Bringing back #MyTop5, we sat down with Eve to discuss the films she thought were most influential to women. Gearing up for her upcoming album “Lip Lock,” Eve looks to reemerge herself into the rap game as a hard hitting female emcee. Eve’s career achieved great success in the early 2000’s and now with her upcoming return she must re-enter into a game where female emcees often take shots at each other rather than come together to create great music. The Ruff Ryders’ First Lady isn’t about the beef between women in hip-hop which makes this week’s #MyTop5 appropriate as she reflects on movies that empower and promote positivity for women.
Set it Off (1996) – “It was the first action film with four black female leads.” Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise portray a group of four friends that devise a plan to rob a bank in order to build a better life for themselves and their families. All the women deliver a genuine and raw performance that touch on social issues with morality and soul. Having an action film with black women as leads was a huge step for women in the 90’s and left quite an impression on Eve.
Whip It (2009) – “Not only did it have great female characters but also a great female director. I love Drew Barrymore.” Roller derby is a popular and empowering sport for women who can get just as tough as their male counterparts. “Whip It” follows a young teenager who joins a roller derby team. Boasting a dynamic cast with the likes of Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig, Zoe Bell, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, and Eve herself, this is a no brainer for Eve’s Top 5.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) – “I love the emotional strength of the women.” The 2005 film adaption of the novel “Memoirs of a Geisha,” depicts the struggle of a young girl sold into slavery and sent off to school to become a geisha. In addition to Academy Award winning cinematography, Zhang Ziyi brings a heightened sense of emotion making the film an outstanding piece of work all around.
Salt (2010) – “Angelina killed the role that was intended for Tom Cruise.” In a world dominated by male action stars, Angelina Jolie has held her own in the action genre, branding herself as the sole female heroine. The 2010 “Salt,” has a very Mission Impossible-esque tone. We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie teamed up.
Mahogany (1975) – “Diana Ross, no explanation needed.” Diana Ross stars as Tracy Chambers a struggling African American woman who pursues a career in fashion in Rome. Diana Ross is the epitome of a female creating success for herself and inspired women all over the world to pursuer their dreams.
Eve’s Top 5 compliments her image as a strong and empowered woman in the Hip-Hop industry. “Lip Lock” is set for a May 14th release date and after 11 years of a hiatus; I know we are all eager to hear what she has to say.
Ben Lester (bjams11)
