Rapper Eve is finally holding a Grammy tied to one of hip-hop’s most enduring songs, decades after it changed her life.
The Philadelphia native said she recently received an official Grammy medallion for her verse on “You Got Me,” the 1999 hit by The Roots featuring Erykah Badu. The song won the Grammy Award for best rap performance by a duo or group in 2000, but Eve was not formally credited at the time.
“It feels surreal to touch something that represents a moment I lived so long ago,” Eve said. “That song was a turning point for me.”
The verse, recorded before Eve released her debut album, helped introduce her voice to a national audience. Despite the song’s success, her name did not appear on the Grammy certificate when the award was first issued.
“I never did that verse thinking about trophies,” she said. “I was just trying to make something honest and strong.”
Eve Creating Verse for “You Got Me”
“You Got Me” became a breakout record for The Roots and a defining track of late 1990s hip-hop and neo-soul. Eve’s verse stood out for its emotional clarity and sharp delivery.
Many fans assumed she was fully credited for years. Eve said she rarely spoke about the omission publicly.
“I was young, hungry, and focused on what was next,” she said. “I didn’t want to get stuck in resentment.”
Industry rules at the time limited how contributors were listed on Grammy submissions. Over the years, the Recording Academy updated its policies to better recognize featured performers.
Eve said the acknowledgment came after conversations between representatives and the Academy. The process took time, patience, and persistence.
“This wasn’t about complaining,” she said. “It was about correcting the record.”
Eve shared the moment with fans on social media, posting photos of the medallion and reflecting on her journey. She thanked The Roots, Erykah Badu, and supporters who never stopped crediting her contribution.
“I’ve always known what that verse meant,” she said. “Now it’s officially recognized, and that matters.”
Questlove of The Roots previously praised Eve’s role in the song. He has called her verse “essential to the record’s emotional balance” in past interviews.
Music historians note that Eve’s appearance on the track helped open doors for her later success. Her debut album, released months later, went on to achieve commercial and critical acclaim.
“For women in rap, visibility matters,” Eve said. “Getting credit matters, even years later.”
Now a performer, actress, and television host, Eve said the Grammy represents more than an award. She sees it as closure and affirmation.
“It tells my younger self that the work counted,” she said. “Even if it took 27 years, the truth showed up.”