Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl James Says She Was ‘Asked To Have An Abortion’ To Protect Her Career In The Music Industry
Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl James Says She Was ‘Asked To Have An Abortion’ To Protect Her Career In The Music Industry
Salt-N-Pepa‘s Cheryl “Salt” James recently opened up about some of the struggles she faced while being a young woman in the music industry.
In a clip from Salt-N-Pepa‘s upcoming interview with Tamron Hall, the pair discussed the difficulties they faced being mothers in the music industry and the misconception that you can’t juggle both career and motherhood.
Sandra “Pepa” Denton said,
“And that was why we are true to who we are. They could recognize ’cause we wanted to be moms and we was moms. We said, ‘We can do it’ and whatever came my way, I handled it, which was taking the good with the bad … ’cause someone has to do it! When they think it can’t, they panic, the labels and people. ‘Oh my god, how are you gonna? The sales! Sales, sales!’ But you know, we did it.”
Salt then chimed in and revealed a shocking request she had once received.
“They do get scared. I don’t think I’ve ever said this out loud. I was actually asked to have an abortion — I won’t say by who — but to your point, yeah, you just have to know that it’s something that you’re capable of handling if you want a kid and you want to have a career. And it’s definitely harder.”
Salt continued,
“Having my daughter, besides finding Jesus, is the best thing that I’ve ever experienced, my kids. Like, I needed that lil’ baby in my life, you know? She kept me company on the road.”
Tamron Hall then pointed out that the duo’s efforts paved the way for women today to speak up, take a stance and prove that they can indeed be both a mother and entertainer. The talk show host even named Rihanna as an example and pointed to her recent Super Bowl performance where the pop star performed while visibly pregnant.
The legendary group which is comprised of Salt, Pepa, and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper) formed in New York City in 1985. Their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious (1986), sold more than 1 million copies in the US, making them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status. To date, Salt-N-Pepa have sold over 15 million records worldwide, making them one of the best selling rap acts of all time. The iconic group is often referred to as the “First Ladies Of Rap.”
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