Listen via: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | More Platforms
In 1990, Salt-N-Pepa completely changed the conversation with their groundbreaking single “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Released as a single over a year after the album it came from, Blacks’ Magic, dropped, the track challenged radio censorship, the prudish and unhealthy dialogue around sex, and the status quo of hip-hop at large. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy welcomes Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl “Salt” James to discuss the classic track. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts, and watch the full interview above or via YouTube.
The provocative song was designed with producer Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor to spark a necessary dialogue, and despite its controversy, it worked. In fact, the track was later transformed at the request of news anchor Peter Jennings into the powerful PSA “Let’s Talk About AIDS.”
“I remember having the conversation how the song was gonna be controversial — wanting the song to be overall informative, but also provocative,” says James. “We knew we was starting trouble. Basically this conversation we had with Hurby, we started the song with, ‘I know they ain’t gonna play this on the radio,’ kind of as a challenge. And they played it on the radio, and all the controversy around it was, ‘It’s too provocative. Salt-N-Pepa have young fans, why are they making songs like this?’ I remember a parent saying he used to be a fan until his daughter started listening to this song, and I’m like, wow, people really don’t listen to lyrics, do they? Because if you listen to the lyrics, we’re not talking about being promiscuous, we’re just talking like, why can’t we just talk about sex? All the good things and the bad things, the things that need to be discussed.”
The conversation also explores Salt-N-Pepa’s trailblazing journey, from working at Sears with other future stars to their meteoric rise to fame. Salt recounts becoming the first female rap act to go platinum and earning their title as the “First Ladies of Rap” while navigating the shock of global stardom. Looking forward, she also shares her decision to step back from the road for her well-being, but hints at a major tour in the near future. She also reflects on the full-circle feeling of seeing their legacy celebrated with accolades like their upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Listen to Cheryl James talk about “Let’s Talk About Sex” and more above or on your favorite podcast platform. You can also watch the full convo at the top of the page or on YouTube. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. For more with James, revisit her 2023 Crate Digging feature, where James explored five hip-hop records she thinks every fan should own.
Fans can also check out our TSBTS merch — including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle — available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below! Follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.
