Marking the 25th anniversary of their platinum debut album, Hot, Cool and Vicious, Salt N’ Pepa are set to embark on the Legends of Hip-Hop tour. If you’re not sure why Salt N’ Pepa would be on the bill with legendary artists like Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Naughty By Nature and MC Lyte, you need to do your homework.

Salt N’ Pepa remain the best-selling female rap act to date. They were the first female rap artists to cross over to the pop charts and attain gold and platinum status in the US. A major accomplishment for any rap group male or female in the 80s. ‘Push It’ was the biggest hit single off their debut album and is still one of the most recognizable Salt N’ Pepa jams to date.

Since the release of Hot, Cool and Vicious (1986) Salt N’ Pepa have released four follow-up albums: A Salt With a Deadly Pepa (1988) reaching gold status, Blacks’ Magic (1990) reaching platinum status, Very Necessary (1993) reaching five times platinum status with hit singles ‘Shoop’ and ‘What A Man’ and Brand New (1997) reaching gold status. In 1995, Salt N’ Pepa won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group with ‘None of Your Business.’

Salt N’ Pepa are one of few 80s rap artists who have achieved longevity and success in the hip hop industry. Their messages that encourage female empowerment through strength, independence and sexuality were undeniable and relatable for females from any demographic.

In an industry dominated by men, Salt N’ Pepa were uncompromising in their identity as talented artists and as strong women. This is why they set the bar high for other female artists looking to be successful in the industry. In the late 80s and early 90s, female artists had to have rap skills and a strong sense of identity. Salt N’ Pepa opened the door for other legendary female artists such as Roxanne Shante, Queen Latifa, Bahamadia and MC Lyte.

On October 12, 2010, Salt N’ Pepa were awarded the I Am Hip Hop award by BET, an award that is presented to a group or artists who made a career of iconic and legendary moments. After 25 years of success in the hip hop industry there’s no doubt Salt, Pepa and Spindarella will bring legendary performances full of sass, attitude and fun to Legends of Hip Hop.

Legends of Hip Hop Tour Dates:

Feb. 4 – Cleveland, OH – Wolstein Center

Feb. 5 – Buffalo, TX – Shea’s PAC

Feb. 11 – Miami, FL – James L. Knight Center

Feb. 12 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena

Feb. 13 – Kansas City, MO – Municipal Auditorium

Feb. 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Liacouras Center

Feb. 19 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena

Feb. 20 – Newark, NJ – PAC

Feb. 25 – Jacksonville, FL – Coliseum

Feb. 26 – Washington, DC – Constitution Hall

March 4 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium

March 5 – Baton Rouge, LA – Riverside Centroplex

March 11 – Norfolk, VA – Ted Constant Convocation Center

March 12 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena

March 13 – Memphis, TN – DeSoto Civic Center

March 18 – Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium

March 19 – Chicago, IL – Arie Crown Theater

March 25 – Richmond, VA – Coliseum

March 26 – Dallas, TX – Dallas Convention Center

April 2 – Atlanta, GA – Civic Center