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It’s been 11 years since rapper Eve’s last solo album, but that isn’t to say that she has been out of the spotlight.
Since then, the Grammy winner has been making her mark in both movies (Barbershop, Whip It, Vin Diesel’s xXx) and TV (her own show, Eve, and guest appearances on Glee). With her fourth album Lip Lock out now, we talked to Eve about her film career, working on her own label, and her confident return to music.
Your last album (Eve-Olution) came out 11 years ago, why did now feel like a good time to return to music?
This album took me a few years to get off the ground, but I have more freedom now. I own my own label and can do what I want, musically.
The single “Make It Out this Town” is in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, why was that a cause you felt it was important to support?
It’s a great organization and they asked me to meet about supporting them. I think it’s really important to mentor kids who need it, and I am always behind organizations that are supportive of women and children.
Why did you choose Gabe Saporta (Cobra Starship’s lead singer) to perform with you on the song?
I’ve known Gabe for a long time, and we just clicked. Once I heard the song I just knew he was the right person to sing with.
Some critics have said that this album is more musically adventurous for you, where were some of the places you drew from while making it?
That’s true, it’s definitely a more different sound from any of my past albums. I have been travelling a lot and living in the U.K., so this album really reflects those experiences and I have been influenced by the music I have heard while living over there.
Do you have a favourite song on the album?
It’s hard to pick one, but “EVE” and “Mama in the Kitchen” (featuring Snoop Dogg) are in my top two.
Do your experiences as a musician and an actor compare at all, or are they completely different?
It’s a totally different process [laughs]. Music is second nature to me and acting is something that I have to work at and prepare for. I can use intuition when making music, acting I have to work harder at.
Are you excited to get back to touring in the U.S?
Yes, for sure. I’ve missed the fans and the people.
Have you done any touring since living in Europe?
I’ve travelled around doing lots of short shows, but I wouldn’t call them full tours. This is my first time in while officially touring, and I’m looking forward to getting back to that.
Eve’s new album Lip Lock is out now!
WATCH BELOW: “MAKE IT OUT THIS TOWN” BY EVE FEAT. GABE SAPORTA
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