Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryder's First Lady

1	First Lady (Intro) 1:36
2	Let's Talk About 3:31
3	Gotta Man 4:24
4	Philly Cheese Steak (Skit) 1:37
5	Philly Philly 3:57
6	Stuck Up 3:53
7	Ain't Got No Dough 4:17
8	BM (Skit) 1:01
9	Love Is Blind 4:20
10	Scenario 2000 3:49
11	Dog Match 4:19
12	My Bitches (Skit) 1:08
13	We On That Shit! 3:25
14	Chokie Nikes (Skit) 1:04
15	Maniac 4:22
16	My Enemies (Skit) 1:43
17	Heaven Only Knows 4:29
18	What Y'all Want Bonus Track / Remix / Mix 4:05

Barnes & Noble

From the revamped version of the salsa-inflected hip-hop single "What Y'all Want" (originally released on this year's RYDE OR DIE, VOL. 1) through the rest of her 12-track debut disc, Eve proves that her brand of feminine moxie is no one-hit wonder. Over a bevy of buzzing, ominous tracks, supplied mostly by producer Swizz Beatz, the Philly-bred female promotes crew love, but never at the expense of her post-feminist politics. On the hit single "Gotta Man," Eve shows that she's down for her boo as acoustic guitar fingerings and pixie vocals propel the infectious chorus (which mirrors the hook of Jay-Z's "Girl's Best Friend" from the BLUE STREAK soundtrack), and she trades street rhymes about money holding and pistol blazing with male counterparts DMX, Drag-on, and the LOX on the ringing "Scenario 2000." Still, the tow-headed rhymer is at her best when appealing to her female constituency. On the battered women's tale of redemption, "Love Is Blind," and the breezy yet self-revelatory "Heaven Only Knows," Eve comes full-circle with heartfelt rhymes sure to gain her respect as one of hip-hop's real ladies. Brett Johnson

All Music Guide

The full title of Eve's full-length debut is Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady for a reason. The Philadelphia rapper sets out to prove she's earned her place in the Ruff Ryders crew, matching rhymes, raunch, and rounds with the hardest hardass. Minimal beats laced with synthesized strings and keyboards back traditional hip-hop brag fests like "Let's Talk About." Eve shows up guests Drag-on, DMX, and others with boasts of sexual prowess, withering insults to inadequately endowed brothers, and violent sister-centered anthems like "My Bitches." A few short skits offer snapshots of Eve's beloved hometown. The irresistible party anthem "We on That Shit!," reminiscent of Coolio's "Fantastic Voyage," chronicles a night of clubbing and rounds out the street picture. "Ain't Got No Dough," a fabulous collaboration with Missy Elliott, is a fiery bridge between street-centered raps and the more interesting tracks. Purring and pissed, it's an edgier alternative to TLC's hit "No Scrubs." Eve's conviction and passion make her noticeable no matter what the subject, 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 positivity 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, but with a subtle vulnerability that promise lots of interesting things to come from this Philly prodigy. Theresa E. LaVeck