Nicki Minaj recently expressed her deep gratitude to rapper EVE for her candidness and refusal to conform to the pressures of competition among women in the music industry.
Minaj shared her thoughts following the release of EVE’s first memoir, Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir, in which the Philadelphia native opened up about her experiences in the entertainment industry and reflected on her time working with Minaj in the 2016 film Barbershop: The Next Cut.
In the memoir, EVE acknowledged how Minaj earned her respect during filming and reflected on her past experiences with insecurity and competition among women.
According to The Neighborhood Talk, she wrote about how she had been through the struggles that came with other women projecting insecurities, which affected her early in her career and continued as she became more famous.
However, EVE consciously decided not to allow herself to become that type of woman, choosing instead to support others, including Minaj.
EVE explained that preconceived notions of rivalry were quickly dispelled when she and Minaj shot scenes together.
She expressed her surprise that the atmosphere on set was professional and friendly, contrary to what she had expected.
ALSO READ: Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine over show cancellation: Peter Frampton talked out of his ass
ALSO READ: Willie Nelson reveals heartfelt cover of The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??”: Listen Now
The veteran rapper also described watching Minaj juggle her many responsibilities during filming, including writing songs between takes, travelling for weekend performances, and returning to set for long 12- to 16-hour days of shooting.
In addition to her professional commitments, Minaj was also managing her personal life and relationships, something that EVE admitted she didn’t envy.
Instead of feeling jealousy or resentment, she felt compassion for Minaj.
“I kind of wanted to give her a hug,” EVE wrote, admitting that although she initially thought she might resent Minaj, she felt understanding and empathy.
She recognized in Minaj the same pressures she had once faced as a young artist who felt the need to do it all and be everything for everyone.
EVE saw that the pressures women face in the entertainment industry often lead to a false sense of competition when, in reality, there is so much shared experience and potential for support.
In response to EVE’s reflections, Minaj took to social media, posting a heartfelt letter on X (formerly Twitter) to express her appreciation for EVE’s openness.
Minaj praised EVE for her courage in being vulnerable and honest, stating that it showed high emotional and spiritual maturity.
She acknowledged that such transparency is a sign of inner peace and self-mastery.
Minaj’s message began with a heartfelt thank you to EVE, saying, “The level of grace; the level of emotional [and] spiritual maturity it takes to be this vulnerable [and] transparent is a sign of TRUE peace, happiness, fulfilment, [and] mastery of self. Self-reflection [at] its height.”
Minaj went on to share her admiration for EVE’s career, recalling how she had watched EVE’s rise as part of the Ruff Ryderz crew and how EVE had handled the insecurities of others with grace, all while showcasing her undeniable talent and charisma.
Minaj continued to reflect on EVE’s influence, mentioning how the rapper set trends in music and fashion, from her iconic blonde short haircut to the paw print tattoos on her chest.
Minaj admitted feeling nervous when she first arrived on set for Barbershop: The Next Cut, as she viewed EVE as a professional who seemed effortlessly at ease.
In her letter, Minaj also expressed gratitude that EVE didn’t project the same competitive insecurities onto her that EVE herself had experienced earlier in her career.
“Thank you for trying to not do to me what was done to you. Women feel so much pressure to compete [and] it’s a shame because we usually have so much in common [and] could really benefit from one another just as human beings,” Minaj wrote.
She highlighted the shared struggles that many women in the industry face, whether as artists, wives, or mothers, including dealing with anxiety and navigating the ups and downs of public life.
Minaj confessed that she worried that EVE didn’t like her after her first day on set.
However, she also felt that deep down, EVE understood that she genuinely admired her.
Because of this, EVE was kind to her throughout the filming process.
Minaj’s message ended on a positive note, as she sent her best wishes to EVE and her family and congratulated her on the release of her memoir and her many accomplishments in both hip hop and film.
Minaj also took the opportunity to compliment EVE’s timeless beauty, adding a light-hearted, “P.S. You STILL look sooooo pretty.”
EVE’s memoir, Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir, was officially released on September 17 through Hanover Square Press.
The book dives into the life of the rapper, actress, and talk show host, offering readers a detailed look at her journey through the entertainment industry and the personal struggles she faced along the way.
While Minaj’s response to EVE’s revelations was largely positive, the rapper recently found herself in hot water over another incident.
Minaj faced backlash after commenting on employees laid off by Atlantic Records.
The controversy arose when Minaj posted a joke referencing the job cuts and sarcastically suggested that the affected employees could find work at UPS, remarking, “UPS is hiring.”
The comment was criticized for insensitive, especially because many people had lost their jobs.
Some fans and critics felt that Minaj’s remarks were out of touch and lacked empathy for those facing unemployment.
Despite the negative attention surrounding her joke, Minaj’s praise for EVE and candid reflections on their time working together have been well received, highlighting a moment of solidarity between two influential women in hip-hop.
The exchange between the two artists serves as a reminder of the importance of support and understanding in an industry that often pits women against each other.
