20 Questions: Eve
Where were you the first time you heard Eve and Gwen Stefani’s Let Me Blow Ya Mind? Maybe you were a moody teen bobbing your head in front of your MTV altar, or perhaps you were a full-blown adult at the club, jolted into life the second the opening hook comes in.
The 2001 hit marked an important moment in pop culture: it bridged the gap between generations and genres, even bagging the inaugural Grammy for Best Sung/Rap Collaboration. Since then, the rapper, actress and host has been working on a forthcoming new album – for which she’s keeping the details close to her chest – and even taking a stab at writing television shows in her spare time. A reigning queen of hip-hop, we caught up with Eve to talk current inspirations, her 2019 mantra and a certain embarrassing moment.
So, what really gets on your nerves?
You know what I hate? People who don’t use their turn signals when driving. I just want to speed up and follow them down the street.
What’s your sweetest childhood memory?
When I was about five, my mom was on the phone, and I could see she was really upset. I was holding a little Peppermint Patty doll, and I thought giving it to her would cheer her up. It did.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t get comfortable.
Weirdest thing you’ve seen happen in a club?
A Prince impromptu performance at Teddy’s in LA. There were maybe 100 people in the club, and I turned around and I was like, ‘wait, is that Prince?’ After that, he did a string of midnight performances at the same place. It was one of the best nights of my life.
What’s inspiring you right now?
My desire to be creative. I have that fire again.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Intuitive, kind, goofy.
Favourite animal?
My little French bulldog Hendrix. He is my happiness.
What’s your favourite verse you’ve ever written?
Let Me Blow Ya Mind. That song was such a transformative moment for me; it was exactly how I felt about my career. I also wrote every single lyric – usually, I’d collaborate with people to write choruses, but this was all me.
What’s the nicest thing someone’s ever done for you?
One morning I woke up and told my now-husband about this dream I had about being at the top of the Great Wall of China, so he took me for my next birthday.
What’s your worst habit?
Second guessing myself
What was the happiest day of your life?
This is so cheesy, but my wedding day.
What is something really embarrassing you’ve done?
OK, I’ve never told anyone this because it’s so embarrassing. I went on a talk show and Jamie Lee Curtis was also a guest on it. The producers asked us to do our best horror scream – horror is my favourite film genre – and I screamed so hard I peed myself. I was wearing a short playsuit and people definitely noticed but were too polite to say anything.
What would you want written on your tombstone?
“She fought everybody.”
What’s the best thing about London?
I like the different pockets of London and how you can be around entirely different communities just going thirty minutes in any direction.
Do you have a go-to recipe to impress?
I’m not the best cook but I’m very confident in my prawn tacos, they bang.
What makes you feel nostalgic?
The smell of sweet almond oil. It was always swirling around the house when I was a kid.
Best party you’ve ever been to?
My wedding night in Ibiza where Deadmau5 played… for free.
What’s your 2019 mantra?
Just live and do what you want to do.
What instantly cheers you up?
When I know I don’t have anything to do. No deadlines, no work, no alarms in the morning.
If you could give young Eve one piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust your instincts. You know what’s right.
Eve’s new single Reload is out 12 July.
ADVERTISEMENTS