Hot, Cool & Vicious received little attention until a San Francisco DJ named Cameron Paul created a remix of "Push It" (The b-side to "Tramp"). Mr. Paul's remix of "Push It", rereleased as a single, quickly became a national hit and was nominated for a Grammy, pushing both the single and LP to Platinum album status.
They released A Salt With a Deadly Pepa, which was only a minor hit, though it featured "Shake Your Thang". Their third original LP, Blacks Magic, which received generally positive reviews and expanded Salt-N-Pepa's fanbase among hip hop fans using more R&B. It included "Let's Talk About Sex", one of their biggest songs.
Salt-N-Pepa left Next Plateau and the influence of Azor released "Very Necessary", a largely self-produced album in 1993 (see 1993 in music), and it performed very well on the charts, buoyed by "Shoop" and "Whatta Man" (with En Vogue). In 1994, they appeared in the motion picture "Who's The Man?".
The less commercially successful single "None of Your Business," won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1995. Since Very Necessary, both Salt and Pepa have focused primarily on their acting careers. They released their final album "Brand New" in 1997.
Despite their girl group beginnings, Salt-N-Pepa insist that they wrote many of the lyrics on their first album, and by Blacks Magic they displayed a sex positive, and responsible, feminism, and are often seen as innovators or role models.
In March 1999, Salt-N-Pepa embarked on their final live tour. Pepa (Sandy Denton) married Treach of Naughty By Nature on July 27, 1999. Salt-N-Pepa's greatest-hits album, entitled Salt-N-Pepa: The Best Of was released on January 25, 2000. Treach and Pepa were divorced on July 31, 2001. The group officially disbanded in 2002. Upon disbanding, Salt (Cheryl James) claimed she had become a born-again Christian, and would no longer be involved in hip-hop. However, all that changed when Cheryl announced that she would be releasing her first solo cd "Salt of the Earth" which later changed to "Salt Unrapped".
Cheryl James and Sandy Denton appeared on VH1's Hip Hop Honors in November 2004 without Spinderella. They did not perform.
In March 2005, it was announced that Sandy Denton would join Jose Canseco, Bronson Pinchot, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Caprice Bourret, Janice Dickinson, and Carey Hart on the 5th season of the VH1 series The Surreal Life.
Salt-N-Pepa reunited on September 22, 2005, and gave their first performance in six years. They sang Whatta Man, along with En Vogue, as a part of VH1's Hip Hop Honors program.
I'll Take Your Man
Salt-N-Pepa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So get out my face before I smack you
Ho don't you know? Can't you understand?
If you mess with me I'll take you man
Well I'll take your man right out the box
And put him under my padlocks
So when you see us together chillin' in the place
Go ahead roll your eyes suck your teeth
Keep huffin' and puffin' like a dog in heat
You can call me a crook, a robber, a thief
But I'll be your butcher if you got beef
You know what's up - I ain't no poo-putt
'Cause Pepa kick butts off dumb, young bucks like you
And the rest of your crew
If moms want static I'll dis her, too
So scram you know who I am
Damn, chick, don't play me, punk 'cause I'll take your man
I'll take your man whenever I feel like it
This ain't a threat or a bet, it's a damn promise
From me to you, your sex life's through
If you get another lover, I'll take him, too
All I have to do is say a rhyme or two
And he'll hop and leave you like a kangaroo
I'll make him heel for me even steal for me
His mother and father he'd kill for me
That's what you get for trying to play smart
Now take a hike with that slayed-up heart
Girl, you don't know if you're comin' or goin'
Look at your face - your jealousy's growin' and showin'
Don't get mad - you don't have the right
I throw below solo but ladylike on the mic
Psyche is where I win my battles
I'll handle you like a baby with a rattle
Don't make me prove to you that I can
Either give him up or get slammed - I'll take your man
I'll take your man, that's right but just for spite
Because you tried to dis me when I was on the mic
But I really don't want him, the guy ain't fly, shoot
He can't afford to buy a Fila suit
Runs the same old gear, never has fresh wear
What he whispered in my ear I can't repeat here
I don't want to seem to be so damn mean
But you're the hippiest critter I ever seen
Before I got on the stage you wished me good luck
Turned around and told your friends I suck
Well look at you now - you ain't got nobody
Searching for love in a fifth of Bicardi
You look bad, girl, you look like you're dying
Ain't no use in crying - I'll take your man
Yo, Cher, school this fool!
I'll take your man, your fiancee, your husband
You ain't Alice, this ain't Wonderland
And when I say I will you know I can
Don't mess with me 'cause I'll take your man
I'll take your man anytime, at the drop of a dime
'cause he's rappin' and strappin' so hard on mine
Everywhere I turn, everywhere I look
The brother's eyein' me down, he's staring down my throat
But he's a ducker sucker, soft-hearted punk
Goin' skiing for skeezers, stunts for blunt
So that's why y'all have so many things in common
Him for just robbin', you for lap slobbin'
I never ever went out my way to get played
Keeping guys like yours held down at bay
You know I can, I got the upper-hand
Tramp, you don't stand a chance 'cause I'll take your man
Most girls have guys that's good to go
But yours is slow - he's a freakin' a-hole
The fact still stands, there's no change in plans
"Yo, Pepa, your wish is my command!"
Now you know, you know I'll take your...man
Check him out, you see what I mean?
He's leading the pack as the fellas scream
"Go, Sandy! Get busy! Go, Sandy! Get busy!"
It's so easy to make 'em fall for me, Heather
No man can resist Salt and Pepa
Because we're perfect from head to toe
It's not speculation - your man says so
Revenge is sweet but payback's a trip
Girlfriend, you won't know which is which
But I'll tell you this: Don't try to answer this jam
Because if you do then I'll take your...
And I'll take your...
And we'll take your man
"I'll Take Your Man" by Salt-N-Pepa is a classic hip-hop song that sends a bold message to a woman who is supposedly treating the artist with disrespect. The lyrics start by warning the woman to stay out of their way, lest the two famous rappers behind the song unleash their wrath. Then, the song describes how they can take the woman's man away from her and have him wrapped around their fingers. The song continues to taunt her, calling her out for her shortcomings, and declaring the singer's superiority. The song ends with a repeat of the original warning, not to mess with Salt and Pepa, lest they steal the woman's man.
"I'll Take Your Man" is a manifestation of the attitude and confidence that is central to hip-hop music. The song is a classic example of the genre, with its bold lyrics and catchy beat. The song is a feminist anthem, as the lyrics suggest that women can easily take men and dominate them. Salt-N-Pepa's use of language and catchy beats made them one of the most famous rap crews in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Salt and Pepa's back and we came to out rap you
We, Salt and Pepa, have returned and our purpose is to outperform you in rapping
So get out my face before I smack you
Leave my presence before I physically hit you
Ho don't you know? Can't you understand?
Hey, don't you know? Can't you comprehend?
If you mess with me I'll take your man
If you provoke me, I will pursue and win over your romantic partner
Well I'll take your man right out the box
I will effortlessly steal your man
And put him under my padlocks
And ensure he is firmly committed to me
So when you see us together chillin' in the place
So when you witness us relaxing together in a specific location
Cold walkin' and sportin' him in your face
Boldly showing off and proudly parading him in front of you
Go ahead roll your eyes, suck your teeth
Feel free to express your annoyance through eye-rolling and teeth-sucking
Keep huffin' and puffin' like a dog in heat
Continue to breathe heavily and complain excessively, like a dog during mating season
You can call me a crook, a robber, a thief
You may label me as a dishonest person, a burglar, or someone who steals
But I'll be your butcher if you got beef
However, I will retaliate fiercely if you confront or provoke me
You know what's up - I ain't no poo-putt
You are aware of the situation - I am not a timid or weak person
'Cause Pepa kick butts off dumb, young bucks like you
Because I, Pepa, defeat and overpower foolish, inexperienced individuals like you
And the rest of your crew
As well as the rest of your group or team
If moms want static I'll dis her, too
If your mother desires conflict, I will disrespect or insult her as well
So scram you know who I am
So leave quickly, you are aware of my identity
Damn, chick, don't play me, punk 'cause I'll take your man
Don't try to deceive or manipulate me, you foolish person, because I will take possession of your man
I'll take your man whenever I feel like it
I will seize your man without hesitation or delay
This ain't a threat or a bet, it's a damn promise
This is not a mere warning or wager, it is an absolute guarantee
From me to you, your sex life's through
From me to you, your romantic and sexual relationship is over
If you get another lover, I'll take him, too
If you find a new partner, I will also win him over
All I have to do is say a rhyme or two
All I need to do is recite a few lines of poetry
And he'll hop and leave you like a kangaroo
And he will quickly and abruptly abandon you, just like a kangaroo would jump away
I'll make him heel for me even steal for me
I will make him obediently serve me, he may even commit crimes for my sake
His mother and father he'd kill for me
He would be willing to harm or even kill his own parents on my behalf
That's what you get for trying to play smart
That is the consequence you face for attempting to be clever
Now take a hike with that slayed-up heart
Now leave angrily with your broken heart
Girl, you don't know if you're comin' or goin'
Girl, you are confused and uncertain about your actions and choices
Look at your face - your jealousy's growin' and showin'
Observe your facial expression - your envy is increasing and becoming evident
Don't get mad - you don't have the right
Don't become angry - you do not possess the authority or entitlement
I throw below solo but ladylike on the mic
I deliver powerful and skillful verses, while still maintaining a feminine demeanor on the microphone
Psyche is where I win my battles
My psychological tactics are how I triumph in my conflicts
I'll handle you like a baby with a rattle
I will manage you easily, just like one would handle a baby with a rattle toy
Don't make me prove to you that I can
Don't force me to demonstrate my abilities in order to convince you
Either give him up or get slammed - I'll take your man
Choose between relinquishing him or facing severe consequences - I will take your man
I'll take your man, that's right but just for spite
I will take your man, indeed, but solely to spite or irritate you
Because you tried to dis me when I was on the mic
Because you attempted to insult me while I was performing on the microphone
But I really don't want him, the guy ain't fly, shoot
However, I genuinely have no interest in him, the man is not attractive or appealing
He can't afford to buy a Fila suit
He lacks the financial means to purchase a Fila brand suit
Runs the same old gear, never has fresh wear
He repeatedly wears the same outdated clothes, he never has stylish or new attire
What he whispered in my ear I can't repeat here
The private words he spoke to me I cannot disclose in this context
I don't want to seem to be so damn mean
I do not wish to appear excessively cruel or harsh
But you're the hippiest critter I ever seen
However, you are the most foolish and clueless person I have ever encountered
Before I got on the stage you wished me good luck
Before I performed on stage, you expressed a desire for me to have good fortune
Turned around and told your friends I suck
Then you immediately criticized and belittled me to your acquaintances
Well look at you now - you ain't got nobody
Well, observe your current situation - you do not have a partner
Searching for love in a fifth of Bicardi
Desperately seeking love or affection while consuming an alcoholic beverage
You look bad, girl, you look like you're dying
You appear unattractive, girl, you resemble someone who is near death
Ain't no use in crying - I'll take your man
There is no point in crying - I will take your man
Yo, Cher, school this fool!
Hey, Cher, educate or inform this foolish individual!
I'll take your man, your fiancee, your husband
I will take possession of your man, whether he is your fiancee or your husband
You ain't Alice, this ain't Wonderland
You are not Alice, this is not a fantasy world
And when I say I will you know I can
And when I declare that I will take him, you are aware that I am capable
Don't mess with me 'cause I'll take your man
Do not provoke or challenge me, as I will take your man
I'll take your man anytime, at the drop of a dime
I will seize your man whenever I please, without hesitation
'Cause he's rappin' and strappin' so hard on mine
Because he is affectionate and loyal to me, he is deeply committed to our relationship
Everywhere I turn, everywhere I look
Wherever I go, wherever I glance
The brother's eyein' me down, he's staring down my throat
Men are constantly checking me out, they are staring intently at me
But he's a ducker sucker, soft-hearted punk
However, he avoids confrontation, he is a weak-willed and easily manipulated person
Goin' skiing for skeezers, stunts for blunt
He engages in promiscuous activities with disreputable women, performing meaningless actions to impress others
So that's why y'all have so many things in common
That is the reason why you and he share many similarities
Him for just robbin', you for lap slobbin'
He steals or takes advantage of others, while you engage in promiscuous or degrading behaviors
I never ever went out my way to get played
I have never actively sought out or allowed myself to be deceived or mistreated
Keeping guys like yours held down at bay
Keeping men like yours at a distance or under control
You know I can, I got the upper-hand
You know I am capable, I have the advantage or control
Tramp, you don't stand a chance 'cause I'll take your man
Promiscuous person, you do not have an opportunity because I will take your man
Most girls have guys that's good to go
Most girls have partners who are reliable and trustworthy
But yours is slow - he's a freakin' a-hole
However, yours is slow-witted - he is an extremely obnoxious person
The fact still stands, there's no change in plans
The truth remains, there is no alteration in the strategy
"Yo, Pepa, your wish is my command!"
"Hey, Pepa, I am ready to fulfill your desires!"
Now you know, you know I'll take your...man
Now you understand, you know I will take possession of your man
Check him out, you see what I mean?
Examine or observe him, do you comprehend what I am trying to convey?
He's leading the pack as the fellas scream
He is at the forefront, the other men are cheering and shouting excitedly
"Go, Sandy! Get busy! Go, Sandy! Get busy!"
"Go, Sandy! Be active or engaged! Go, Sandy! Be active or engaged!"
It's so easy to make 'em fall for me, Heather
It is effortless to make them develop feelings for me, Heather
No man can resist Salt and Pepa
No man can resist the allure or appeal of Salt and Pepa
Because we're perfect from head to toe
Because we are flawless or impeccable in every aspect
It's not speculation - your man says so
It is not mere conjecture - your man has stated this
Revenge is sweet but payback's a trip
Retaliation is satisfying, but retribution can be harsh or severe
Girlfriend, you won't know which is which
My dear friend, you will not be able to distinguish one from the other
But I'll tell you this: Don't try to answer this jam
But I will inform you: Do not attempt to respond to this song
Because if you do then I'll take your...
Because if you do, then I will take your...
And I'll take your...
And I will take your...
And we'll take your man
And Salt and Pepa will take your man
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HERBY AZOR, GEORGE CLINTON, WILLIAM BOOTSY COLLINS, BERNIE WORRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JO H N STALLWORTH
on Whatta Man
ALL THESE SONGS FOR THE LISTENERS TO GIVE IN TO THEIR SEX DESIRES AND HAVE ABORTIONS AND AIDS
YOU WILL REGRET NOT WAITING TO GET MARRIED
GOD LOVES YOU. GOD CREATED OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR YOU.. MARRIAGE IS FROM GOD. GOD KNOWS BEST. GOD CREATED YOU AS HIS MOST LOVED CREATION. ACCEPT JESUS AND YOU WILL LEARN MORE AND MORE AND EXPERIENCE MORE AND MORE OF GODS' WONDERFUL LOVE FOR YOU.
TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD.