Eve Talks Ruff Ryders, Indie Grind & Canceled 2007 Album

It's been over 10 years since we've had a new Eve record to bump. Since 2002's Eve-Olution (which featured the Alicia Keys-assisted single "Gangsta Lovin'"), the Philly MC transitioned from Interscope Records shelving her album to an indie artist.

With Lip Lock out now, Fuse caught up with Ruff Ryders' First Lady to talk everything from her album guests—Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Chrisette Michele and more—to her artistic transformation. Check the full interview above with highlights below.

On her fourth album on Interscope Records being canceled:
"I was supposed to put out a record after [2007 single] "Tambourine." I had a whole album ready to go called Here I Am and I got shelved. I went from being angry, wanting to kill a mother-cker. Then I got to the point where I was like 'You know what? I don't need it. I don’t need you.' I went through a lot of emotions and now I'm here, excited, rejuvenated, I feel like a new artist. It feels good!"

On going independent:
"It's kind of scary to have your own label. But I felt this was the only way I was going to get my music out. I really wasn't wanting to sign with any major label and have to give up so much of my freedom. This was the only way to be the artist I wanted to be. With a major label, you have a mega machine to move your records and do the things you need them to do. At the same time, as an independent, it keeps it more personal. I think there’s a lot of things that I can do that I couldn't if I was on a major."

Her thoughts on Ruff Ryders today:
"Me being Ruff Ryders' First Lady has prepared for being in the position that I'm in now. It wasn't an easy thing to be with a bunch of dudes. It was hip hop boot camp, and it made me as strong as I am to be able to take this journey. Ruff Ryders was and is still everything to me. Without them, I wouldn't be me."

Love hip hop as much as we do?

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