Salt-n-Pepa

One of the most successful female acts in hip-hop, Queens trio Salt-n-Pepa and DJ Spinderella first made waves with the 1985 single "The Showstopper (Is Stupid Fresh)" produced by Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. The following year saw the release of their debut LP Hot Cool & Vicious, which became the first album by a female group to go double-platinum. Their funky beats and strong but playful, pro-women rhymes provided a much-needed female outlet in the male-dominated scene. A remix of their B-side "Push It" rocketed up the charts and was even nominated for a Grammy; two more records and a collection of remixes followed. They returned in 1993 with a more refined, R&B-influenced sound, and scored major success with tracks like "Shoop" and "Whatta Man," winning a Grammy in 1995. Throughout their lengthy career they have consistently evolved and excelled, opening doors for women in hip-hop everywhere. The group released a fifth album in 1997 and a greatest hits package in 2000.