On this day, Sept. 14, in hip-hop history...

Ruff Ryders
Ruff Ryders
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1999: It seems to be slim pickings when talking about successful female rappers in this industry. But back on Sept. 14, 1999, one Philadelphia rapper by the name of Eve pushed the boundaries of female rap standards and put on for an entire generation of women with her debut album Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady.

Like the title implies, this album was somewhat of a coming out party. Even though the hip-hop world had be acquainted with her on the compilation album Ryde or Die Vol. 1 earlier that year, Eve was determined to prove she had earned her spot on the Ruff Ryders roster. With unflinching delivery and a knack for a braggadocios punchline, E-V-E got her point across.

With features from Missy Elliott, Drag-On, The Lox and DMX, Eve's bars surpassed all expectations on the 18-track project. In true Ruff Ryders fashion, the production was handled by Swizz Beatz. The LP spawned two high-charting singles: "Gotta Man" and "Love Is Blind" featuring Faith Evans. Let There Be Eve debuted at No. 1, selling 213,000 copies in the first week. After Lauryn Hill and Foxy Brown, Eve became the third female MC in history to have her album hit No. 1 on the charts.

Years later, Eve is still a mainstay in hip-hop. The rapper enjoyed crossover appeal thanks to songs "Who's That Girl" and "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," featuring pop singer Gwen Stefani. Eve and Gwen would go on to be one of music's most lovable girl power duos. Eve also ventured into acting, starring in her own TV series and the Barbershop movie franchise.

See 20 Great Albums From Female Rappers Over the Years

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