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.
Independent
Salt-N-Pepa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Try to dis my girl Salt up goes my guard
Still feminine feminine still yes
But then next pump a hundred weight bench press
So what it mean Pep? I'm not impressed
'Cause I wear the pants and you wear the dress
Punk you're lovin' stunk you're not a hunk
This is independent funk
And I'm gettin' ready for the year 2000
Independent, yes I'm housin'
Independent, yeah, now watch me
Independent, no one can stop me
Woman and I am independent
I make my own money so don't tell me how to spend it
'Cause you need me, and I don't need you
So listen close, boy, to my independent funk
Yeah, can you feel it?
Yes, it's my, it's my independent funk
(Yawn) You're sleepy, go to bed
want to step? Go ahead and jet
Now wake up from your dreamin' 'cause you're dealin' with the Pep
Like Oakley from the Knicks, yes, I'm havin' a ball
You think because you're leaving that I'm gonna take a fall?
It was small thing, oooo, it was really too small
Livin' large, boy, standing ten feet tall
Now my heart won't dent, keep the money I lent
And don't forget I pay the rent, this is my apartment
I'm independent
I am independent
That's right I said it, and be damn sure I meant it
'Cause a girl like me can have anybody
So give my love, boy, to my independent funk
Hey
Salty the V.I.P., you should have stuck with me
What are you stupid? Huh, my pockets run deep
So flex the Rolex and the sex that I gave ya
In jail with no bail and now nothin' can save ya
You want me to visit? I ain't with it lizard
We had magic now ya lost without the love wizard
Ya had to cross me, and now you lost me
Get off me softy, I'm the boss, see?
You can't disguise the lies in your eyes - you're not a heartbreaker
You're a fraud, and I'm bored - you're a fake faker
It's too late to debate with the moneymaker
After while, crackhead - see ya later, gator
Woman and I am independent
I make my own money so don't tell me how to spend it
'Cause you need me, and I don't need you
So listen close, boy, to my independent funk
Yeah, so funky, so funky
No, no, no more nookie for you 'cause I gave ya the boot
Go ahead and go in your Yugo, gonna miss the Benz Coupe, hometroop
Who's supportin' ya now?
Got a job or do ya rob? I heard you're sellin' drugs - wow
Big man, huh? But just understand Uncle Sam know the scam
You'll end up in the can
Singin' a sad song 'cause you did me wrong
Couldn't fool me for long, I got it goin' on
I'm independent
Yes, I am independent
That's right I said it, and be damn sure I meant it
'Cause a girl like me can have anybody
So give my love, boy, to my independent funk
Hey yeah, my independent funk
It's just an independent funk
Get with this independent funk
You're a baby so maybe you just needed a babysitter
Bitter? I figure I'm rid of a piece of litter
Tiger, tigger, I bounce back, and you're a quitter
Your girl is gone for good so just forget her
You're blind, you'll never find another better
Your mind stays on a behind in a tight sweater
Burned your flowers and your love letters
Never a tear will I shed
I'm independent
Yes, I am independent
I make my own money so don't tell me how to spend it
'Cause you need me, and I don't need you
So listen close, boy, to my independent funk
Yeah
The song "Independent" by Salt-N-Pepa is all about female empowerment and independence. The lyrics are a powerful message about self-reliance and the ability to make one's own choices. The opening verse is a direct challenge to anyone who tries to put down Salt or undermine her leadership, as Pep makes it clear that she is ready to defend her friend and partner. She emphasizes her own strength and physical ability, challenging anyone who thinks that femininity and strength are mutually exclusive.
Throughout the song, Salt and Pep assert their independence in every aspect of their lives. They make their own money, refuse to be told how to spend it, and are not afraid to cut ties with anyone who doesn't respect them. They also shame the men who have betrayed them, reminding them that they are more powerful without their love or support. The chorus reinforces the idea that their independence is unstoppable, and they will continue to thrive no matter what anyone else thinks.
Overall, "Independent" is a powerful anthem of female strength and self-reliance, showing that women don't need anyone else to succeed. It's a message that continues to resonate today, as more and more women embrace their independence and strive for equality.
Line by Line Meaning
When duty call the leader Pep come hard
When the situation requires action, the leader Pep steps up and makes an effort.
Try to dis my girl Salt up goes my guard
If anyone tries to criticize or demean Salt, I become defensive and protective of her.
Still feminine feminine still yes
I am still feminine in appearance and behavior, without compromising my strength and independence.
But then next pump a hundred weight bench press
Despite my femininity, I have physical strength and power, as I am able to lift a hundred-pound weight.
So what it mean Pep? I'm not impressed
Pep's display of physical strength does not impress me or diminish my own.
'Cause I wear the pants and you wear the dress
In our dynamic, I am the one in control and decision-making, while you are submissive.
Punk you're lovin' stunk you're not a hunk
Your behavior and love were unsatisfactory and unimpressive, and you are not a desirable partner.
This is independent funk
This is a statement of our independent, self-sufficient attitude and approach to life.
And I'm gettin' ready for the year 2000
I am preparing for the future and staying ahead of the game, making sure I am independent and self-reliant.
Independent, yes I'm housin'
I am self-sustaining and able to provide for myself without needing anyone else's support.
Independent, yeah, now watch me
I am confident in my independence and ready to show the world what I can do on my own.
Independent, no one can stop me
I am empowered and unstoppable in my independence, and no one can hold me back or control me.
Woman and I am independent
As a woman, I am asserting my independence and ability to provide for myself without relying on anyone else.
I make my own money so don't tell me how to spend it
I am capable of earning my own income and managing my own finances, and do not need anyone telling me how to handle my money.
'Cause you need me, and I don't need you
In our relationship, I am the one who is needed and relied upon, while you are not essential to my independence.
So listen close, boy, to my independent funk
Pay attention to my message of independence and self-sufficiency, which is the foundation of my identity and lifestyle.
No, no, no more nookie for you 'cause I gave ya the boot
I am ending our relationship because you have failed to live up to my standards and expectations, and I no longer wish to be intimate with you.
Go ahead and go in your Yugo, gonna miss the Benz Coupe, hometroop
You can go back to your low-level lifestyle and vehicle, while I continue to enjoy the luxuries and comforts of my high-end car.
Who's supportin' ya now? Got a job or do ya rob?
Now that I am no longer supporting you, you must find a way to provide for yourself, either by working legitimately or resorting to crime.
I'm independent
I am self-sufficient and self-reliant, and do not need anyone else to take care of me or provide for me.
Yes, I am independent
I am asserting my identity and lifestyle as one that is independent and self-sufficient.
That's right I said it, and be damn sure I meant it
I am confident and adamant about my independence, and will not let anyone undermine or diminish it.
So give my love, boy, to my independent funk
Pay attention to my message of independence as an essential part of my identity, and learn to appreciate and respect it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DELROY FOSTER, ANDRE GRAY, KUNLEY ASARE MCCARTHY, IRIS JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jessicadendy1614
I agree 👍! Why is this song not being BLASTED right now? Do people know it exists? I have a vhs with this video recorded at 10 years old. It's a huge part of my upbringing 🙏
@jamaalbarnes5392
It's the record labels and today's youth not feeling records like this these days. They want the sexxy redd type trash. 1987-1990 was the best years for rap in all honesty. After 1992, it took a very dark turn.
@debfan74
I love the way Salt N Pepa simply led the way, they deserve the same recognition as Madonna.....strong ladies that came long before the gals of today
@MrRnbMan
I agree
@pmh78able
Salt was a beast with that pen she wrote this and Expression ... great writer
@anthonyholmes5752
Mr Harris yes she was
@kevinshell8392
Her lyrics were written by others not throwing shade but just stating facts. But her lyrics were nice
@pmh78able
@@kevinshell8392 I'm referring to the songs she has written Expression, Independent, Shoop, their entire Brand New album.
@kevinshell8392
@@pmh78able ..... All good SnP got a trunk full of hits! Regardless who wrote the lyrics they take a backseat to no one
@ShawnWhitsell
@@kevinshell8392 True. She didn't write all of their songs but she wrote some. Pep wrote too. Herby wrote a lot of their earlier hits.