24 Hours in London with Eve
There’s something funny about hearing Eve, Philly-born rap royalty, talk about London drizzle like a true Londoner. The woman behind some of the most iconic rap videos of the 2000s is now spending more time at museums with her son, walking around West London and admitting she actually finds the rain “kinda cosy” these days. “I’m not outside like that anymore,” she laughs at one point. “I’m raving on my pillow.”
Twenty-five years on from Scorpion, and fresh off co-hosting this year’s MOBO Awards in Manchester, Eve still has the same presence she always did, just with a different perspective now. Speaking to FOUND, she reflects on motherhood, longevity and what she wants the next generation to understand about evolving with time.
Where does a perfect day in London start for you?
It always starts with the nursery run. That’s non-negotiable. After that, I’ll probably head to Brasseria in Notting Hill, either for breakfast or a matcha if I don’t have Pilates. It really depends on the day. Sometimes it’s straight to coffee, sometimes Pilates, sometimes I just need a minute. If I don’t have meetings or Zooms, I try to actually enjoy that time. I’ll go for a really big walk, that’s important for me. It clears my head, even if it’s a little drizzly, I don’t mind anymore. I used to hate the rain, now I’m like… this is kind of cosy.
Where are you taking us for lunch, somewhere you always go back to?
Canteen on Golborne Road. I love it there, I’m usually meeting a friend. Golborne Road in itself is just a vibe. There’s so much culture, different people, movement, energy, all on one street. You don’t even really need a plan, you can just walk around and take it all in. It’s one of those places that just feels alive.
If you had to give us a little dose of culture in the city, where would you send us?
Honestly, I spend a lot of time at The Natural History Museum because of my son. I don’t know if everyone wants to look at dinosaurs all day like I do, but that’s where I’m at right now. Dinosaurs all day. I love the Design Museum too, they always have great exhibitions on. They’re really good at curating things that feel thoughtful and interesting. That’s my little dose of culture.
Where would you go in the evening, if you were actually going out?
I’m not outside like that anymore. I’m raving on my pillow these days. But my husband and I have actually said we need to get better at that now the baby’s a bit older. The last place we went that I absolutely loved was The Twenty Two. It’s perfect because you can do everything in one place. Dinner, drinks, then it turns into a proper night. Restaurant into bar into club. That’s a great night out. I need to relive those 24 hours honestly.
How would you describe your London right now, what does it feel like?
It’s a bit of a mix. I’m in a phase where I actually have time, which is rare. I don’t have anything locked in right now, so I can kind of move how I want. It’s slower, more intentional. Time to myself, long walks, good food, seeing people I love. And then every now and again, a proper night out just to remind myself who I am.
For the next generation watching you, what do you want them to understand about longevity?
Be open to the pivot. Yes, have a vision for your life, but be flexible. We create these rigid plans for ourselves, but life has its own ideas. Sometimes opportunities show up in ways you didn’t expect. Don’t be afraid to take that left turn.
Was there a moment in your career that felt like a setback but ended up propelling you forward?
Absolutely. The biggest one was the first time I got signed… and then dropped. That was huge. I thought, ‘Wait, wasn’t that my moment?’ Being sent home forced me to face myself. I needed that humility. If I hadn’t been dropped, I wouldn’t have had the time to figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be, or how much work I was willing to put in if I ever got another chance. Failure is part of success. It’s cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes it’s just life showing you another way, or giving you the time to build a better plan.
Has motherhood changed the way you approach your art?
In some ways, yes. A lot of it is about time and how much time I spend away from him, or whether he can come with me. That affects what I say yes or no to. For example, I love acting, but I don’t want to take any big acting jobs until he’s older and in school. I want the hours where I’m not worrying. So yes, motherhood definitely shapes the choices I make.
Is there a belief or mindset you’ve carried throughout your career that still grounds you now?
Yes - what’s meant for you is yours. I’ve lived by that. I breathe it, I sign off my emails with it, everyone who knows me knows it. It’s simple, but it’s a reminder to pause, take a breath and focus on what you really want. Then go for it.
Image credit: Zoe Mconnel
Interview by: Cherelle Chambers