Eve: Ruff Ryder's First Lady - Ruff Ryders' First Lady

Rather than a full-fledged coming-out party for this tough-minded rapper, Ruff Ryders' First Lady seems more like a sequel to the Ryde or Die, Vol. 1 compilation. Ryders boss DMX, Missy Elliott, and other guests take mic time equal to that of the album's nominal star, making performances such as "Scenario 2000" posse cuts more than reflections of Eve's state of mind. She does get her own thing going on "Love Is Blind"--the angry expression of sisterhood in the face of male abuse that Chante Moore's "Chante's Got a Man" should've been--and "My Bitches," which praises students and job holders as much as the gangstas who get props on other tracks. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

Let There Be Eve

Eve (Eve Jeffers) was at the right time, right place when her debut album with the long name "Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady" was released in 1999. While other female rappers like Lil Kim and Foxy Brown were oversexual and vulgar, Missy Elliott was corny and homouristic or Queen Latifah that was never making many albums in the first place. Eve was a woman with attitude, although she was quite sexy she didn't take s!it from anyone, and she would go on making lyrics about respect and girl power delivered with the help of Production from mostly Swizz Beatz (all but one song) from Ruff Ryders that had produced fellow Ruff Ryder mate DMX albums aswell. She may not have been as outstanding as Queen Latifah that had many simular themes in her lyrics but she was more commercial and could therefore appeal to a broader audience. With great production and street smart lyrics about self respect and strenght Eve really does stand out from the crowd. I do believe that women may like her more then men cause of that, but she does get respect from me too.

A duet with Ruff Ryder protegé Drag-On with awesome beats called "Let's Talk About" serves as a good introduction to who Eve is and what she stands for. However, it's the more serious songs that Eve shines most on like "Gotta Man" about staying true in a relationship, the touching "Love is Blind" about domestic violence and the autobiographical song "Heaven Only Knows" a Hip Hop ballad about self respect. But there is more then that, a tribute to her hometown Philadelphia with underrated rapper Beenie Siegal called "Philly Philly". A hot duet with Missy Elliott called "Ain't Got No Dough" about cash flow and then duets with DMX, "Dog Match" and "My B____es". The latter also a female anthem and a third with him The Lox and Drag On called "Scenario 2000". The're also a remix of the song "What You'll Want" as the closer, a latin inspired beat oriented song that is also wothwhile. With 18 songs included there's also a intro, a few skits and some less fascinating songs but nonetheless this album is strong.

Overall, Eve is one of a kind and she came out at the right time and place with an album with enough variety between no nonsense uptempo's for the clubs, street credability to serious songs about self respect, domestic violence and love. Like already mentioned, Swizzy deliver the beats and he does a splendid job on that. If you want a female rapper with attitude that demands respect, you got Eve and this is probably her best album aswell one of that years. May 25, 2007

All Bark, No Bite... {2.5 Stars}

Let me just say that I don't think Eve is all that great. When compared to her contemporaries, she sorely lacks in so many categories. She never had one of the greatest pen her lyrics like Lil' Kim. She doesn't have much of a lyrical arsenal, no matter how fictional, like Foxy (I Shot Ya Remix, anyone?). Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, Rah Digga, or Psalm One? She's not even in the same stratosphere. So what makes Eve appealing to so many people (myself not included)? My theory is that an average rapper got together with the hottest crew out (at the time) and the result is three mediocre discs. What appeals her to most is her content, which is understandable. The concepts for "Love Is Blind" and "Heaven Only Knows" are as insightful as they are relevant. "What Y'all Want [Remix] is a nice little throw in and "Gotta Man" was a nice little single for a while. Outside of those joints, things begin to fall apart.

The problem I kept running into was Swiss Beat's lifeless production coupled with the fact that Eve's flow isn't all that interesting. Too many of the tracks sound like they were made on Swiss' casio and Eve is pretty much saying the same thing in 75% of the songs. For example, "Philly Philly" would be a solid song if the hook and production weren't so lame (her collabo with Beans on his album was way better) and "Let's Talk About" doesn't work at all. Also, "Stuck Up" and "Ain't Got No DOugh" are just plain corny and none of the skits add anything to the album whatsoever.

Ruff Ryder's First Lady is a decent album that lacks in places. Despite the holes, it's still worth looking into if you can find it in the used bin for less than $5. Just don't go into it expecting to be blown away.

Standout Tracks: Heaven Only Knows, Love Is Blind, Scenario 2000 feat. DMX, The Lox, & Drag On, and What Y'all Want [Remix] January 16, 2007

3.5 stars

Eve's flow on here is very good and her rhymes are not to be reckoned with. Swizz Beat's production here is excellent, although a litte outdated. But let's keep in mind that this album is almost seven years old.

Some of the songs lack good hooks, and one or two of them just don't have any. The guest appearances are not all that good and they take time away from Eve's hungry, fierce rhymes. Eve is best when she is speaking from the heart, like on "Heaven Only Knows" and "Love Is Blind." She is able to talk about her emotions and her struggle without hurting her image.

There are some flaws on this album, but overall it is pretty good. You can definitely bump this one in your car. The fact that this is from 1999 and it is still listenable is admireable and cannot be said for a lot of hip hop releases. I would recommend buying this, but maybe buy it used. December 16, 2006

Eve truly has a style all her own and I respect that about her

E-V-E, her album is terrific. I use to play the tape version on my Walkman constantly. I am proud of Swiss Beatz on those beats. I like almost every song on her album. Eve, although young in years during that time, did not lack experience for a second. Her quick deliveries and no-nonsense lyrics cut to the chase while spitting fire on wax with the rest of the dogs. Eve also brings a little sex appeal to the table. The reason I say little is because she does it in a way that you don't see all of her goodies, and that by the way is what a "First Lady" does.

Eve's conviction and passion make her noticeable no matter what the subject is, but she truly stands out when the stories become personal, examining the cost of the hard life she champions in other songs. "Love Is Blind" is a painful look at domestic violence. Self-respect and positively are the moral of "Heaven Only Knows." Both tracks are backed by beautiful arrangements with acoustic guitar and lush vocals. Eve maintains her hardcore image in these tracks. Drag-On, Missy, DMX, the LOX, and Beanie Siegel represent well on this album. Other tracks that grabs me are "Gotta Man", "Aint Got No Dough," "Philly Philly," and "Watch Ya'll want."

Eve comes full-circle with this album creating heartfelt rhymes that gain her respect as one of hip-hop's real ladies.
June 17, 2006

very nice

I remember enjoying this album sometime around early 2000 and loving the song love is blind. But sadly people only give her credit for her gwen stefani association and she is so much more than that. December 27, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...