Eve---Lip Lock

Eve-Lip Lock-From the Rib/RED-(2013)

Artist: Eve

Album: Lip Lock

Label: From the Rib, RED

Producers: Swizz Beats, The Neptunes, Jukebox, Van Deer Waal

Female artists have paved a way in the hip hop era. Many of them either become recognizable stars or withered in the wind. A recognized face has remerges as the same pit bull in the skirt. From the successes with the Ruff Ryders came as well as a solo artist, Eve re-enters the scene despite the frustrations of label situations. With gold and platinum albums under her belt and a stellar acting career, Eve makes sure that fans can enjoy “Lip Lock”.

            Eve has not changed her tune although her ear for music in this album is a tad different. She still manages to keep the formula on this album like her previous ones. Take tracks like “Forgive Me”, “Never Gone” featuring Chrisette Michele and the first single “Make It Out This Town” featuring Gabe Saporta about battling depression and uplifting self-esteem over a commercial based beats, “Mama in the Kitchen” featuring Snoop Dogg where lyrical blows hit hard over the knocking eceltic Swizz Beats on the production tip and the second single “Eve” where she experiments with reggae artist Miss Kitty.  “Zero Below” is a good example of using the current effective kicks on the beat that fits Eve’s style. Eve causes lyrically destructive on the Jukebox produced “She Bad Bad” where she shows other female rappers how it is done and the remix featuring Pusha T and an impressive Juicy J keep the momentum going. 

            This album did suffer from the over experimentation of beats and too much alternating styles which can confuse the listener especially the new fans. This is where different tastes of music can be a hit or miss. “Grind or Die” is an example where Eve lyrics went in but felt mismatched by the uptempo rock infused beat. “Keep Me From You” a crossover album filler track that probably can fit in the nightclubs but throws the momentum off a little bit due to the alternative switch of styles.

            Lip Lock stays relevant in the 2013 hip hop era. After the eleven year hiatus with music, Eve maintains her credibility as one of the fiercest female artists in the game. She makes sure she has not fall off the radar. What keeps her relevant in the game is the diverse subject matter and able stay musically adventurous; able to take chances to keep the listeners ears alert. Although production wise, she went way out the box, Lip Lock will still stay in people’s I-POD list. It’s a lip lock that many listeners will enjoy making out to wishing they can with Eve. She still keeps it going!

            Strong Tracks: “Mama in the Kitchen”, “Make it Out This Town”, “She Bad Bad”

            Average Tracks: “Eve”, “She Bad Bad (remix)”, “Never Gone”, “Forgive Me”, “Keep Me From You”

            Weak Tracks:  “Grind or Die”, “Wanna Be”

            Rating:out of