Salt-N-Pepa is one of the most iconic and trailblazing groups in hip hop history. Composed of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “Spinderella” Roper, the group was formed in 1985 and quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of rap, R&B, and pop music. With their bold fashion choices, fierce attitude, and empowering lyrics, Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers for women in the music industry and became a role model for many young girls and women.
Throughout their career, Salt-N-Pepa has released numerous chart-topping hits that have become timeless classics. From their breakout hit “Push It” to their empowering anthem “None of Your Business,” their music continues to resonate with fans old and new. They tackled taboo topics like sex, feminism, and self-love, paving the way for future female artists to follow in their footsteps.
In this article, we will highlight the 10 best Salt-N-Pepa songs of all time. Each of these tracks showcases the group’s signature style and features their memorable lyrics and catchy beats. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this list will give you a glimpse into why Salt-N-Pepa remains one of the most influential groups in hip hop history.
1. Push It – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“Push It” is one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in hip hop history. The song, released in 1986, features Salt-N-Pepa’s signature style of blending hip hop with electro beats. The song starts with a catchy, rhythmic beat and builds up to the instantly recognizable chorus. The lyrics are simple yet catchy and have a party vibe that makes it perfect for dancing. “Push It” has been used in numerous movies, commercials, and television shows and remains a staple of 80s music.
2. My Mic Sounds Nice – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“My Mic Sounds Nice” is another classic song by Salt-N-Pepa that showcases their raw talent as female rappers. The song was released in 1987 and features a sample from the classic funk track “Bra” by Cymande. The lyrics of the song are empowering and focus on Salt-N-Pepa’s skills as rappers and their ability to command the stage. The song has a funky and catchy beat that showcases their vocal abilities and their ability to flow smoothly over the beat. “My Mic Sounds Nice” is a testament to Salt-N-Pepa’s talent and influence in the hip hop world.
3. Tramp – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“Tramp” is a classic Salt-N-Pepa song featuring the late rapper and producer Heavy D. Released in 1987, it became an instant hit with its funky bassline and catchy chorus. The song was a playful response to the negative attitudes towards women at the time and was an anthem for female empowerment. The chorus, “Tramp, tramp, I don’t want no tramp,” became a popular catchphrase, and the song has since been sampled in various hip-hop and pop songs.
4. Shake Your Thang – (with Salt-N-Pepa / E. U.)
“Shake Your Thang” is a party anthem that features Salt-N-Pepa alongside the Washington D.C.-based band Experience Unlimited (E.U.). Released in 1988, the song became an instant hit with its catchy chorus and funky bassline. The song is all about letting loose and having a good time on the dancefloor. The collaboration between Salt-N-Pepa and E.U. was a huge success, and the song has been sampled and covered by many other artists. “Shake Your Thang” remains a classic hip-hop party anthem to this day.
5. Get up Everybody (Get up) – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“Get Up Everybody (Get Up)” was released in 1988 and featured on Salt-N-Pepa’s second studio album, “A Salt with a Deadly Pepa”. The song was a huge hit for the group, reaching number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 6 on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart. The track is an upbeat, dance-oriented hip-hop song with catchy hooks and an infectious beat. The lyrics encourage people to get up and dance, with Salt-N-Pepa calling out “Get up everybody and sing” in the chorus. The song features production from Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor and samples the classic disco hit “The Hustle” by Van McCoy.
6. Let’s Talk About Sex – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“Let’s Talk About Sex” was released in 1991 as the third single from Salt-N-Pepa’s fourth studio album, “Blacks’ Magic”. The song was a massive hit, reaching number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song is an empowering track that encourages open conversation about sex and sexuality, with Salt-N-Pepa delivering lyrics such as “Let’s talk about sex, baby / Let’s talk about you and me / Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be”. The song was controversial at the time of its release due to its frank discussion of sex, but has since become a classic and influential track in hip-hop and pop music. The song features a catchy, horn-driven beat and a memorable chorus that has been sampled and referenced by numerous other artists over the years.
7. Expression – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
Released in 1990, “Expression” was a chart-topping hit from Salt-N-Pepa’s album, “Blacks’ Magic.” The track features a smooth and funky beat with catchy hooks and grooves. The lyrics of the song are about expressing oneself and being confident in one’s own skin. The music video for the song features the group in various colorful and eclectic outfits, performing the song in front of a graffiti-covered backdrop. “Expression” is a standout track in Salt-N-Pepa’s discography, showcasing the group’s versatility and ability to create memorable hits.
8. Shoop – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“Shoop” is a classic hip-hop track from Salt-N-Pepa’s fourth studio album, “Very Necessary,” released in 1993. The song has a funky, upbeat sound that is reminiscent of old-school hip-hop. The lyrics of the song are playful and flirty, with Salt-N-Pepa showcasing their confidence and swagger. “Shoop” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a platinum certification. The music video for the song features the group in various outfits, performing the song in front of a colorful and vibrant backdrop. “Shoop” is a timeless track that still remains a fan favorite and an iconic representation of Salt-N-Pepa’s influence on hip-hop and pop music.
9. Whatta Man – (with Salt-N-Pepa / En Vogue)
“Whatta Man” was released in 1993 and features Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue. The song was a hit and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a tribute to the ideal man and the lyrics describe the perfect partner who is “sweet, romantic and sensitive,” making it an anthem for women everywhere. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, and the combination of Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue’s voices creates a unique sound that blends rap and R&B seamlessly.
The song features a sample of “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify and was produced by Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor, who had worked with Salt-N-Pepa on previous hits. “Whatta Man” was a critical and commercial success, earning both groups several award nominations and cementing their place in music history.
10. None of Your Business – (with Salt-N-Pepa)
“None of Your Business” was released in 1994 and became one of Salt-N-Pepa’s most popular hits. The song features a strong message of female empowerment and encourages women to be confident and independent. The lyrics address the issue of double standards and the societal expectations placed on women, with Salt-N-Pepa telling their critics to mind their own business. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a fun and empowering anthem for women everywhere. “None of Your Business” won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1995, and its message is still relevant today, making it a timeless classic. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in various films and TV shows, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
