Rap star Eve makes her feature film debut in "Barbershop" from director Tim Story. "Barbershop" centers around a day in the life of workers and customers of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. Ice Cube stars as Calvin, the man who inherits the struggling business from his father. Calvin sees the barbershop as a waste of time and sells it to a loan shark. After selling his dad's business, Calvin begins to see his father's vision and struggles with the notion that he sold out.
On casting Eve as the only female barber in the shop, director Story says, "I was very adamant about getting the right person for Terri and when Eve came to read for us, I was interested as soon as she opened her mouth. I'd seen a lot of actresses, some of whom were phenomenal, but I was looking for somebody who was Terri, not somebody trying to be Terri. And although it's Eve's first movie role, she's held her own."
EVE (Terri Jones)
Did you relate to your character?
I love 'Terri' to death. I really relate to her being the only female amongst a bunch of guys, which I am with the "Ruff Riders." Also having a hard edge, which I can have, but being vulnerable with this man who cheats on her and knows that’s bad for her, and she finally lets him go. I’ve been through that situation.
Why do women stay with cheaters?
I don't know, man. You know what we do? We think that we can change people. That’s what it is. We really believe that we can save a person. Like, "Oh, if he gets with me!" We believe that. We do.
How is working in a barbershop different than going to a beauty shop?
It’s a difference. The conversation is slightly different - the cackling. In a hair salon, we’re not as vulgar. I don’t think women are as explicit and vulgar, although we bad now. We bad. But not like a barbershop, because I’ve gotten my hair done in salons and I’ve also gotten my hair done in barbershops and there is a difference. The conversation is different and they don’t care if there’s a woman around. They do not care.
What are your thoughts on rappers going into movies?
My thoughts - okay - this is so rehearsed because I’ve been asked all day. Okay, I totally respect their opinions. I understand it because of the fact that a lot of them have been trained from when they were younger. This has been their passion for all of their lives, to be an actor, an established actor. Good. But at the same time, it’s a business, the movie business, and these people see these mainstream artists and they say, "Let’s put ‘em in a movie so we can fill up our seats in the theater," and that’s just all that it is. A lot of us are good and why not give us the chance? You know, like I said, I totally respect their opinion but that’s the way of the world. That’s just all it is.
You took it as an opportunity to do your best.
I definitely wanted to. I didn’t want to do it if I was gonna do it half-assed. I loved it and I will do whatever needs to be done, whatever. That’s why I do have a coach. I want to become...I wanna be respected in that aspect.
Is there extra pressure on you?
Of course. Oh my God, especially doing this movie. These people have been in movies and for me, it’s like, "Oh, here I am," you know? I was scared but everybody was very supportive and that made it better for me.
Is it the same for any first-timer?
You know "rapper" is just negative. When people hear it, it’s just a negative thought that comes into their head so I had to work doubly hard. I had to be on time. I had to be professional. I had to do my thing basically, hold my own so they [were] able to respect me. It’s all good because I’m used to that. It was a challenge.
What is the secret to success in both music and films?
I have no idea. I am so happy that I'm able to do both though. I'm really blessed to be able to do both. I believe there's no secret that I know of.
Was it your intention to start acting?
I didn't want to at first. I was like, "It's not for me. I'm not acting. Whatever." And then, as corny as it sounds, I was really inspired by "Sling Blade" as a movie, with Billy Bob Thornton. I just was like, "I have to act. I have to do this."
What sustained you in this business?
It’s the ambition. It’s wanting more from myself - not ever becoming comfortable. I can’t become comfortable. There are so many things - the more that I grow, the more things that I see. The more things that I’m into and the more things that I need to live. This is not just for myself. This is for my little brother that’s coming up. This is for my mother. This is for my grandmother. This is for my family. A lot of us, especially urban artists, a lot of us are first generation money. I want to make it where we’re old money, where we have estates and things like that, and investments. I am driven in so many different ways. It’s not just being successful. It’s having - I don't know - just making sure my family is great, my grandchildren are fine. So, I’m going to keep working.
Will you give up rapping to just act?
No. I don’t have any plans for that. You never know what happens but I don’t have any plans for that. I love doing both. Music is a passion, and now acting has become a passion, but music is my first passion.
Is there as much longevity in rap?
There is longevity in music, not rapping, and I love music as a whole. I don’t see me rapping for the rest of my life. But I will be involved in music most likely for the rest of my life, hopefully writing songs or doing something, producing, or doing something like that. I plan on being in music for a while.
Are you looking forward to working on the "XXX" sequel?
Oh, yeah, let’s make that happen.
What will happen with your character?
I have no idea but I’m just happy it’s in writing now, so let’s do it. I want to do a stunt or something.
Is your sound changing or evolving?
Well, the album is called "Eve-Olution" and I did name it that because I think artistically, I’ve definitely grown. My ear for music has definitely grown and I think you can hear it. It has more upbeat tracks than I’ve ever had on an album. I sang more; I did like four singing hooks on this album. I’m the executive producer on this album, which means I have my whole feet, arms, everything into it. I love this album and I think you can hear the groove. I’m really excited about it.
