paid even more attention. "I bring reality to the game," says Eve with assurance.

Eve is like no other. No other woman in hip-hop can entice an audience like she an. As one of the powerful forerunners in Sprite's Deadly Venom ads, Eve showcased her lyrical savoir-faire, high kicks and karate punches, and when she held it down on the Ruff Ryder/Cash Money 30-city tour during February-April 2000, she became hip-hop's noblewoman. It also doesn't hurt that she personifies the new look of rap. "I like to wear nice clothes and look fashionable, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I should get on the mic and talk about my boots and outfit on every song," says Eve. "People are more impressed by how you carry yourself."

Eve is currently moving from newcomer to established artist. She is doing exactly what it takes to go on musically as well as visually -- all on her own terms. "My biggest inspiration in life is my mother, she taught me how to be strong," affirms Eve. "She always told me that in order to get to where you want to be, you sometimes have to demand it. Not in a self-righteous way, just in a confident one, 'cause there's a big difference between the two. But unfortunately you can't always feel like you can overcome everything. Sometimes the only thing you have on your side is time."

Eve's new album, Scorpion, explores her joys and pains. She has endured a lot within the past year and the album is a result of those experiences. Which is why "one of the realest songs on the album is called 'Life Is So Hard,' " says Eve. "The title is pretty self-explanatory, but in all, it captures the essence of life. Some people think that money can take away your worries. But they're wrong. No matter what, life is always a struggle." So if you ask her what she wants most out of life, without a blink she'll say: "Peace of mind."

"I consider myself lucky because in the midst of the madness I've been able to stay grounded," admits Eve. "It's a big challenge to always maintain your sense of self. It's definitely hard, but I feel like I'm succeeding because the one thing that really brings joy to my life is my fans' response to my music. That alone is a blessing."

She may look like a honey but her songs sting like a bee...

Eve's lyrical content, off-the-meter beats and tantalizing flows put her at the head of the class. This time around the hip-hop block, Eve musters up her enlightenments and life experiences to relay messages of the heart, revealing them with style, grace and strength. Add the multifaceted production capabilities of super producer Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, the Marleys, Stevie J., Teflon and Shok, and Scorpion is surely nothing less than brilliant. "You can hear how much I've grown on this album," says Eve. "My lyrical content is stronger and more mature. This album means a lot to me because it shows who and where I am right now. It chronicles my life."

Eve is truly an artist. Not only does she rap over reggae-induced beats, she sings the hooks as well. "You know, I was a singer before I started rapping, so on this album I wanted my audience to hear more of my vocal skills," says Eve. "I'm not just a rapper ... I'm so much more." The song "Be Me" is also a testament of Eve's growth: "I have grown immensely, spiritually and mentally. I've been through a lot in the past year. I'm coming from a place of internal change. And that self-discovery and strength is what helped me do this album. The only person I found I could be is myself."

She may ask, "Who's That Girl?" but we all know that girl is EVE -- caring and visually alluring, yet lyrically dangerous!

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