Salt-N-Pepa is a pioneering New York hip-hop act led by Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, whose combination of confident rap, dance-floor production, pop hooks, and outspoken lyrics helped break major barriers for women in hip-hop. Their debut album Hot, Cool & Vicious became the first album by a female rap act to achieve both gold and platinum certification in the United States, powered by the breakthrough hit “Push It.” They expanded their crossover success with songs including “Expression,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Shoop,” “Whatta Man” with En Vogue, and “None of Your Business,” the latter earning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Very Necessary became their biggest-selling album, and the group’s influence on hip-hop, R&B, fashion, and female rap has earned them a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence category.
