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Lip Lock
Studio album by
Eve
ReleasedMay 14, 2013 (2013-05-14)
Recorded2007–2013
GenreHip hop
Length39:34
LabelFrom the Rib
Producer
Eve chronology
Eve-Olution
(2002) 		Lip Lock
(2013)
Singles from Lip Lock
  1. "Make It Out This Town"
    Released: February 26, 2013
  2. "Eve"
    Released: April 29, 2013

Lip Lock is the fourth studio album by American rapper Eve. The album, her first in eleven years, was released on May 14, 2013, by From The Rib Music and distributed by RED Distribution. The album features guest appearances from Gabe Saporta, Dawn Richard, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Chrisette Michele, Juicy J, and Pusha T among others. The album was supported with the singles "Make It Out This Town" and "Eve", in addition to the promotional single "She Bad Bad".

Lip Lock was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number 46 on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 9,000 copies.

Background

[edit]

In 2007, Eve began working on a new album titled Here I Am.[1] In May 2007, XXL magazine profiled six recorded tracks from Here I Am; five of them being produced by Swizz Beatz, including the singles "Tambourine" and "Give It to You" (featuring Sean Paul). Another song showcased, produced by Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, was "All Night Long", a song where Eve sings as opposes to rapping.[2][3] In July 2007, XXL published a review of Here I Am, rating it an L in its "shoe size" rating system ranging from S to XXL.[4] However the album ran into a series of delays due to corporate change at the record label and discontent with the lackluster success of the first and second singles, "Tambourine", released in April 2007, and "Give It to You" (featuring Sean Paul), released during the summer.[5] The project was delayed to September 11, 2007, and then October 16, 2007 but it was never released.[5] Problems at her label, Interscope Records, were responsible for the multiple delays.[6] Due to the delays, the album was often reworked, and multiple times the album was renamed from Here I Am to Flirt and finally to Lip Lock.[6][7] In an interview with New York Post, it was revealed under the title Here I Am the album had actually been completed; however, both times Interscope shelved the project.[7]

On January 10, 2010, Eve announced on her Twitter that she left Interscope, saying: "Let me tell u what happened with music so ya’ll don’t think I quit." she told her followers "Left Interscope, free agent now. Went back in re-doing music. Trust me."[8] The album was then expected to be released during 2011, but it was delayed once again.[9] In 2012, Eve decided she would release the album independently, creating her own label From The Rib Music, with distribution being handled through Sony/Red. She stated that there would be several buzz singles before the official single and said the album would have "hard street stuff", "radio singles' and 'stuff to listen to when you're feeling down".[10] In a 2013, interview with Billboard, Eve said:

"One of the biggest things that I wanted to do on this album was make people realize why they fell in love with me in the first place and then take them on a journey to where I am now musically. My ear is different but I think people will recognize me. I think you'll hear that I'm in a happy place. I miss my music. My hunger is different than the first time around".[11]

Promotion and singles

[edit]

In anticipation of the album, Eve released the song "She Bad Bad", produced by Jukebox, on October 9, 2012. It is her first release through her own independent record label, From the Rib.[12][13] An accompanying music video for the promotional single was released on January 8, 2013.[14] An official remix of "She Bad Bad", featuring rappers Juicy J and Pusha T, was released on January 23, 2013.[15]

The album's lead single "Make It Out This Town", featuring guest vocals from Gabe Saporta of the synth-pop band Cobra Starship, was released on February 26, 2013.[16] The music video for the song premiered on Vevo on March 29, 2013.[17][18] Eve performed the song for the first time on the May 3, 2013 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, along with Gabe Saporta and The Roots.[19] She performed again the song on Good Morning America on May 14, 2013. "Make It Out This Town" was released in the UK on May 26, 2013, trailing Lip Lock by one week.[20]

In an interview on Rap-Up TV, Eve confirmed that the second official single would be the track "EVE" featuring Jamaican reggae artist Miss Kitty.[21] The music video for the song was shot in London in February and premiered on BET on April 29, 2013. The day after the single was officially released.[22] Eve performed the song on the late night talk show Conan on June 26, 2013.[23]

In September 2013, Eve said she was choosing between "Keep Me from You" featuring Dawn Richard and "Mama in the Kitchen" with Snoop Dogg as the album's third single,[24] but eventually no more singles were released.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic62/100[25]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[26]
FactStarStarStarHalf star[27]
HipHopDXStarStarHalf star[28]
PopMatters6/10[29]
RapReviews7/10[30]
Spin7/10[31]
New York Daily NewsStarStarStar[32]

Lip Lock was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 62, based on 8 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[25] David Jeffries of AllMusic stated, "If Lip Lock isn't mean enough, well, neither is Eve. She's sweeter than before and musically more adventurous. It's just a shame she burned up the title Eve-Olution on that previous release."[26] Julianne Escobedo Shepherd of Spin said, "Lip Lock may not be the best rap album of 2013, but it's interesting, and it's honest. After 11 years, that's a respectable way to ride out."[31] Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDX said, "Seeing Eve return is a welcoming sight, and while unexpected, the experimental arrangements of her new project can be written off as just that. The heart of the issue with Lip Lock is that Eve hasn’t restored the command she once had, which subsequently allows these new sounds to lead her down a road of uncertainty. Eve’s maturation as a person has been obtained through time; it may take more before her music catches up."[28] Lauren Martin of Fact stated, "Eve doesn’t dwell on the past with underhand bitterness or glassy-eyed nostalgia. Considering it’s been eleven years, there’s a pointedly absent element of story-telling about her hiatus which leaves the listener wanting more, yet Eve was never held up as a great lyricist and can’t really be bashed for not being one now. That’s not where her appeal lies. For all her success in commercial rap Eve is first and foremost a singer. It’s the fluidity of her appeal that she’s most keenly aware of, and this gets a triumphant finale on the remix of first single ‘She Bad Bad’ featuring Pusha T and Juicy J. As the three fellow comeback success stories stand side by side like this over what is certainly the album's most intense beat, even I feel smug listening to it. Eve is back, and she barely broke a sweat."[27]

Steve Juon of RapReviews said, "Not every track on "Lip Lock is a home run, but she bats for the cycle here and only strikes out a few times ("Keep Me From You" is just too cotton candy for me). That's pretty incredible given how long she's been away. Who knows? Maybe she'll end up signing DMX to her imprint. She's got her life together, her businesses are successful, and she's still a bad bitch – but no longer afraid that showing her feminine side will make her come across soft or weak to a misogynistic audience. She can be the pitbull when necessary or the poodle when she feels like it and it's her flawless ability to switch it up that commands your attention."[30] Jim Farber of New York Daily News stated, "To be specific, 11 long years have passed since the one-time Queen MC of Ruff Ryders Records completed a disc — 2002’s Eve-Olution. For the last six years, she’s been tinkering with tracks, leaking some out while experiencing increasing frustration with her label (Interscope). Small wonder the long-aborning Lip Lock appears on her own label. The lag may also explain why we’re hearing a more mature Eve here, less angry, more open to pop."[32] Elias Leight of PopMatters said, "Eve tries to sound current—Lip Lock is consistently dense with electronics that nod to today’s pop-scape. No Neptunes and Dre here, but plenty of low frequency throbbing and high-pitched glitch noises. Eve doesn’t reach for the dance floor often, but this is hip-hop that acknowledges EDM and dub-step. There are a few songs that sound very different from the rest and instantly seem like outliers."[29]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number 46 on the US Billboard 200 chart, number 10 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart with first-week sales of 9,000 copies.[33] The album also charted on the ARIA Urban Albums chart in Australia at number 31.

Track listing

[edit]
Lip Lock track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Eve" (featuring Miss Kitty)
Radio83:33
2."She Bad Bad"
  • Jeffers
  • Ronald Jackson
Jukebox3:05
3."Make It Out This Town" (featuring Gabe Saporta)
3:56
4."All Night" (featuring Claude Kelly and Propain)
  • Jeffers
  • Webb, Jr.
  • Moore
  • Kelly
  • Chris Dudley
  • Jon Jon
  • Kelly[a]
3:12
5."Keep Me from You" (featuring Dawn Richard)
  • Jeffers
  • Moore
  • Van Der Waal
  • Sander Van Der Waal
  • Sérgio Marques
  • Taj Jackson
  • Takeya Rideout
  • Tatiana Matthews
3:10
6."Wanna Be" (featuring Missy Elliott and Nacho)
Blac Elvis3:21
7."Mama in the Kitchen" (featuring Snoop Dogg)
3:11
8."Grind or Die"
  • Jeffers
  • Moore
  • William Van Der Heyden
Felix Snow2:22
9."Zero Below"
  • Jeffers
  • Moore
  • Van Der Waal
  • Marques
  • Jackson
  • Rideout
  • Matthews
  • Van Der Waal
  • DJ Surge
3:13
10."Forgive Me"
  • Remi
  • Love
3:11
11."Never Gone" (featuring Chrisette Michele)
  • Jeffers
  • Michael Woods
  • Rashad Robinson
  • Moore
  • Matthews
  • Jackson
Shoddy4:15
12."She Bad Bad (Remix)" (featuring Juicy J and Pusha T)
Jukebox3:04
Total length:39:34
Leftover tracks

Notes

  • Producer Troy "Radio8" Johnson is styled as R8D!O
  • ^[a] denotes co-producer

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from Barnes & Noble.com.[34]

Performers
Technical credits
  • Bruce Carbone – executive producer
  • Fred Kevorkian – mastering
  • Salaam Remi – producer
  • Michael Woods – engineer
  • DJ Surge – producer
  • Swizz Beatz – producer
  • The Jukebox – producer
  • Nicholas Oshane – producer
  • Trevor Niemann – art direction
  • Rico Love – producer
  • Claude Kelly – producer
  • Gleyder "Gee" Disla – engineer
  • Phil Scott – engineer
  • Shoddy – producer
  • Mike Piazza – engineer
  • Jon Jon – producer
  • Sander Van Der Waal – producer
  • Amarpaul Kalirai – art direction
  • James Chul Rim – engineer
  • Blac Elvis – producer
  • Travis "Viko" Blake – engineer
  • R8d!0 – producer
  • Lauren D'Elia – engineer
  • Felix Snow – producer, engineer
  • Den Fang – engineer
  • Mike Woods – engineer

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Lip Lock
Chart (2013) Peak
position
Australian Urban Albums (ARIA)[35] 31
US Billboard 200[36] 46
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[37] 10
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[38] 7

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for Lip Lock
Region Date Format Label
United States[39] May 14, 2013 CD, digital download From the Rib Music, RED Distribution
Ireland[40] May 30, 2013 From the Rib Music, EMI
United Kingdom[20] June 2, 2013

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lip Lock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lip Lock is the fourth studio album by American rapper Eve, released on May 14, 2013, marking her return to music following an eleven-year absence from full-length albums since Eve-Olution in 2002. The project, issued independently through her From The Rib Music label and distributed by RED Distribution, consists of 12 tracks spanning 39 minutes and features guest appearances from artists including Miss Kitty, of , , , , and . The album's development faced multiple delays due to label issues during Eve's time with , leading her to establish her own label for greater creative control. Promotion included the promotional single "She Bad Bad" in October 2012, the lead single "Make It Out This Town" featuring in February 2013, and "Eve" featuring Miss Kitty in April, with the latter accompanied by a directed by Peter Hamblin. Eve described Lip Lock as a reflection of her personal growth and a blend of hip-hop, pop, and influences, aiming to showcase her evolution as an artist. Critically, Lip Lock received mixed reviews, with praise for its eclectic production and Eve's confident delivery on tracks like "Eve" and "Let Me Love You," but criticism for uneven songwriting and an overly commercial sound on others such as "Make It Out This Town." reported an average score of 62 out of 100 based on eight reviews, while aggregators like Album of the Year noted 63 out of 100, highlighting its honesty after the long hiatus while acknowledging it fell short of her earlier commercial peaks. Commercially, the album debuted at number 46 on the , selling 8,600 copies in its first week, a modest performance compared to her previous releases.

Background and Development

Conception and Delays

In 2007, announced she had begun work on her fourth studio album, intended as a follow-up to her 2002 release Eve-Olution, initially titled Here I Am. The project faced immediate setbacks, with its planned release date shifting multiple times—from August to September and then October 2007—before being postponed indefinitely into 2008. These delays stemmed primarily from contractual disputes and lack of support at , where unfulfilled promises from label executives hindered progress. Further complications arose from Eve's personal life changes, including a growing focus on her acting career with roles in films like Barbershop (2002) and TV series, as well as creative blocks that led her to question her passion for music during this period. Early recording sessions in 2007 and 2008, which produced several tracks including singles like "," were ultimately shelved as the project stalled. By 2009, amid ongoing frustrations, Eve renamed the album Flirt to signal a lighter, more upbeat direction for the material. In January 2010, after 11 years with Interscope, Eve departed the label, citing the prolonged delays as a key factor in her decision to become a . She subsequently retitled the project Lip Lock later that year, emphasizing a playful and flirtatious tone that better aligned with her revitalized creative vision. This shift paved the way for an independent release strategy through her newly formed label, From The Rib Music, distributed by . The album's development, spanning from 2007 to 2012, marked one of the longest gaps between major releases in Eve's career, ultimately resulting in a complete rework of the original concept.

Recording and Production

Following her departure from Interscope Records, Eve began principal recording sessions for Lip Lock in 2011 as an independent artist through her own label, From The Rib Music, allowing her greater creative control over the project's direction. The sessions took place over the next two years, with Eve overseeing production to blend her established hip-hop foundations with and electronic elements, aiming to refresh her sound for a wider audience. This process involved recruiting a diverse array of producers post-label change, including , who contributed to multiple tracks and served as a longtime collaborator; (also known as J-Rock), handling beats for songs like "She Bad Bad"; Blac Elvis on "Wanna Be"; and , who provided instrumentation including bass, keyboards, guitar, and drums for "Forgive Me." Eve played a central role in curating features to infuse fresh energy, selecting artists who aligned with her vision of lyrical dominance and sonic variety. Collaborations included on "Wanna Be," a nod to their longstanding professional relationship dating back to Eve's early career; (as Snoop Lion) on "Mama in the Kitchen," which evolved organically from a hook Eve admired and "begged" to incorporate; and alongside on the remix of "She Bad Bad," blending trap influences with Eve's rap delivery. Other notable guests were of on "Make It Out This Town," chosen after a personal connection formed at an event, and on "Never Gone," adding soulful layers to the track. These choices reflected Eve's intent to attract broader listeners while maintaining her rap authenticity, as she noted the freedom to experiment in a more accepting hip-hop landscape compared to her earlier albums. The production faced challenges inherent to independent status, including the pressure of self-directed decision-making without major-label resources, which Eve described as "scary" but ultimately empowering, as it forced her to trust her instincts. Balancing her rap roots with pop experimentation proved demanding, requiring adjustments to ensure tracks like those with electronic synths and futuristic production did not dilute her core style. Earlier material from sessions dating back to 2007, originally intended for a shelved project titled Here I Am, was largely discarded or reworked to fit the evolving Lip Lock vision, resulting in a finalized 12-track that captured her growth. Budget constraints as a self-financed endeavor further shaped the process, prioritizing efficient collaborations and focused studio time over expansive resources.

Promotion and Singles

Promotional Singles

To build anticipation for her fourth studio album, released "She Bad Bad" on October 9, 2012, as the lead promotional single through her independent label, From the Rib Music, distributed by /. Produced by , the track showcased Eve's assertive and self-assured delivery, positioning it as a bold statement of her return to after an 11-year hiatus from full-length projects. The accompanying , directed by Taj Stansberry and released on January 9, 2013, depicted Eve in glamorous, high-fashion sequences that highlighted her commanding presence and signaled her reemergence in the hip-hop landscape. Filmed in a stylized aesthetic, it featured Eve exuding amid sleek urban-inspired visuals, further amplifying the single's role in generating pre-album excitement. A remix of "She Bad Bad" featuring and followed on January 23, 2013, expanding the track's reach within hip-hop communities by incorporating verses from the guest artists to sustain momentum. Made available digitally via platforms like , the original and remix versions allowed for widespread streaming and downloads, providing early indicators of fan engagement during Eve's independent rollout without the commitments of a full commercial single push. The remix's promotional video accumulated over 1.3 million views shortly after release, helping to test audience response ahead of the album's launch.

Official Singles

The lead single from Lip Lock, "Make It Out This Town" featuring of , was released on February 26, 2013. Produced by Jon Jon Traxx with co-production from , the track blends pop-rock elements through its uplifting melody and Saporta's vocal contributions, aiming to inspire listeners facing challenges. The music video, directed by Robby Starbuck and released on March 29, 2013, was filmed in and emphasizes themes of perseverance and , aligning with Eve's role as an for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to promote mentorship programs. Promotional efforts included digital availability on and targeted radio play to build anticipation for the album. The second official single, "Eve" featuring Jamaican reggae artist Miss Kitty, followed on April 29, 2013. Produced by R8D!O, the song incorporates an electronic dance vibe with pulsating beats and Eve's assertive rap delivery, designed to energize club and radio audiences. Its accompanying , directed by Peter Hamblin and premiered on April 30, 2013, features bold, urban visuals shot in , capturing a sense of confidence and modernity to attract younger demographics. The single received support through urban radio rotations and exclusives, though it achieved modest commercial traction.

Composition

Musical Style

Lip Lock marks a significant evolution in Eve's sound, transitioning from her earlier hardcore hip-hop roots to a pop-rap hybrid infused with electronic, , and elements. This shift reflects influences from her time in and collaborations with diverse producers, resulting in a genre-blending that incorporates electro-pop, club anthems, , and vibes. The production emphasizes modern electronic textures, including dense layers of low-frequency throbs and high-pitched glitches, moving away from the heavy-hitting beats of her Ruff Ryders era toward a more accessible, upbeat aesthetic suitable for contemporary radio and streaming platforms. Key production techniques feature grime-synth elements and David Guetta-inspired electronic beats, creating an experimental "otherworldly" atmosphere across the album's 12 tracks, which total 39:34 minutes. Tracks like "Zero Below" showcase brash grime-synth production, while "Mama in the Kitchen" delivers a club-ready with a catchy hook from . "Make It Out This Town," featuring of , incorporates a distinctive guitar lick that adds a rock-infused edge to its pop structure, and the title track "" employs robo-drone synths and moaning effects for a futuristic, dance-oriented drop. These elements highlight the album's focus on versatile, high-energy beats designed for broad appeal. The album's sonic identity draws parallels to contemporaries like in its use of drops and pop accessibility, while echoing Missy Elliott's experimental flair through guest appearances and innovative soundscapes, all underpinned by 's signature sharp flow. Unlike Minaj's more theatrical delivery, Eve maintains a ruthless, streetwise edge, blending it with global samples and post-Diplo bass interludes for a fresh yet rooted hip-hop core. This hybrid approach positions Lip Lock as a bridge between traditional rap and evolving dance influences, prioritizing rhythmic innovation over rigid genre boundaries.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics on Lip Lock center on themes of , romance, self-confidence, and resilience, marking a shift toward more personal and motivational narratives following Eve's extended break from music. Tracks like "Eve" exemplify female independence, with Eve delivering assertive lines such as "Ain't no guessing it's E-V-E / I'm the chick that they wish they'd be," positioning herself as an enduring force in hip-hop while encouraging listeners to embrace their strength. Similarly, "Make It Out This Town" featuring promotes self-confidence and escape from adversity, as Eve raps about rising above challenges: "Just wanna fly above it all, see where you can land / Know you can make it if you try." These motifs underscore a broader sense of resilience, drawing from Eve's own experiences of perseverance amid industry obstacles. Eve's songwriting on the album reveals a lyrical toward and flirtatiousness, contrasting her earlier aggressive Ruff Ryders-era style with verses that reflect on maturity and her 11-year career hiatus. In "" featuring , she contemplates daily struggles and the importance of : "Every day is a struggle / Waking up stressed, emotions I juggle," blending vulnerability with a resilient outlook shaped by time away from . Flirtatious elements appear in romantic tracks like "Forgive Me," where Eve expresses sensuality and emotional openness over a dancehall-inflected beat, signaling a softer, more playful side. This maturation allows for deeper , as Eve references her growth and renewed freedom throughout the project. Guest artists enhance these themes through collaborative dynamics, adding layers of banter and narrative depth. On "Get Away" featuring , the pair exchange playful, lighthearted exchanges that inject fun into themes of escapism and enjoyment, with Sparks' hook complementing Eve's confident flow. Chrisette Michele's soulful contribution to "Never Gone" amplifies the romantic and resilient undertones, providing harmonic support to Eve's introspective verses on enduring relationships and personal trials. Songwriting credits for Lip Lock are primarily attributed to Eve (under her real name, Eve Jeffers), who co-wrote most tracks alongside collaborators such as and , particularly emphasizing vulnerability in ballads like "Forgive Me." This hands-on approach allows Eve to infuse her personal voice, highlighting emotional authenticity over her past more combative deliveries. Cultural references in the lyrics nod to Eve's roots and hip-hop legacy, while incorporating universal pop elements for wider appeal. Eve weaves in allusions to her gritty urban upbringing and Ruff Ryders affiliation, as seen in tracks that homage her foundational influences, blending streetwise resilience with accessible, motivational hooks to bridge hip-hop traditions and contemporary sounds.

Release

Album Release Details

The title and for Lip Lock were announced on March 26, 2013, via an exclusive reveal in , showcasing Eve with bold metallic lips as a visual nod to the album's titular "lip lock" concept of intimate, confident expression. Lip Lock was released on May 14, 2013, under Eve's independent label From The Rib Music in partnership with / Distribution, which handled wider physical and digital dissemination to maximize reach despite the project's boutique origins. Pre-release buzz began in late 2012 with social media teasers on platforms like Twitter to build anticipation among fans. Eve further amplified excitement through targeted TV appearances, such as her April 2013 discussion of the album on The Queen Latifah Show, where she shared insights into its creative evolution. As an independent release, Lip Lock faced logistical hurdles including a constrained marketing budget, prompting reliance on grassroots efforts like direct fan engagement on Twitter and Instagram to drive word-of-mouth promotion. The project was framed as Eve's triumphant return to music after an 11-year hiatus since Eve-Olution (2002), strategically timed to leverage her established presence in entertainment and reinforce her multifaceted brand amid ongoing acting pursuits.

Formats and Packaging

Lip Lock was released in a standard edition consisting of 12 tracks, available in both physical CD and digital formats. The CD version, distributed by From The Rib Music, utilized conventional jewel case packaging typical for albums of the era. The album's artwork featured a striking close-up of Eve featuring bold metallic lips against a black background, a design choice intended to capture the playful and flirtatious essence of the title while highlighting the rapper's bold persona. According to Eve, achieving the metallic lip effect required careful balance during the photoshoot to convey confidence and allure. No deluxe or expanded editions were produced, maintaining a uniform tracklist across all releases. International variations included region-specific CD pressings for markets such as Europe (catalog RIBM 003), Canada (RIBM 002), Japan (UICE-1205 via Universal Music, with an accompanying OBI strip), and Australia (RIBM 001, 2014 release), though the content remained consistent globally. Digital distribution occurred through major platforms, including (as AAC files at 256 kbps) and Amazon , enabling worldwide streaming and download access shortly after the physical launch. The album carried a label due to explicit lyrical content in several tracks.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in May 2013, Lip Lock received mixed reviews from music critics, with an aggregate score of 62 out of 100 on based on eight reviews, indicating generally favorable but divided opinions. Reviewers often highlighted Eve's enduring charisma and the album's vibrant energy as strengths, while noting inconsistencies in its execution and a perceived softening of her earlier intensity. Critics praised Eve's commanding presence and the effective use of collaborations, which infused the album with fresh dynamics. In Spin, the review commended her "sheer likability as a rapper" and the seamless chemistry on tracks like "Wanna Be" with Missy Elliott, where their "high-stepping enterprise" over a juke-inspired beat evoked their early chemistry. Similarly, PopMatters noted that "it's hard to match Eve’s energy," emphasizing how her explosive boasts and warnings dominated even when guests appeared, such as on the euphoric dance track "Keep Me From You." Soul In Stereo appreciated her undiminished lyricism, calling "Forgive Me" a "classic Eve" moment with its catchy, teasing vibe. However, several outlets critiqued the album's uneven flow and production choices, which some viewed as overly commercial and disconnected from Eve's gritty roots. HipHopDX described it as suffering from "uneven pacing and a lack of cohesion," arguing that Eve "hasn’t restored the command she once had," leading to uncertainty amid attempts at new sounds. The review in Soul In Stereo faulted the reliance on "warmed-over pop beats" that made Eve seem uncomfortable, likening them to generic sessions better suited for artists like Taio Cruz, and lamented the absence of innovation to elevate it beyond the status quo. Concerns about pandering to mainstream tastes surfaced in Spin, which called "Make It Out This Town" a "pre-fab pop song that corpo radio will eat up," wasting Eve's uplifting lyrics on overproduced elements. Notable quotes captured this ambivalence: observed that Eve "practically explodes in a dizzying series of boasts and warnings," underscoring her vitality, while critiqued the dated feel, stating the production "feels stuck in the early 2000s, lacking modern edge." Spin acknowledged the boldness, noting her sass "seem cribbed from 2006," a nod to her more combative past. Overall, reviewers appreciated Lip Lock as a testament to Eve's independence—her first self-financed project after label struggles—but many questioned whether it recaptured the raw edge of her Ruff Ryders peak, viewing it instead as an honest, if uneven, evolution toward pop-rap accessibility.

Commercial Performance

Lip Lock debuted at number 46 on the chart, selling 8,600 copies in its first week. It also peaked at number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, number 10 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 31 on the Urban Albums chart in . By the end of , total sales remained under 50,000 copies. The album received no RIAA certifications, failing to reach gold status (500,000 units) amid the emerging streaming era's impact on traditional sales metrics at the time. International sales were minimal, totaling under 20,000 units in the UK and combined, though it saw stronger performance through digital streams in urban markets. Several factors contributed to its modest commercial performance, including its release on Eve's independent label From the Rib Music, which restricted access to major radio airplay and promotional resources, as well as competition from high-profile releases like Jay-Z's . In the long term, the album experienced a resurgence through digital platforms; as of 2025, it has sold over 300,000 units in the .

Legacy

Career Impact

LIP Lock marked a pivotal shift in Eve's career, serving as her inaugural self-released project under her own imprint, From The Rib , which allowed her greater creative control and financial independence following her departure from in 2010. This independent venture, released on May 14, 2013, empowered her to diversify her professional pursuits, including opportunities in television that solidified her status as a multifaceted media personality beyond music. The album's production process, amid industry challenges, honed her entrepreneurial skills, enabling negotiations for high-profile television opportunities. Following Lip Lock, Eve pivoted toward and television, securing roles such as Amaya in the 2015 film With This Ring and reprising Terri Jones in Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016), alongside a starring turn as Brianna "Professor Sex" Robinson in the 2021 series Queens. This transition correlated with a marked reduction in her music output, as she prioritized family life after marrying Maximillion Cooper in 2014 and welcoming their son in 2022, with no full-length album since Lip Lock as of 2025. Her 2024 memoir Who's That Girl? reflects on the album's struggles, including battles with label dynamics and creative reinvention, underscoring how the experience built her resilience and influenced her broader career narrative of adaptability in a male-dominated industry. In 2025, she joined the "" tour with and , performing at venues like . In the industry, Lip Lock highlighted the potential for veteran rappers to sustain relevance through independent releases, though its modest commercial performance—debuting at No. 46 on the with 9,000 first-week copies—postponed any immediate major label resurgence. It inspired discussions on longevity for female MCs navigating indie paths, demonstrating viability despite sales hurdles, and Eve integrated selections into select 2013-2014 sets, such as her performance at the Weekend in 2014, rather than embarking on extensive headlining tours. By 2025, Eve cited the project's trials in promotional talks for her and upcoming shows as key to her personal growth and thematic focus on reinvention.

Cultural and Retrospective Views

In the years following its 2013 release, Lip Lock has been reappraised in Eve's 2024 memoir Who's That Girl?, where she dedicates significant reflection to the album's creation, detailing the internal battles she faced in negotiating with after an 11-year hiatus and the personal triumphs of launching it independently via her From the Rib label. The book portrays Lip Lock as a pivotal, if challenging, return that tested her resilience amid industry pressures, yet underscoring its role in reclaiming her artistic voice. Critics at the time, such as those from SPIN and Album of the Year, described it as an "interesting and honest" effort that evolved Eve's sound toward pop-rap experimentation, though it did not achieve the commercial heights of her 2000s work. The album's cultural impact lies in its embodiment of Eve's crossover appeal, blending hip-hop with pop and R&B influences that paved the way for subsequent female artists navigating genre boundaries. Eve has praised modern rappers like for their "staying power" and boldness in balancing motherhood and career, echoing themes of in Lip Lock's tracks like "She Bad Bad." While no reissues have emerged by 2025, the album maintains a niche presence through streaming, with no major awards but recognition for its role in highlighting female independence in a male-dominated industry. Lip Lock enjoys a among LGBTQ+ communities, where has long expressed mutual support; during its promotional cycle, she stated, "I always say if the gays don’t like you then you are not cool! I feel lucky to have that support," crediting fans for embracing her unapologetic style and performing at events like Gay Pride. Academically, the album is viewed in hip-hop feminism studies as a transitional work, illustrating the competitiveness and lack of sisterhood among female rappers that addressed in interviews. It bridges her gritty 2000s hits like Scorpion to her later multimedia career, often seen as an underrated gem for its honest evolution despite mixed reception.

Credits

Track Listing

The standard edition of Lip Lock features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 39:34. The album includes collaborations with various artists and was produced by a range of contributors, including , Jon Jon, and .
No.TitleFeaturingLengthWriter(s)Producer(s)
1."Eve"Miss Kitty3:33Eve Jeffers, Khadine Hylton, Troy JohnsonR8D!O
2."She Bad Bad"3:05Eve Jeffers, Ronald Jackson
3."Make It Out This Town"Gabe Saporta of 3:56, Eve Jeffers, John Webb Jr., Nicholas Oshane MooreJon Jon (producer), (co-producer)
4."All Night" & Propain3:12, , Eve Jeffers, John Webb Jr., Nicholas Oshane MooreJon Jon (producer), (co-producer)
5."Keep Me From You"3:10Eve Jeffers, Nicholas Oshane Moore, William Van Der Waal, et al.
6."Wanna Be" & Nacho3:21Eve Jeffers, Laquisha Hankens, , Nicholas Oshane MooreBlac Elvis
7."Mama in the Kitchen"3:11Calvin Broadus, Eve Jeffers, Kaseem Dean, Ronald Jackson,
8."Grind or Die"2:22Eve Jeffers, Nicholas Oshane Moore, William Van Der HeydenFelix Snow
9."Zero Below"3:13Eve Jeffers, Nicholas Oshane Moore, William Van Der Waal, et al.William Van Der Waal, DJ Surge
10."Forgive Me"3:11Eve Jeffers, Richard Preston Butler Jr., (producer), (additional production)
11."Never Gone"4:15Eve Jeffers, Michael Woods, Nicholas Oshane Moore, Rashad Robinson, Taj Jackson, Tatiana MatthewsShoddy
12."She Bad Bad (Remix)" & 3:04Eve Jeffers, Jordan Houston, Ronald Jackson, Terrence Thornton
No bonus tracks are included on the standard edition. "Wanna Be" was released promotionally prior to the album but appears on the standard track listing. "Forgive Me" incorporates elements reminiscent of 1990s R&B styles.

Personnel

Eve served as the lead artist on Lip Lock, providing lead vocals and co-writing lyrics for all twelve tracks.
  • Miss Kitty – additional vocals ("Eve")
  • of – additional vocals ("Make It Out This Town")
  • – additional vocals ("All Night")
  • – rap vocals ("All Night")
  • – additional vocals ("Keep Me From You")
  • – rap vocals ("Wanna Be")
  • Nacho – additional vocals ("Wanna Be")
  • – rap vocals ("Mama in the Kitchen")
  • – additional vocals ("Never Gone")
  • – rap vocals ("She Bad Bad (Remix)")
  • – rap vocals ("She Bad Bad (Remix)")

Producers

The album's production was divided among multiple contributors, with track-specific assignments as follows:
  • R8D!O – "Eve"
  • – "She Bad Bad", "Mama in the Kitchen" (co-produced with ), "She Bad Bad (Remix)"
  • Jon Jon (producer), (co-producer) – "Make It Out This Town", "All Night"
  • Blac Elvis – "Wanna Be"
  • Felix Snow – "Grind or Die"
  • , (also bass, keyboards, guitar, drums) – "Forgive Me"
  • Shoddy – ""
  • – "Keep Me From You"
  • William Van Der Waal, DJ Surge – "Zero Below"

Additional Songwriters

In addition to Eve Jeffers' contributions on every track, notable co-writers include:
  • Khadine Hylton, Troy Johnson – "Eve"
  • Ronald Jackson – "She Bad Bad", "Mama in the Kitchen", "She Bad Bad (Remix)"
  • John Webb Jr., Nicholas Oshane Moore – "Make It Out This Town", "All Night"
  • – "All Night"
  • Laquisha Hankens, – "Wanna Be"
  • Calvin Broadus, Kaseem Dean – "Mama in the Kitchen"
  • William Van Der Heyden – "Grind or Die"
  • Richard Preston Butler – "Forgive Me"
  • Michael Woods, , , Tatiana Matthews – ""
  • Jordan Houston, Terrence Thornton – "She Bad Bad (Remix)"

Technical Staff

Engineering credits include:
  • Den Fang – tracks 3
  • Felix Snow – tracks 8
  • Gleyder "Gee" Disla – tracks 10
  • James "Chul" Rim – select tracks
  • Christopher "Tito JustMusic" Trujillo – tracks 7
  • James Kang – tracks 4
  • Jon Jon – select tracks

Artwork and Design

  • Art direction and design: Trevor Niemann

A&R and Management

  • Executive producer: Bruce Carbone
  • Management: Allen Kovac, Brad (Last Name Not Specified)

References

  1. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2013/01/23/eve-locks-in-album-release-date
  2. https://www.spin.com/2013/01/eve-lip-lock-new-album-11-years/
  3. https://www.amazon.com/LIP-LOCK-Eve/dp/B00C27PJRS
  4. https://genius.com/albums/Eve/Lip-lock
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4isW648rns
  6. https://www.spin.com/2013/05/eve-lip-lock-ftr/
  7. https://www.metacritic.com/music/lip-lock/eve
  8. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7356-eve-lip-lock.php
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  13. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-0521-eve-20130521-story.html
  14. https://www.billboard.com/pro/eve-forms-label-to-release-lip-lock-her-first-album-in-11-years/
  15. https://theboombox.com/eve-flirting-with-spring-summer-release-of-long-awaited-album/
  16. https://rapradar.com/2010/01/15/eve-leaves-interscope-records/
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  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/4841308-Eve-Lip-Lock
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  20. https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/1626548/albums-that-were-recorded-but-either-cancelled-unreleased
  21. https://respect-mag.com/2012/10/new-music-eve-she-bad-bad/
  22. https://imvdb.com/video/eve/she-bad-bad
  23. https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/eve-liplock/
  24. https://www.popmatters.com/171869-eve-lip-lock-2495753778.html
  25. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/eve-lip-lock/
  26. https://thedrop.fm/eve-lip-lock-album-review/
  27. https://open.spotify.com/album/4DVd9K7lF229DdhRFpkTJg
  28. https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/sxivf6/the-rundown-eve-lip-lock/dweuzt
  29. https://soulinstereo.com/2013/05/album-review-eve-lip-lock.html
  30. https://genius.com/Eve-eve-lyrics
  31. https://www.musixmatch.com/fr/paroles/Eve-feat-Chrisette-Michele/Never-Gone
  32. https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/sxivf6/the-rundown-eve-lip-lock/jlybol
  33. https://www.renownedforsound.com/eve-lip-lock/
  34. https://www.vibe.com/gallery/vibe-q-eve-talks-lip-lock-ruff-ryders-kids-growing-older/
  35. https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/992831/eves-new-album-lip-lock-to-drop-after-11-year-hiatus/
  36. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/eve-reveals-lip-lock-album-cover-talks-creative-growth-exclusive-1554484/
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjJEABs7P4E
  38. https://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/07/eve-talks-lip-lock-album-sales-i-focused-week/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/6184846-Eve-Lip-Lock
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/744502-Eve-Lip-Lock
  41. https://www.metacritic.com/music/lip-lock/eve/critic-reviews
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  46. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/
  47. https://x.com/music__data/status/1956578637387325877
  48. https://www.hiphopgoldenage.com/artists/eve/
  49. https://www.facebook.com/groups/beatsrhymeslounge/posts/28281095444872184/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1073992/
  51. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/eve-memoir-whos-that-girl-release-date-1234849559/
  52. https://www.bet.com/article/c7ujzo/eve-bares-it-all-in-her-revealing-new-memoir-whos-that-girl
  53. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2025/07/eve-2025-grammy-winner-discusses-touring-motherhood-and-memoir-ahead-of-blossom-show.html
  54. https://www.taggmagazine.com/rapper-eve-performs-at-the-dinah-2014/
  55. https://people.com/singer-eve-to-publish-new-memoir-exclusive-8559738
  56. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/eve-doechii-cardi-b-glorilla-staying-power-1236039143/
  57. https://windycitytimes.com/2013/10/16/rapper-eve-gives-wct-some-lip-about-cd-gay-fans/
  58. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lip-lock-mw0002522207
  59. https://www.discogs.com/release/23492450-Eve-Lip-Lock
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