Eve responds to Nicki Minaj’s touching message about their ‘Barbershop’ set experience [VIDEO]
Eve Reflects on Nicki Minaj’s Gracious Response to Her Candid Confession
Eve’s confession about feeling slightly intimidated by Nicki Minaj while filming Barbershop: The Next Cut resurfaced this week. However, this time, the spotlight shifted to Eve’s response to Nicki’s powerful words of affirmation. In a new interview clip shared by Complex, Eve reflects on Minaj’s reaction to her book revelation and how it reinforced the importance of vulnerability, healing, and storytelling.
In her memoir Who’s That Girl?, released in September 2024, Eve candidly shared that she was initially overwhelmed by Minaj’s star power and energy on the 2016 film set. At the time, Eve had been working through insecurities that stemmed from her early days in the male-dominated hip-hop scene. Instead of letting those insecurities fester, she turned to therapy and vowed not to project them onto others—especially not women.
Nicki Minaj responded with a heartfelt letter posted on X in September 2024. Thus, calling Eve’s honesty “groundbreaking” and confessing that she too had been nervous during filming. She shared that she thought Eve disliked her initially, but realized it was more complicated than that. Minaj praised Eve for breaking the cycle of competition and for being one of the trailblazers who inspired her career.
Now, nearly a year later, Eve is publicly addressing Minaj’s reaction. “That was another confirmation that it was time to do that book,” Eve said in the new Complex interview. “Once she responded, I was like, ‘I was supposed to do that.’”
Her comment struck a chord with fans online, as many praised both artists for exemplifying maturity and growth in an industry often driven by rivalries.
Nicki Minaj’s Response: Empathy and Sisterhood
On September 23, 2024, Nicki Minaj responded to Eve’s admission with an open letter shared on X (formerly Twitter), praising Eve’s honesty and expressing her own anxieties from that time.
“I thought you didn’t like me,” Minaj admitted, adding that she was equally nervous to work with an icon she had admired since her Ruff Ryders days.
Minaj’s response emphasized mutual respect and emotional maturity. She thanked Eve for not only breaking the silence but also for helping to reshape the narrative of competitiveness among women in hip-hop.
“Women like us have the same struggles, as artists, as wives, as mothers,” Minaj wrote. “Your honesty is groundbreaking.”
Eve replied graciously, expressing her appreciation and pride in Minaj’s evolution, stating that Minaj’s heartfelt response was further confirmation that it was the right time to release her memoir.
“Once she responded, I was like, ‘I was supposed to do that.'”
A Viral Exchange Rooted in Vulnerability
Eve’s initial revelation focused on her personal journey toward self-awareness and accountability. She emphasized that witnessing Nicki’s hustle—writing songs between takes, flying out for performances, and navigating personal challenges—sparked admiration rather than resentment. “I saw myself in her,” Eve said.
Minaj’s response was just as revealing. She described Eve as a “trendsetter” from her Ruff Ryders days and admitted that she too had internal fears. The sincerity of the exchange caught fans off guard—in the best way. Thus, leading to a surge in reposts, quotes, and think pieces.
Humanizing Two Icons
This moment between Eve and Nicki has been hailed as a rare glimpse into the human side of celebrity women in hip-hop. Instead of feuding or throwing shade, both women displayed grace, empathy, and a willingness to learn from one another.
It’s a meaningful shift in a genre where female rivalries have long been exaggerated, often for publicity or spectacle. Eve’s decision to confront her own insecurities publicly—and Nicki’s openhearted reply—offered a blueprint for how artists can break cycles of judgment and uplift each other.
Themes of Therapy and Personal Growth
Eve’s transparency about seeking therapy ahead of filming has been another focal point of discussion. She spoke about breaking generational patterns of women internalizing and projecting insecurities.
The entertainment industry, particularly hip-hop, has long promoted a scarcity mindset for women. Eve’s openness about her insecurities and her decision to confront them constructively adds to the growing cultural conversation around mental health, especially among Black women in entertainment.
“There was no sisterhood when I came up,” Eve noted during her press tour. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t create one now.”
Nicki Minaj echoed that sentiment in her reply, recognizing the impact of Eve’s vulnerability in dismantling stigmas.
Redefining the Narrative
Eve and Nicki’s exchange cuts through the noise of clout-driven drama and delivers something rarely seen: generational healing and mutual respect. The moment has sparked think pieces, reactions from other artists, and praise from fans who see it as more than a viral clip. Additionally, it’s a case study in maturity.
Both women remain powerhouses in their own right. Eve continues to build her legacy as an artist, actress, and now author. Nicki Minaj, while navigating controversies, has consistently acknowledged the women who came before her. Also, she has grown more open about her experiences as a mother, artist, and public figure.
This dialogue might not rewrite the entire narrative of female rap. However, it undeniably adds a new chapter—one rooted in reflection, sisterhood, and the willingness to grow.
Final Thoughts
Eve’s reflection on Nicki Minaj’s response wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a validation of honesty and a moment of empowerment. For rising artists, young women, and fans of both icons, this exchange is proof that vulnerability doesn’t weaken your image—it enhances your legacy.
The interaction between the two rap legends has been widely praised as a rare and honest look at how vulnerability and accountability can pave the way for mutual respect.
Both Eve and Minaj have, in this moment, become role models for younger artists navigating fame, identity, and legacy. Their story may encourage others in the industry to open up, seek mentorship, and engage in healthier forms of collaboration and accountability.
In an era dominated by viral feuds and hot takes, Eve and Nicki chose authenticity. And in doing so, they reminded everyone watching that evolution isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.