Salt‑N‑Pepa

Salt-N-Pepa is an American hip-hop group formed in Queens, New York, in 1985 by Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton. Their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious, established the duo with tracks including “Push It,” while later releases such as Blacks’ Magic and Very Necessary expanded their sound into pop-rap and R&B crossover. “Shoop,” “Whatta Man” with En Vogue, “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “None of Your Business” became defining records; the latter earned the group a 1995 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Recognized as one of the first commercially successful female rap acts, Salt-N-Pepa have continued performing and were honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.

Origin

Queens, New York City, United States

Active

1985–present