On Oct. 12, 1993, Salt-N-Pepa released their landmark fourth studio album, Very Necessary. This wasn't just any release—it was a bold proclamation, echoing what Salt-N-Pepa had stood for since their inception: wielding their brand of feminism powerfully within a male-centric Hip-Hop landscape.

Breaking Barriers

Salt, Pepa, Spinderella, and Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor were the masterminds behind the album, creating iconic hits like "Shoop," "Whatta Man" featuring En Vogue, and "None of Your Business." While their previous works had already established them as formidable forces, Very Necessary set them apart, further establishing them as pop stars. The album not only sold over seven million copies worldwide (with five million in the U.S.) but also scaled the heights of the Billboard 200, reaching #4. This wasn't just a musical milestone—it turned them into the first female rap act (solo or group) to lay claim to a multi-platinum album.

"[We brought] fun, fashion and femininity to Hip-Hop," Salt explained in a 2022 interview with Hip-Hop legend Roxanne Shanté. "You know, we were just to round away girls, actual friends. Just doing us being us... We were just figuring it out. You know what I mean? That's being authentic and being ourselves and I think that resonated with everyone all women."

Answering a Changing Hip-Hop Landscape

The release of Very Necessary came at a crucial juncture in Hip-Hop. The music was evolving, taking on a grittier tone, and sometimes veering into misogynistic narratives. Very Necessary emerged as a powerful statement. It wasn't just another Hip-Hop album; it was a declearation—a pop rap sensation that showcased an alternate, empowering narrative for the genre.

Salt, always forthright and honest, addressed their journey's misconceptions head-on. Speaking to Arsenio Hall, she reflected, "I’ve heard people say we’ve gotten over on our looks. But really? I didn't realize I looked that good to ride on it for six years. We’ve established ourselves over time. If people think it's just about our looks, then that's a limited viewpoint."

Very Necessary was exactly what its name suggested—for the trio, for their fans, and for Hip-Hop as a whole. The album solidified Salt-N-Pepa's influential presence, reinforcing their storied legacy in Hip-Hop.