Eve-Olution

08/30/2002 7:00 PM, LAUNCH
Dan Leroy

Despite its title, most of Eve's third album won't come as much surprise to those who bought the first two--and that's nothing to complain about. The Ruff Ryders' feisty First Lady continues to walk her tough talk over some of the hottest beats producers like Dr. Dre and Swizz Beatz have to offer.

She treads water only twice: on the hit duet with Alicia Keys, "Gangsta Lovin'" (a too-obvious successor to Eve's previous crossover smash "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"), and the G-Funk leftover "Hey Y'All," featuring Snoop and Nate Dogg. Otherwise, the Philly blonde bombshell once again heaves grenade after grenade, tersely dismissing the competition over Morse Code funk from Swizz on "Double R What" and atop Dre's soulful "Satisfaction."

As before, she also slows down for some introspective breathers, and "As I Grow" and "Ryde Away" are among her best. Most interesting, though, are the few instances of genuine evolution; "Party In The Rain" is a new type of rap-reggae hybrid, while a reworking of "Irresistible Bitch" finds Eve undaunted by electronica or Prince.