Legendary 90s band warned against performing iconic tune or risk arrest-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Salt-N-Pepa were threatened with detainment if they performed their most iconic song (Picture: Eugene Adebari/REX/Shutterstock)

One iconic 1990s band have recalled the time they were warned against performing their most iconic song – or they would be arrested.

Salt-N-Pepa is an American hip-hop group formed in 1985 and comprising Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper).

The trio – of which Spinderella and Latoya Hanson are now former members – have sold over 15million records the world over, with their biggest hit, Push It, also selling millions and charting globally.

Push It was released as part of Salt-N-Pepa’s Hot, Cool & Vicious album in 1986 and was made a single the following year, with the record later becoming the first female album to earn gold and platinum certifications from the RIAA.

However, in the past, the group haven’t always been able to perform their most famous track as venue execs misunderstood what the lyrics were about.

Mistakingly thinking the tune was explicit, bosses have threatened to detain Salt-N-Pepa should they sing at their establishments.

Salt-N-Pepa had to explain that Push It’s lyrics aren’t explicit (Picture: Soul Brother/Soul B Photos/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking on a recent episode of Drink Champs, DJ Spinderella said: ‘It was not a sexual song.

‘We were literally talking about dancing on the dancefloor. And people took that and took it the other way, and it actually worked for us.’

She added: ‘Being on stage and being told that, “If you play that song here, you can get arrested.” So, there were times where that was almost the case.

‘And somehow, we got to a point where we just had to convince everybody that this is not about what you think it’s about. And that is the truth.’

Pepa has also spoken about the controversy surrounding the single, forcing her to explain the lyrics to Page Six in 2021.

‘We were saying “push it”, they thought we were saying, “p***y, real good.” So the police were waiting for us.’

The group have sold millions of records worldwide (Picture: Fotex/REX/Shutterstock)

She recalled being warned: ‘They said if you say a curse word, we’re going to take you off the stage.’

Salt-N-Pepa is now a duo, with Spinderella splitting from them in 2019.

‘You just grow up. You just get to a point where things will not be tolerated. And respect should be mutual,’ she said of her treatment.

‘And when respect is mutual, we can move and do whatever.’

Spinderella then questioned, ‘when respect is not mutual, then what are you here for? The bag.’

‘That don’t last, because I can get a bag without it,’ she stated defiantly.

The group went on hiatus over 20 years ago but have made several comeback attempts since (Picture: Suzanne Cordeiro/REX/Shutterstock)

The group disbanded in 2002 for the members to pursue solo endeavours.

Nowadays, while Salt-N-Pepa are on hiatus, but have made attempts at comebacks.

They made another crack at the industry in 2016 and 2017 by releasing new music.

Then, in 2022, Salt-N-Pepa hit the road with New Kids On The Block for their The Mixtape Tour, offering another bout of nostalgia as they were joined by En Vogue and Rick Astley.

Members have also reunited on several occasions for reality shows including The Salt-N-Pepa Show (2007–08) and Cookin’ with Salt-N-Pepa (2015).

In November 2022, all three members temporarily got back together as they were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : ITV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth reveals fresh agony after horrific abuse

MORE : 80s rock star announces extremely unexpected musical collaboration with Snoop Dogg

Entertainment – MetroRead More