From 'Pitbull In A Skirt' To NYU Scholar: 5 Major Life Changes For Rapper Eve Now

The legendary "Pitbull in a Skirt," Eve, is no longer just a hip-hop icon; she is a mother, a wife, a published author, and a university scholar. As of late 2024 and early 2025, Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper is experiencing one of the most transformative periods of her life, stepping into new roles that showcase her evolution far beyond her Ruff Ryders roots. Her journey from Grammy-winning rapper to an academic figure and a candid memoirist proves that her ambition and ability to reinvent herself remain as fierce as her early verses. This deep dive into Eve’s life today, as of December 2025, reveals a woman who has found a new balance between her illustrious career and a fulfilling personal life across the pond, embracing what she calls a "soft girl lifestyle" while still making major power moves in the entertainment world.

Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper: Biography and Profile

Eve, born Eve Jihan Jeffers, is an American rapper, singer, actress, and songwriter who rose to prominence as the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders collective. Her distinctive style, marked by her signature paw-print tattoos and assertive delivery, made her a trailblazer for female rappers in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

• Full Name: Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper (née Jeffers)
• Date of Birth: November 10, 1978
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 47
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Spouse: Maximillion Cooper (married 2014)
• Children: One son (born 2022) and four stepchildren
• Notable Albums: Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady (1999), Scorpion (2001), Eve-Olution (2002)
• Key Collaborations: Gwen Stefani ("Let Me Blow Ya Mind"), Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre
• Acting Career: The Barbershop film series, the UPN sitcom Eve, The Talk (co-host)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind")

The Academic Era: Scholar-in-Residence at NYU Steinhardt

In a surprising and highly prestigious move that cemented her legacy beyond music, Eve was named the 2024–2025 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.

This appointment positions the Grammy Award-winning artist to share her extensive experience and knowledge as a pioneering woman in hip-hop with the next generation of artists and academics. Her role involves giving masterclasses, participating in panel discussions, and engaging directly with students, offering a firsthand look at the evolution of hip-hop culture and the challenges faced by female artists in the industry. This academic turn highlights her desire to mentor and provide historical context for her remarkable career, moving from the stage to the lecture hall.

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A Multi-Million Dollar Power Move: Selling Her Music Catalog

Showing she's as savvy in the boardroom as she is in the booth, Eve recently made a significant financial move by selling her music catalog. She scored a multi-million dollar deal with Iconoclast, a company focused on acquiring music rights. This sale includes the publishing and recorded music rights to her extensive body of work, a common and lucrative strategy for established artists in the modern music industry.

The deal encompasses some of her most iconic hits, including "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," "Gangsta Lovin'," and her foundational tracks from the Ruff Ryders era. This transaction not only secures her financial future but also allows her to focus on her new endeavors, effectively monetizing her past success to fund her future projects, including her new career as an author.

Embracing the 'Soft Life' and Motherhood

Eve's personal life has undergone a profound transformation, moving away from the hustle of the music industry to what she describes as a "soft girl lifestyle." This shift is largely attributed to her marriage to British Gumball 3000 CEO Maximillion Cooper and the birth of their son, Wildfire Wolf, in February 2022. After years of fertility struggles, Eve has openly shared the joy and challenges of becoming a mother later in life.

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She now divides her time between London and the United States, balancing a quiet family life with her husband, her toddler son, and her four stepchildren. Her discussions on platforms like Angie Martinez's show have been candid, detailing how love, healing, and motherhood have reshaped her priorities, allowing her to step back from the relentless pace of her early career to embrace domesticity.

The Pen is Mightier: Revealing Memoir 'Who's That Girl?'

Adding "author" to her list of titles, Eve released her highly anticipated and revealing memoir, titled Who's That Girl?, in 2024. The book is a deep dive into her life, covering the highs and lows of her journey from Philadelphia to global stardom.

The memoir is particularly candid, discussing sensitive topics such as her early struggles, her time as "the laziest stripper ever," a wake-up call involving a DUI, and the intense pressures of being the only female rapper in the male-dominated Ruff Ryders crew. The title is a direct nod to her 2001 hit single, but the content goes far beyond the music, offering fans and new readers an authentic look at the woman behind the "Pitbull" persona. The book has been a major focus of her public appearances and interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, providing a fresh narrative for her career.

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What’s Next for Eve?

While she continues to promote her memoir and fulfill her duties as the NYU Scholar-in-Residence, Eve has made it clear that a full return to the relentless touring and recording schedule is not her priority. Her current focus is on quality over quantity, with a strong emphasis on her family life in London and her role as a mentor.

However, fans can always expect the unexpected from the multi-talented artist. Her recent candid interviews and her deep involvement in academia suggest a future where Eve will continue to influence culture, not just through her past catalog, but through her wisdom, her personal story, and her ongoing commitment to empowering women in the arts. Her journey from the streets of Philly to a multi-millionaire, published author, and university scholar is a testament to her enduring legacy.