EVE had a series of monster hits in the Nineties and Noughties, collaborating with icons including Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys.
Now Love Island fans can take a stroll down memory lane with the superstar rapper — Eve’s performing at the famous villa this summer.
In 1999 Eve, now 45, became only the third female hip-hop artist in history to top the Billboard 100 album chart, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Foxy Brown.
She had a number six hit in the UK in 2001 with Who’s That Girl, before teaming up with No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani for their Grammy-winning mega-hit Blow Ya Mind.
Completing a hat-trick of UK top 10s, Eve released Gangsta Lovin’ with Alicia Keys in 2002.
Three years later she collaborated with Stefani again on the top 10 hit Rich Girl.
Eve’s branched out into TV and film since, appearing in US roller derby comedy Whip It with Drew Barrymore and Elliot Page and hosting CBS chat show The Talk.
Between 2021 and 2022 she starred as Brianna ‘Professor Sex’ Robinson in ABC’s hit Queens — a show about four former hip-hop legends from the 1990s who get the chance to revive their old fame in their 40s.
Her last album, Lip Lock, was released in 2013, and she made a stunning cameo at Hyde Park’s British Summer Time event in 2023 as a guest during Gwen Stefani‘s comeback set.
The rapper is really called Eve.
She was born Eve Jihan Jeffers on November 10, 1978 in Philadelphia.
When she got married her surname changed to Cooper.
Born June 7, 1972 in the United Kingdom, Maximillion Cooper is an entrepreneur and racecar driver.
In 1999, he founded the Gumball 3000, a celebrity motor rally.
Under the same name he also started his charity foundation, which helps underprivileged youths across the UK, as well as a clothing brand.
Gumball 3000 partners with brands like Puma and Adidas.
Cooper married rapper Eve in 2014 after meeting her at the Gumball 3000 in 2010, when she was sponsored by Puma.
In an Instagram post, Eve revealed that she gave birth the the couple’s son on February 1, 2022 — Cooper was already the father of four teenage children when he met the hip-hop legend.
The uploaded image showed the newborn asleep in a basket.
She revealed his name in the post’s caption: “Wilde Wolf Fife Alexander Somers Cooper.”
The caption concluded: “Words can’t describe this feeling.”
Every series a famous act surprises contestants in the Love Island villa, performing an intimate set of hits.
The All Stars series earlier in 2024 saw Craig David appear for a second time when he teamed up with ex-contestant-turned-musician Wes Nelson.
On Thursday, June 27’s instalment of the show, Nicole gets an exciting text saying they’re about to receive a VIP arrival.
She reads the message out loud: “Islanders, it’s time to slay as tonight the Villa will host a VIP performance that will blow your mind. #whosthatgirl”
When they realise it’s hip hop legend Eve, Ronnie exclaims: “Boys, are we buzzing for Eve?!”
Uma celebrates: “Guys, we’re having a party!”
The rap megastar plays a selection of her biggst hits, including Who’s That Girl.
Eve tells the Islanders: “We came to have some fun with you tonight — ya’ll look great!”
Speaking about the performance, Joey says: “Fire! The best!”
Ayo reveals it’s a dream come true, saying: “Eve, in front of me performing live is bucket list, check!”
Before making her exit, Eve takes a selfie with the Islanders .
A source said: “Eve’s a fan of the show so jumped at the chance to perform.
“She’s a pop legend and the islanders will go wild when she performs in the villa.”
Love Island airs on ITV2 at 9pm Sunday to Friday, with a highlights show every Saturday.
Aside from performing on Love Island, Eve has been pursuing a career as a writer.
Her memoir Who’s That Girl, published by Hanover Press, is coming out on September 17, 2024.
Eve released a statement saying: “I’m excited for people to get to know me on a deeper level. This story is decades in the making.”
Tom Zanetti
The cheeky Leeds lad dropped by the villa in series 4 to spin some tunes at a Ministry of Sound party.
Craig David
Craig was having a major career resurgence when he dropped by the villa, and he was so good that super-fan Anton Danyluk was reduced to tears.
Sean Paul
Jamaican legend Sean has banger after banger in his arsenal, and there were screams of joy when he brought the party vibes to the South African villa in 2020.
Mabel
The following year it was Mabel’s turn to get the villa dancing and she didn’t disappoint. The pop star performed tracks Let Them Know and Don’t Call Me Up.
Becky Hill
Jacques O’Neill’s surprise exit in 2022 left a cloud over the villa, but who better to return some sunshine to island life than dance queen Becky Hill.
Joel Corry
Former Geordie Shore star Joel is familiar with the reality TV world, but he’s come a long way since he was involved in dramatic storylines. These days he’s a top DJ and was the perfect choice for a VIBE party.
Alfie Boe
Perhaps the most surprising guest in the show’s history is classical vocalist Alfie. He unleashed his powerful voice as Ekin-Su and Davide enjoyed a romantic candlelit date in 2022.
Jax Jones and Calum Scott
Last year’s winter crew were treated to a collab from Callum and Jax. The pair performed their single Whistle and were then told off by bosses for taking photos around the compound.
Ne-Yo
Smooth operator Ne-Yo had the girls in a tizz as he performed his romantic classics in series 10, with the boys accepting they’d been outclassed.
Rita Ora
Rita left the Islanders star-struck last summer as she performed single Praising You by the pool.
Craig David and Wes Nelson
There were no more tears when Craig returned for the All Stars series, but there was plenty of energy and joy as Wes came full circle as a bona fide music artist.
Ella Henderson
Ella revelled in getting her own slow-mo villa walk before performing a trio of hits ahead of the All STars finale.
