Eve Breaks Down What’s Kept Her 12-Year Marriage to Her Multi-Millionaire Husband Strong

It’s rare for Hollywood couples to last more than decade, but rapper Eve and her multi-millionaire husband Maximillion Cooper are celebrating 12 years together and she’s opening up about what has led to their relationship’s success.

Here’s the background to their love story: Cooper is a former race car driver and, in 1999, founded Gumball 3000, now a lifestyle brand and entertainment group Forbes has valued at over $500 million

The couple met in 2010 at a launch party for the Gumball 3000 motor rally, where Eve performed. Cooper was reportedly “mesmerized” by her. Four years later, the two said “I do” in a lavish beach ceremony in Ibiza, Spain.

Related: Inside Eve’s Ultra-Rich Soft Life With Maximillion Cooper

Now, speaking to PEOPLE recently, the “Who’s That Girl” rapper reflected on her relationship pointed to what makes their connection work. Chief among it: their mutual respect for the other’s industry and talents, despite their differences.

“We enjoy seeing each other do what we love,” Eve explained. “We step back when we need to, we come forward when we need to, and we try to be as honest with each other as we can. That really helps us. Just allowing each other to be who they are and also just being really communicative and honest when you need to be.”

She went on to explain how not being with someone in the same industry allows curiosity to flow and leaves room for ‘interesting discussions.’

“You can step back a little bit, and also you have something to talk about. Not to say that people who are in the same industries don’t, but I do think it’s nice when you come together and can explain,” she added. “Or there are questions that might come from someone who’s not in your same industry, and you have interesting discussions about it.”