Long before Rihanna’s arrival to the music industry, Eve’s blazing red hair shined in all its glory such as in this week’s From The Vault selection, ‘Let Me Blow Your Mind’. Released on May 15th 2001 as the 2nd single from her platinum-certified ‘Scorpion’ LP, the song featured Pop sensation Gwen Stefani.
‘Let Me Blow Your Mind’ was the 1st song ever to win the Grammy Award for ‘Best Rap/Sung Collaboration’ when the category was established for the 2002 ceremony. Peaking in the top 5 several charts around the world including at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the record remains Eve’s biggest hit to date.
Back when the Hip-Pop (Hip-Hop mixed with Pop music) movement pioneered by Mariah Carey was still young, this track was a definite standout. Eve delivered rhymes that would make even the most successful male MC blush and Stefani’s vocals on the hook were subtle yet quite effective.
What was most impressive about Eve was that in a era where female rappers – Lil Kim and Foxy Brown – relied on their sex appeal to help them generate airplay, she stayed focused on her craft. That is the key reason why she will always be remembered for her talent and not because of Diana Ross played with her breasts at an award show.