Salt-n-Pepa, the first all-female rap crew to break into the male-dominated hip-hop scene, made a significant impact in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Their pop-oriented songs like “Push It” and “Shake Your Thang” were party anthems with vaguely pro-feminist lyrics, showcasing their unique style. Despite initial perceptions of being a one-hit wonder, Salt-n-Pepa proved their longevity in the industry by achieving major hits in both the ’80s and ’90s, reaching the height of their popularity with tracks like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man” from their third album, Very Necessary.
Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandy “Pepa” Denton’s journey began while working at a Sears store in Queens, New York, when they were discovered by Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor. Their debut single, “The Show Stopper,” released in 1985 under the name Super Nature, led to the formation of Salt-n-Pepa. With hits like “Push It,” the duo’s popularity soared, leading to the addition of DJ Spinderella. Despite mixed reviews, their albums received strong sales, especially Blacks’ Magic, which included chart-toppers like “Expression” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Their album Very Necessary, released in 1993, solidified their success with hit singles like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man,” earning them critical acclaim and accolades, including a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1995.