Eve’s in the House

Ubi Soft’s XIII is an FPS with a gripping tale of conspiracy and murder, all presented with spectacular cel-shaded graphics. In addition to incredible action and an in-depth plot, XIII also has stellar voice actors. The game features David Duchovny, Adam West, and performing artist Eve in her first videogame role as the mysterious and dangerous Major Jones.

Anyone who knows anything about Eve knows that Major Jones is a perfect fit for the performer. In the game, Jones is a tough no-nonsense soldier who gets the job done and commands respect in the male-dominated world around her. Eve is currently the only female rapper on her label, Ruff Ryders, and is famous for her hard-edged style. Described by her own record label as a “pit bull in a skirt,” Eve says she’s just a “stung, sexy female with attitude.” This is just what Ubi Soft was looking for when they were voice casting the Major.

As a rapper and recording artist, Eve burst onto the scene in the late 1990s with her debut album Eve—Ruff Ryders First Lady, but she had been a writer and performer for most of her life. Born Eve Jihan Jeffers in Philadelphia, she composed award-winning poems, plays, and short stories until her teens when she joined a five-girl singing group. Shortly after the group started rapping, Eve and her posse surprised industry titan Dr. Dre with an impromptu audition. Dre liked what he heard and invited Eve out to Los Angeles to record her first album for his Aftermath label.

Major Jones has your back.

Unfortunately, after a year, Eve found herself without a contract at Aftermath. Fate stepped in, and she met up with rising rap star DMX who brought her back to meet the crew at Ruff Ryders. After taking on two of the label’s established rappers in a mic battle, Eve earned her place and signed with Ruff Ryders. Eve’s in-your-face approach to her career matches Major Jones’ approach to secret missions—make your own opportunities, don’t wait for them to come to you. Like the rapper, Major Jones is no damsel in distress or girl sidekick. She takes part in the action, and players who have finished the game know they could not have done so without her help.

Eve has not yet played the finished version of XIII, but she’s looking forward to seeing how the complex story of betrayal and intrigue plays out. She’s on record as preferring driving games to shooters, but it’s possible that the game’s cool jazz soundtrack and online multiplayer mayhem just might change her mind.

Eve has also contributed songs to movie soundtracks such as Bullworth and Any Given Sunday and appeared in Barbershop, XXX, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Though she didn’t plan to become a full-time actress, she is keeping her options open. Soon, she’ll be appearing in an upcoming Kevin Bacon film as well as Barbershop 2. She also continues to write and record for Ruff Ryders and is working on her latest album.

For more information on Eve and Ruff Ryders, visit http://www.interscope.com/ruffryders/.

By Mickah Wallace