When Cheryl James and Sandra Denton joined forces in 1985, much of the record industry still believed hip-hop was a fad. Calling themselves Salt-N-Pepa, the two put out “The Showstopper,” a response to Doug E Fresh’s hit “The Show.” Clad in short shorts and tight midriff-baring shirts, this duo ruled the sex-positive revolution of the 90s. With songs such as “Push It,” “Do You Really Want Me,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Shoop,” Salt-N-Pepa were frank and outspoken about their desires and their sexuality, while simultaneously demanding respect, preaching feminist values and speaking out against assault and discrimination.

 Over the course of five albums released between 1986 and 1997, Salt-N-Pepa were funky pioneers popping the bubbles of rap machismo, taking aim at tramps, cheaters, gutter-minds, slut-shamers and smooth-talkers. After becoming the first female rappers to be certified Platinum, partially thanks to the success of 1986’s smash “Push It,” they were included in the very first crop of nominees for the Rap Performance Grammy. “I’ll Take Your Man” helped shape the sound of New Orleans rap and 1988’s “Shake Your Thang” became an important bridge between hip-hop and D.C.’s percussive gogo scene.

New York was popular for hip hop during this time.

Push It – 1986