Mase helped Eve get into Music
Mase’s Guidance Transformed Eve’s Career
In the mid-1990s, the hip-hop world was captivated by the charm and lyrical prowess of Mase. A rising star at the time, he quickly became known for his smooth flow and commercial success under Bad Boy Records. However, few know that behind the scenes, Mase played a pivotal role in shaping the career of Eve, a rapper who would later redefine the female presence in hip hop.
Eve’s Early Hustle as a Stripper
Before her breakthrough in the music industry, Eve’s life was far from glamorous. Born in Philadelphia, she always had big dreams but found herself working as a stripper to make ends meet. While she had a passion for rapping and even dabbled in the underground circuit, it wasn’t until her chance encounter with Mase that her career took a dramatic turn.
Eve opened up about this defining moment during her recent VH1 Behind the Music episode. She recalled how one night at the strip club, a familiar face walked in. That person was none other than Mase, one of the biggest names in hip hop at the time. Despite their vastly different circumstances, this meeting would prove life-changing for Eve.
The Encounter That Changed Everything
During the episode, Eve vividly recounted how Mase approached her at the club. “He came into the club and looked at me and literally was like, ‘What’s your name?’” she shared. “And I gave him every stripper name under the sun! I was like, ‘I’m Ginger, I’m Sassy!’” However, Mase wasn’t interested in her stage persona. He saw something deeper, something that compelled him to intervene.
Mase invited Eve to talk with him, away from the flashing lights and pulsating music of the strip club. “He was like, ‘You’re really talented. What are you doing? You know you’re not supposed to be here,’” Eve recalled. That night, they spoke for hours. Mase’s words resonated deeply. Therefore, inspiring her to take a leap of faith and focus on her music.
Mase’s Influence and Eve’s Next Steps
At the time, Mase was at the height of his career, known for hits like “Feel So Good” and “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems” alongside The Notorious B.I.G. His success gave weight to his advice, and Eve couldn’t ignore it. “He was the hottest rapper at the time,” she said. “If he thought I had skills, I knew I had to believe in myself too.”
Eve left the strip club shortly after her conversation with Mase and began channeling all her energy into her rap career. She credits Mase not only with motivating her but also with giving her the confidence to pursue a dream that once seemed out of reach.
Signing with Aftermath Entertainment
With her renewed focus on music, Eve’s talent quickly caught the attention of major industry players. She secured a deal with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, a move that seemed poised to catapult her to stardom. However, the partnership didn’t last. Eve recorded an album’s worth of material, but creative differences led to her departure from the label.
Despite the setback, Eve remained undeterred. Her brief time with Aftermath opened doors, and it wasn’t long before she found a new home with Ruff Ryders Entertainment. The label, known for its gritty sound and powerhouse artists like DMX and The LOX, proved to be the perfect fit for Eve’s style and ambition.
The Rise of Ruff Ryders’ First Lady
Under Ruff Ryders, Eve flourished. Her debut album, Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, released in 1999, became an instant success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Tracks like “Gotta Man” and “Love Is Blind” showcased her versatility, while her collaborations with labelmates solidified her as a force in the industry.
Eve’s impact went beyond her music. She became a fashion icon, an actress, and a trailblazer for women in hip hop. Her journey from struggling stripper to rap superstar is a testament to her resilience and determination—and to the pivotal moment when Mase encouraged her to chase her dreams.
The Legacy of Let There Be Eve
Eve’s success with Ruff Ryders also set the stage for a new wave of female rappers. She became a role model for aspiring artists, proving that women could find a space in the industry without compromising their authenticity. Her influence extended beyond music into fashion, where she became known for her bold choices, and into acting, where she starred in films like Barbershop and headlined her own sitcom, Eve.
Eve’s willingness to share her personal struggles, including her brief stint as a stripper, inspired countless fans to pursue their dreams regardless of past circumstances. Her career was not just a win for women in hip hop but for the genre as a whole, as she broadened its scope and appeal.
Eve Reflects on Her Journey
Looking back, Eve acknowledges how far she’s come and credits her success to the support and encouragement she received along the way. “Mase didn’t have to say anything to me that night,” she said. “But he did, and it changed my life forever. I don’t know where I’d be if he hadn’t walked into that club.”
While her time as a stripper is a part of her story, Eve refuses to let it define her. Instead, she uses her platform to inspire others, proving that no matter where you start, it’s possible to rise above challenges and achieve greatness.
Mase’s Legacy Beyond Music
For Mase, this story is just one example of the quiet influence he has had on the industry. Though his career has been marked by periods of reinvention and controversy, his ability to recognize and nurture talent remains undeniable. His encouragement of Eve is a reminder of the impact that small gestures of support can have on someone’s life.
Today, Eve stands as a testament to Mase’s words and her own perseverance. Her success is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your path and follow your passion.
Eve Today: A Symbol of Resilience
Reflecting on her journey, Eve has continued to evolve, embracing new roles as a wife, mother, and television host. She remains a symbol of resilience, showing that success is possible even in the face of adversity. Her decision to share her story on VH1’s Behind the Music further cemented her legacy as an artist who is unafraid to confront her past and use it to inspire others.
Eve’s candidness about her struggles with depression, drinking, and self-doubt only adds depth to her story, making her achievements even more remarkable. Through her music, acting, and advocacy, she has proven that transformation is not only possible but can also lead to greatness.