More than two decades after the song transformed hip-hop and neo-soul, recent emphasis on Eve’s contribution in The Roots’ classic is revisiting questions about credit, visibility, and who history remembers
More than 20 years after the song revolutionised hip-hop and neo-soul, fresh focus on Eve’s part in “You Got Me” is raising new concerns about exposure, credit, and who history remembers.
“You Got Me” seemed like a moment you could feel in your chest when it initially came out in 1999. The song, released as the lead single from The Roots’ 1999 album, “Things Fall Apart,” blended the band’s characteristic live instrumentation with soul-leaning vulnerability and lyrical clarity at a time when hip-hop was still navigating its relationship with tenderness. It went on to earn a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000. However, the tale of who truly created the song has remained convoluted, disputed, and incomplete for years.
The official version of the single features Erykah Badu on the chorus, her voice instantly recognisable and unquestionably vital to the record’s popularity. However, seasoned listeners and music scholars have frequently noted that the song’s original version was recorded with Jill Scott, a little-known poet and composer in Philadelphia at the time. Several sources, including the artist herself, have stated that Scott co-wrote the song and originally sung the hook when MCA Records pushed for a more established name to anchor the record commercially. Her vocals were consequently replaced. While Scott retained songwriting credit, her voice never made it onto the radio version.
Eve, who contributed the song’s most notable rap line at the start of her career, also experienced this same trend of limited recognition. Operating under the alias Eve of Destruction, Eve was still relatively unknown at the time, and her contribution wasn’t given the same attention as that of her partners. She was not included in the music video, hardly acknowledged in early news about the song, and for years, her contribution was viewed as a footnote rather than a basic part of the record’s character. However, her cool, assured, and conversational verse gave the song a voice that resonated long after it was written and helped root it in real-life experience.
As the event transpired, Brandy, who costarred with Eve in the ABC drama “Queens,” was clearly delighted. “Yas, Eve! Speech! Speech!” Brandy could be heard yelling as the camera panned. A fictional hip-hop girl group from the 1990s reunited decades later to regain their reputation in the television series, which ran during the 2021–2022 season. The plot of the show closely mirrored discussions regarding recognition and delayed credit in the music industry. Eve portrayed Brianna Robinson, a prominent hip-hop entrepreneur, while Brandy played Naomi McIntyre, a gifted but overlooked vocalist. Eve’s recognition resonated beyond the prize itself because of their shared past, which gave a subtle but significant layer to the occasion.
Eve talked openly about the gravity of the situation after she seized the microphone. “I’m still processing this situation. As the audience applauded, she remarked, “This is actually for little Eve from Philadelphia.” “Eve, the young child who merely wanted to work in the industry and was writing rhymes.” “I am truly grateful to be in this room with all of you—all of the greats,” she went on.
Eve said, thinking back on the wait, “I was like, wow.” You can never be missed by what is yours. Even 30 years later. So I am very glad for this.”
She also used the occasion to spotlight important people who contributed to the recognition effort, such as her husband and seasoned radio host Ebro Darden. “A special thanks to Ebro. She remarked, “He was the one who refused to give up on this.”
