Salt-N-Pepa recently sat down with Tamron Hall to discuss their influences on the hip hop industry. The dynamic duo talked about their experiences as Black women who cultivated fashion as well as reinventing themselves in female rap. In the interview, the women revealed they were discouraged to become mothers early in their careers.
Superstardom and motherhood
Salt-N-Pepa revealed being mothers was one of the biggest “challenges” while working in the music industry. Cheryl “Salt” James told Hall she and Sandra “Pepa” Denton had bassinets on their tour bus. Also, they revealed they missed their children at times while being on the road.
James confessed she was told to get an abortion. She said conceiving her daughter and “finding Jesus,” was the best decision she’s made. James said making the choice to have children and a career is “hard” and added that it is an experience women have to be confident to handle. James never disclosed the person who told her to terminate her pregnancy.
Denton noted that their Grammys awards and Hollywood “Walk of Fame” recognition are major accomplishments. Hall gave the women their flowers, applauding them for being trailblazers in the industry.
Balancing career and motherhood
Despite the adversities they faced, Salt-N-Pepa sold more than 15 million records internationally. The group is often called, “The First Ladies Of Rap.” According to The Jasmine Brand, Denton, James, along with DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper), sold more than one million copies of the debut album, “Hot Cold & Vicious,” in the United States. The trio was the first to achieve gold and platinum status for their music.
Hall pointed out that the rap group paved the way for women to be entertainers and mothers. Women like Rihanna and Beyonce created headlines when they revealed their pregnancies during performances. Rappers, like Nicki Minaj, show that being a mother while climbing the charts can actually be joyous.