REVIEW: Salt-n-Pepa, Brand New (London/Red Ant)
- Joann D. Ball
The vinyl-like crackle and pop on "RU Ready" announces the long-awaited return of Salt-n-Pepa. And Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton and DJ Dee Dee "Spinderella" Roper are in full effect on Brand New , their fifth release and the follow-up to 1993's extremely successful Very Necessary .
Time has been good to Salt-n-Pepa, one of the few rap acts still kickin' it after 10 years. For the very first time, the women have complete creative control and the freedom to spice it up however they want. Parting ways with long-time producer Herby Azor has given Salt-n-Pepa a new drive and confidence, which is evident on all of the 13 songs on the record (a remix of "RU Ready" is a hidden 14th track). Also striking is the fact that the hour long Brand New has incredible flow from start to finish. It is, without a doubt, Salt-n-Pepa's tastiest and most filling offering to date.
Salt-n-Pepa cover a lot of territory on this record, blending rap, R&B, pop and rock, and even gospel sounds. While the three women have always displayed their faith and conviction, the gospel connection here developed from James' collaboration with gospel rapper Kirk Franklin on his hit "Stomp." Franklin returns the favor and appears here with Sounds of Blackness on "Hold On." The inspirational message is consistent with the group's lyrical honesty, which continues to empower women and men as it stresses love, self worth, purpose and fun.
Salt n' Pepa continue to express themselves, being upfront and honest with their demands, needs and desires. They throw down on the first single, "RU Ready," rap about the pleasures of living large on "Good Life," and tell the men how they want it on the R&B flavored, sexy groove of "Do Me Right." The reggae-rap of "Friends," written by Sandi "Pepa" Denton, Queen Latifah, and Treach of Naughty By Nature, features a Jamaican toast by Mad Lion and a guest rap from Latifah. "Say Ooh," the flirty "Boy Toy" and "Gitty Up" are classic Salt n' Pepa rump shakers, and the latter features a loop of Rick James' "Give It To Me Baby." But the best sample on the record is Gary Wright's "Love is Alive" which infuses the title track.
Brand New features a clear vision of peace and breaking down barriers. Special guest Sheryl Crow gets soulful with Salt n' Pepa on "Imagine" as she sings the hook on this call for racial unity. "The Clock is Tickin'," a tale about domestic abuse, suggests the best of Fishbone with its heavy rock guitar and throbbing bass. The rappers are joined on the track by the rock band Modern Yesterday, which is signed to Salt n' Pepa's own label, Jireh Records.
Brand New is an honest, real, sexy and sensual release from the first ladies of rap. Branching out from their hip hop base, they offer something for a variety of radio formats, including rap/urban, pop, rock and inspirational/gospel. In their call to love yourself and stop the violence, through their celebration of life, faith, sexuality and motherhood and with their dedication to unity in the community, Salt n' Pepa challenge everyone to step up and do the right thing. RU Ready?
