Eve | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 03, 2025

Who is Eve?

Eve, born Eve Jihan Jeffers on November 10, 1978, is a dynamic figure in the entertainment industry, known for her compelling music and acting career. Emerging from the tough housing projects of Philadelphia, Eve transformed her challenging upbringing into a source of inspiration for her artistry. She made her mark in hip-hop in the late 1990s, quickly gaining recognition as a trailblazer for female artists in a male-dominated genre. With her debut album, "Let There Be Eve... Ruff Ryders' First Lady", she achieved a historic feat by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making her one of the few female hip-hop artists to do so.

Not just a musician, Eve has also found success on the big screen. Particularly notable is her role in the "Barbershop" film series, where she showcased her comedic talent alongside leading actors like Ice Cube. Beyond her entertainment ventures, Eve has embraced entrepreneurship, launching her clothing line, Fetish, and making smart financial investments early in her career. While her musical releases have been sporadic in recent years, she remains a significant name in hip hop, often hinting at new projects that continue to highlight her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Early Life and Education

Eve Jihan Jeffers, born on November 10, 1978, in Philadelphia, faced a challenging childhood that shaped her resilience and ambition. Growing up in housing projects, Eve experienced the complexities of family life when her parents, Julie and Jerry, separated when she was just 12 years old. With her father absent from her life, she found solace in her creative outlets, particularly poetry and music. As a teenager, Eve attended Martin Luther King High School, where her talent shone through in poetry and participation in talent shows, laying the groundwork for her future career.

By the age of 13, Eve's focus shifted towards hip hop, leading her to form a short-lived rap duo called Edjp (pronounced "Egypt") with her friend Jennifer Pardue. This early exploration of music provided her with a foundation that would be crucial in her later career. Despite the struggles she faced growing up, Eve's determination to carve out her own path in the music industry became evident as she transitioned from her educational pursuits to pursuing her passion for hip hop more seriously.

Early Career and Signing on With Dr. Dre

After graduating from high school, Eve decided to pursue her passion for music, moving to New York City and taking on various jobs, including a controversial stint as a stripper, which she prefers not to discuss today. During this challenging time, she kept her focus on music and seized an opportunity that would change her life. At just 18 years old, Eve auditioned for the highly respected producer Dr. Dre, leading to her signing with Aftermath Entertainment under the name Eve of Destruction. However, her time with the label was brief, and she was ultimately dropped after a few months.

Despite this setback, Eve’s determination did not waver. A song she recorded for Dr. Dre found its way onto the soundtrack of the 1998 film "Bulworth", marking her first significant achievement in the industry. Recognizing her potential, Dr. Dre's parent label, Interscope, introduced her to the Ruff Ryders label. This relationship proved vital for Eve's development as an artist. The Ruff Ryders team treated her equally to their male artists, pushing her hard to hone her craft and write her own music. This foundation would later serve her well as she took her career to soaring heights in the competitive hip-hop landscape.

What Ya Want Single Tops the Charts

Eve's journey to the top of the charts began in earnest with her single "What Ya Want," which featured Nokio the N-Tity of Dru Hill and became a Billboard Top 40 hit in 1999. This song served as a crucial introduction to her unique style, blending raw talent with a fierce attitude that captivated listeners. Her hard work paid off significantly, as the single's success laid the groundwork for her debut album, "Let There Be Eve... Ruff Ryders' First Lady." Released in September 1999, the album debuted at No. 1, making Eve only the third female hip-hop artist to achieve this milestone, following the likes of Lauryn Hill and Foxy Brown.

Eve's debut further solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, selling over 2 million copies. The album showcased her versatility, touching on themes of empowerment and resilience, reflecting her personal journey and struggles. Her ability to craft compelling narratives through her lyrics resonated widely, and she became an icon for many young women in a predominantly male-dominated genre. The success of "What Ya Want" and her debut album's reception established Eve as a prominent figure in hip-hop, paving the way for future projects that would only amplify her multifaceted career in music and beyond.

Let Me Blow Ya Mind Grammy Winner and Barbershop Actress

Eve's rise to fame in the early 2000s marked her as a trailblazer in the hip-hop industry. With the release of her second album, "Scorpion", in March 2001, she solidified her status as a star, selling over 1.5 million copies. The lead single, "Who's That Girl," catapulted her into international recognition and showcased her unique blend of rap and melodic hooks. However, it was her collaboration with Gwen Stefani on "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002, that became an anthem for empowerment and further established her as a formidable force in the music scene.

In addition to her music career, Eve successfully ventured into acting, most notably through her role in the "Barbershop" film series. Starring alongside Ice Cube in the original 2002 film, she demonstrated her comedic talent and on-screen charisma, leading to her reprising the role in the subsequent sequels released in 2004 and 2016. Her performances were well received, showcasing her versatility beyond music and helping to build a lasting legacy in both the entertainment and fashion industries, as she also launched her clothing line, Fetish, during this prolific period. Eve's ability to transcend her initial hip-hop image continues to inspire a new generation of artists.

Recent Years

In the years following the release of her last major album, "Eve-Olution," Eve Jeffers experienced a shift in her career focus. While she continued to make guest appearances on tracks by various artists, including hits featuring Amerie and Ludacris, her solo music output dwindled. In 2007, all eyes were on her as she released singles like "Tambourine" and "Give It to You" featuring Sean Paul. However, expectations for a fourth album went unfulfilled due to personal and professional challenges, including disagreements with her label. By 2010, Eve made the decision to part ways with Interscope and eventually released "Lip Lock" independently, albeit to disappointing sales.

Despite the ups and downs in her music career, Eve remained active in the entertainment industry and focused on her personal life. In 2014, she married Maximillion Cooper, the British entrepreneur behind the celebrity motor rally Gumball 3000, which brought her new experiences and a shift in lifestyle as she moved to London. In interviews, Eve has expressed that her hiatus from music was primarily due to life changes, including her marriage and relocation. As of 2016, she hinted at the possibility of a new album, emphasizing that she had not turned her back on the rap industry but simply needed time to settle into her new life.

Personal Life: Married Life with Maximillion Cooper

In 2014, Eve embarked on a new chapter in her life when she married Maximillion Cooper, a British businessman known for founding the celebrity motor rally Gumball 3000. The couple’s love story began in 2010, and their connection deepened over the years, culminating in a wedding that was celebrated in the scenic views of Ibiza, Spain. Their marriage reflects a blend of different cultures and lifestyles, as Eve tends to embrace her American hip-hop roots while Maximillion introduces a touch of European flair. Together, they navigate their busy professional lives while supporting each other’s individual ventures.

Living in London with Maximillion, Eve has shared how this move has contributed to her growth, both personally and artistically. The transition from a bustling life in Los Angeles to a more subdued environment in the UK has allowed her time for introspection, even as she remains active in the entertainment industry. Despite some challenges in balancing her career and family life, Eve frequently expresses gratitude for her supportive husband. Their partnership appears to thrive on mutual respect and shared ambition, as both pursue their passions while nurturing their bond.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Investments

Eve's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, a testament to her successful music career and various entrepreneurial ventures. As a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry, she has earned substantial income through record sales, concerts, and endorsements. Her Grammy-winning work and chart-topping singles have not only solidified her status as a female rap icon but have also contributed significantly to her financial success. Additionally, she has made wise investment choices throughout her career, including real estate and a clothing line, Fetish, which bolstered her income.

Beyond music, Eve has further diversified her earnings through acting, starring in the popular "Barbershop" films and a self-titled TV series. Her ability to transition from music to television has created a steady income stream, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. By capitalizing on her fame, Eve has become a savvy businesswoman, leveraging her brand to launch additional projects and collaborations. Her marriage to Maximillion Cooper, a British multimillionaire, has also enhanced her financial stability, adding an additional layer to her overall wealth profile.