History of Salt (rapper) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Cheryl Renee James, known as Salt, is an American rapper and member of the iconic female hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa. Alongside Pepa and Spinderella, Salt-N-Pepa achieved significant success in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for hits like "Push It" and "Shoop". Beyond music, Salt has also appeared in "The Salt-N-Pepa Show", a reality television series documenting the group's reunion, which aired on VH1 in 2008. She remains a notable figure in hip-hop history and popular culture.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 28, 1966: Cheryl James' Birth

On March 28, 1966, Cheryl Renee James, known as Salt, was born. She later became famous as a member of the rap trio Salt-N-Pepa.

1983: High School Graduation

In 1983, James graduated from Grover Cleveland High School.

1984: Dating Hurby Azor

In 1984, James started dating Salt-N-Pepa group manager Hurby Azor.

1985: Meeting Sandra Denton

In 1985, James met Sandra Denton, who would later become Pepa, while attending Queensborough Community College where she was studying nursing.

1986: Release of Hot, Cool & Vicious

In 1986, Salt-N-Pepa released their debut studio album, Hot, Cool & Vicious.

1987: Deidra Roper Joins Salt-N-Pepa

In 1987, Deidra Roper replaced Latoya Hanson in the group "Super Nature" which was eventually changed to "Salt N' Pepa".

1988: Release of A Salt with a Deadly Pepa

In 1988, Salt-N-Pepa released their second studio album, A Salt with a Deadly Pepa.

1989: End of relationship with Hurby Azor

In 1989, James ended her relationship with Salt-N-Pepa group manager Hurby Azor.

1990: Release of Blacks' Magic

In 1990, Salt-N-Pepa released their third studio album, Blacks' Magic.

1993: Release of Very Necessary and Co-starring in Who's the Man?

In 1993, Salt-N-Pepa released their fourth studio album, Very Necessary. Salt also co-starred in the motion picture Who's the Man? that year.

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1997: Release of Brand New and "Stomp"

In 1997, Salt-N-Pepa released their fifth studio album, Brand New. Also in 1997, Salt recorded "Stomp" with Kirk Franklin and God's Property for their album God's Property.

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1999: Last performance of Salt-N-Pepa before reunion

In 1999, Salt-N-Pepa had their last performance before their reunion in 2005.

2000: Marriage to Gavin Wray

On Christmas Eve 2000, James married her husband Gavin Wray, after dating for ten years.

2002: Salt-N-Pepa Disband

In 2002, the group Salt-N-Pepa disbanded.

November 2004: Appearance on VH1's Hip Hop Honors

In November 2004, James appeared on VH1's inaugural Hip Hop Honors program along with Pepa, but they did not perform.

September 22, 2005: Performance on Hip Hop Honors

On September 22, 2005, Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella performed "Whatta Man" on the second Hip Hop Honors, marking their first performance as Salt-N-Pepa since 1999.

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