Nicki Minaj’s new Papercover is doing exactly what it set out to do: break the internet. It seems everyone has an opinion on the raunchy “Minaj à Trois” angle of the photo shoot, including Eve. She was asked what she thought of the photos on the CBS show The Talk, and let’s just say she wasn’t the biggest fan.
Eve couched her criticism of the cover with compliments to Nicki both as a person and a rapper. Eve recalled their time together on the set of Barbershop: The Next Cut and said Nicki is a genuinely nice woman. “She’s an amazing rapper, and I respect her as a lyricist,” Eve explained. But “as a woman,” Eve would “not be able to do that.”
“I think in this climate, it’s not good. I think every artist has a right to express themselves,” Eve continued. “For me personally, I started realizing that young girls were looking up to me. Not that you want to be a role model, but it is what you are.”
She caught a lot of backlash for these comments as many called out Eve’s own past, or the fact that other female rappers and artists have done similarly sexy photo shoots and Eve had nothing to say about them. But there were also more nuanced criticisms that took into account Eve does not need to be the authority on what another woman chooses to do with her body.
Ok Eve, Idk if it’s a good look “in this climate” to shame another successful black FEMALE rap artist for embracing her sexuality. Nicki Minaj ate that photo shoot and gave you CONFIDENCE in an era of slut shaming. Y’all trippin’ she a grown ass woman
Lol @ eve saying stuff about Nicki Minaj breaking the internet ... like wyd. Y’all act like women in their 30’s+ can’t be empowered by their sexuality ... I’m not even going to mention some people but I already have ppl in mind
Nicki Minaj can do whatever she wants. And Eve can say whatever she wants. I really think it's that simple.
Eve even felt the need to further clarify her statements on Twitter. Many people supported Eve, but the majority took it as another opportunity to go at her.
A lot of ya’ll need to calm down AND LISTEN to what I said. I am speaking from the place I am TODAY as WOMAN and how I feel NOW!!!
But you have no right to speak about that sis? Nickis not even nude in her photoshoot she has pasties over her nipples. You’re out of line. pic.twitter.com/UzZkq3eprp
Wow. I can’t believe the First Lady of Ruff Ryders and my favorite Pitbull in a skirt said those things. I have to say, I’m really disappointed Eve.
AS A WOMAN YOU SHOULDNT BE POLICING OTHER WOMAN’S BODIES. NICKI IS ALLOWED TO BE SEXUAL AND PROVOCATIVE. HER BODY BELONGS TO HERS.
Based on the video below, it seems Nicki has always been acutely aware of her role as a public figure. “I’m not not showing skin because of five- and six-year-olds. Five- and six-year-olds have to be parented by their parents,” Nicki explained. She also went on to say that she’s very “big” on women being independent and educated. Nicki has backed those views up by being vocal about sexism in the music industry and helping pay college tuition for fans many times.
Nicki Minaj settled Eve’s line of critique forever ago: pic.twitter.com/U8BJdNg082
