Salt-N-Pepa, the trailblazing hip-hop duo who forever changed the music industry, have officially been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — a monumental and well-deserved honor for the Queens, NY legends. As proud stewards of a portion of their legendary catalog, Spirit Music Group congratulates Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton for this powerful recognition of their cultural impact and genre-defining legacy.
From the moment they burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s, Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers — as women, as MCs, and as bold, unapologetic voices in a male-dominated industry. Their rhymes were sharp, their presence undeniable, and their influence reverberated across hip-hop, pop, and beyond.
Among the songs in our catalog that helped solidify Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy are four genre-defining tracks:
“Shoop” (1993)
A high-energy, flirtatious anthem that flipped gender roles and put female desire at the forefront, “Shoop” became an instant classic. With its infectious beat and cheeky lyrical swagger, the single stormed the Billboard charts and proved that Salt-N-Pepa could own the mic with both power and playfulness.
“Whatta Man” (feat. En Vogue, 1993)
A cross-genre masterpiece, “Whatta Man” paired Salt-N-Pepa’s verses with En Vogue’s smooth harmonies for a celebration of good men everywhere — a refreshing narrative in ‘90s hip-hop. The track was a critical and commercial smash, earning Grammy nominations and showcasing the duo’s ability to uplift and empower through music.
“Big Girls” (1997)
An underrated gem, “Big Girls” was more than a dancefloor banger — it was a body-positive statement ahead of its time. With lyrics that celebrated confidence, strength, and independence, Salt-N-Pepa once again used their platform to shift societal norms and affirm self-worth.
“I Am the Body Beautiful” (1995)
Originally featured on the To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar soundtrack, “I Am the Body Beautiful” blended house, hip-hop, and attitude into a vibrant celebration of individuality and self-love. A true anthem of empowerment, the track became a cult favorite and a symbol of Salt-N-Pepa’s inclusivity and forward-thinking artistry.
Their Legacy Lives On
Salt-N-Pepa weren’t just hitmakers — they were pioneers. They challenged expectations, pushed boundaries, and opened doors for generations of female artists in every genre. Their induction into the Rock Hall is more than a personal accolade — it’s a historic win for hip-hop, for women, and for the voices that dare to be different.
At Spirit Music Group, we’re honored to represent part of their catalog and to play a role in preserving and promoting music that changed the world. Congratulations to Salt-N-Pepa — and thank you for the rhythm, the rhymes, and the revolution.
Listen to the full playlist here.
License Salt-N-Pepa’s hits HERE.
