Very Necessary

Performer: Salt-N-Pepa
Artist: En Vogue; Motif; Styowlz
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Salt 'N Pepa: Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandy "Pepa" Denton (rap vocals); De De "Spinderella" Roper (DJ). Additional personnel includes: Styowlz, Futuristic Prophet (rap vocals); Joyce Martin, Herby "Luvbug" Azor, Al "Taz" Machera, Mecko Whip, Anthony "Sharkee" Williams, Otwane Roberts, Joyce Martin, Nate, Cleon Earle, Joyce Martin, (vocals); Kathy Santiago, Mario Lozano, Keith Jordan (spoken word); Avon Marshall (keyboards, background vocals); Harold Edgar (keyboards); Day Ta Day, Alton Stewart, Khadejia Bass, Julia Brereton, Desiree Roper, Wilfred Omega, Mau Mau Clan, Steve Azor, 3 feet (background vocals). Producers include: Mark Sparks, Herby "Luvbug" Azor, De De "Spinderella" Roper, Cheryl "Salt" James, Steve Azor. Engineers: Al "Taz" Machera, Andre DeBourg, Dae Bennett. Recorded at Hillside Sound Studios, Englewood, New Jersey; Sound Trek, Power Play Studios, Bayside Studios and Royal Studios. "None Of Your Business" won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. "Whatta Man" was nominated for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. These things don't happen by accident, and not just by massive amounts of hype, either. VERY NECESSARY became one of the biggest records of 1993 and 1994 by tapping into the zeitgeist -- the theme of sisters doing it for themselves was the preface for a year in which women exploded all over the pop charts and pop press -- and by underscoring it with irresistible playground pop grooves. "Shoop," which turns a girl-groupish nonsense word and musical backing into a womanly statement of desire, and "Whatta Man," a deep-soul track that defines the perfect guy as a strong, beautiful one who "spends quality time with his kids when he can," were the hits. But the album runs much deeper. The sassy grooves on "None Of Your Business" and "Big Shot" are declarations of independence, asserting a woman's right to sleep with whomever she wants to (with protection, natch) and to make all the money she can (a nice little self-prediction that came true with this album), while "Somma Time Man" turns the old double-standard around and slaps it in some guy's face, telling him he can sleep around, too, but she's gonna kick him out when he does. And she'll be humming a bright, summery soul-pop tune all the while.

Entertainment Weekly (10/29/93, p.72) - "...the results [on VERY NECESSARY] are fast, funny and deftly delivered..." - Rating: B+ Q (11/93, p.132) - 3 Stars - Good - "...[VERY NECESSARY] proves that Salt 'N' Pepa have a boldly independent spirit--and that they really will put their money where their mouth is..."

The first rap group with an all-woman crew, including both rappers and DJ, the 1980s successes of Salt 'N Pepa paved the way for a torrent of female hip-hop bands. Performing until the end of the 20th century, the group surprised many critics with their long-lasting and musically solid career. Salt 'N Pepa's mix of assertive, sexy raps, beat-heavy pop-crossover party music, and a dollop of feminism earned the trio worldwide success.

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