Everything you need to know about this episode can be gathered from looking at Spin's face:

Turmoil!

Finally, the episode we've been waiting for: the return of Spinderella! She's coming to New York so that she can appear on The Tyra Banks show with Salt-N-Pepa. Salt gives us a debriefing on the Spin situation: she joined the group after they were already established (she's actually the second Spinderella -- soon after the success of "Push It" and Hot, Cool & Vicious, the first Spin left the group to have a baby). For that reason, Salt and Pep always regarded Spin as a hired hand, while Spin felt like she was the third member of the group.

Honestly, as an impartial but highly impressionable observer in the early '90s, I'd have to go with Spin's take. It always kinda bugged me, in fact, that she didn't really get nominal credit (more on that -- was she the "N?" -- in a bit). I mean, she rapped! She danced! She exhibited the same intricately gaudy-but-streetwise fashion sense of the other two. She said, "Everybody should be making love!" on "Let's Talk About Sex." Disagree with her guidance as I might, I could never deny her impact. She was an essential part to the group. You might even say she was very necessary.

Salt gives a breakdown on the dynamic back in the day: she was the mom, Pep was the aunt and Spinderella was the baby. Swap out the pacifiers for dookie chains and you see that the analogy is sound, high-waisted toddler wear and all.

Anyway, so Spin's in town and it all seems breezy at first. Pep picks her up at the airport.

Hilarity ensues.

We're not privy to what exactly is so funny, but rest assured: it's funny.

They meet up with Salt in a bar, where Salt orders a Diet Coke, straight up. She really gets into the whole goody-goody thing, doesn't she? Pep urges her to take a shot, but she's all, "I don't need alcohol to make that post-shot, my-face-is-imploding-from-the-weight-of-the-alcohol face."

And then, she's had enough.  You know this because of her body language.

I think that shot's actually kind of beautiful. I kind of want it blown up and hanging in my living room. I can point to it whenever any of my cats get rowdy and then they'll know that I mean business: enough. Anyway, Salt leaves, reminding 2/3 of her musical trio (or 1/2 and the third wheel, however you want to consider Spinderella) that rehearsal for Tyra is early tomorrow.

You don't need me to tell you that Pep's all, "Whatever." And whatever it is: she's late for rehearsal the next day.

But on the upside, at least we get to see her looking so...real. Salt's loss, our gain.

In Pep's absence, Salt and Spin practice. The song they will be performing is "Shoop." Before you can say, "I'm not, 'How does your penis hang?'" Pep comes in...

...and Salt reveals that instead of the line, "I wanna know, how does it hang?" she'll be saying, "I wanna know, can we hang?" That's really actually not a bad way to change it. I don't feel betrayed by her refusal to betray her current beliefs. Well, this all worked out earlier than usual! The end!

Except, not really. Pep's still Pep and she informs us that she's "ready to pounce."

I like to think that Salt isn't judging her moralistically, but linguistically. Seriously: who says that?

They practice and then it's back to a hotel where they talk about what they'll wear.

Reminiscing, Pep says Spin always swooped in and got the clothes first. "Should I have waited?" asks Spin. Pep tells her she should have taken a beat. Oh damn! Pep's such a diva! This has the effect of rubbing Swarovski crystals on Spinderella's decades-old scars. Her insecurity regarding her place in the group comes out.

"Do you consider me the Salt-N-Pepa? Am I the N or…?" she asks. The only "N" I can think of in response is: no. Unfair as it is, she was not the N. Salt says she always saw Spin as "the icing on the cake." That's a sweet way to put it. She goes on: "Me and Sandy could do a show even if you didn't show up." That's not. Spin points out that she contributed vocals to SNP records and Pep snaps back that she was paid. Clearly not in kindness, though. Pep begins some rant and Spin interjects, "Sandy, pay attention because there's someone else here." Whoa! She might as well have said, "Yo, Sandy, I wanna like face you!" Faced she is!

Though their exchange is highly tense, you get the feeling in the end that it was necessary therapy for all of them. Salt points out that this discussion has been a long time coming and that she understands how Spin felt. Don't you feel guilty for being not as wonderful of a person as Salt? I'm not even kidding -- I do.

Spin and Pep embrace:

"You ain't cuttin' into my money!" jokes Pep as they hug! She always knows what to say.

And then, internal chaos goes external as the girls scramble around the next morning in preparation for their Tyra appearance. Pep, once again, is late.

Salt says she's taking these earrings because Pep would snap them up if she had the chance. Hey, isn't that Spinderella's job?

Pep finally arrives and they're whisked away to makeup.

Pep says that she wants an amount of time in the makeup chair equal to what Salt got. "At least the same amount of time or more!" Now comes the point in our reality show when our subjects are so comfortable with the cameras on that they no longer care about how they're coming off. Here's what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real. And it's awesome.

On the elevator ride to the show, Pep's clearly nervous.

It's kind of adorable and totally sweet to see them all backing each other up. The only way that this could aid me in reliving my youth more is by adding Cross Colours in the mix. Maybe next episode!

They perform and Tyra's response is typically dorky.

They sit on her couch and she asks them questions that have already been answered by the episode.

The show is over and it's time for Spin to get back to the West Coast. Her last words for Pep? "Be on time!" Uh, how long have you known her, Spin? Salt says...

"I'm glad the girls are back." Well, that makes 3,000,0001 of us.

Related content
The Salt-N-Pepa Show page

Comments

[Marissa Roman]

Salt I been waching your show.
am not happy with you cause. You keep on saying that you are serving the lord but if you are reading the Bible God say that We who are severing him can't be in the world. You have to choose one God or the world. Pepa is in the world she is not serving God.

[Ironic]

Shut up.

[Jason]

Okay, I have to correct that last comment. We are absolutely called to be in the world. John 17:14-15 talks about how we are called to be in the world but not OF the world, just like Jesus. He was IN the world, but His Spirit was of Heaven. And THAT is how he made a difference. Sandy/Salt is providing a remarkable witness by broadcasting her life and faith for such a huge audience to see. She is a kind and compassionate woman who is attempting to reconcile her faith with her career, which is a situation that many people of faith find themselves in. If anything, I think she comes off as too conservative for her own good, not too "worldly." But Salt, if you're reading this (which I doubt), please be encouraged. You are letting your light shine.

[Being Late: A Confession]

I have a confession to make, and instead of divulging my transgressions to some priest, pastor or preacher who better to tell than some random internet people? I mean, it can pretty RANDOM otherwise, can't it?

Confession: I'm always late. Always.

I was watching the Salt n Pepa Show and Salt mentioned to Pepa that lateness is a sign of arrogance. I have been really critical of Pepa since the show started for her WAYS, but when Salt said that about 'being late' I realized that this apple don't fall far from that tree.

It's something that started with me in my late-late teens after years of being, or striving to be, Miss Perfect. I went through a series of events in life where no one seemed to value my time, my life, what I cared about or what I aspired to be. Because I always strove to be on time, and do things just right I got teased and ridiculed a whole lot not just by my peers, but my own family. Many within my immediate family had their own inferiority issues that they took out on other family members, even the kids, for trying to do better with their lives. This started with my family in my early teens when I started being vocal about some of the things I would see. The responses I receive were very abrasive, too abrasive to be directed at a 12 year old. It was often mentioned that I didn't have a father, they were all I had, and really, I wasn't s**t because of it. I had no voice; what I thought did not matter. The effect of this was me evolving into an individual that does not value anyone's time, including my own.

And arrogance...being late is my response to arrogance - even if the response was misdirected at times.
Whether it be arrogant peers, professors, bosses, etc...Me being late is my response to that. Me making them wait, is my response to that. I've been made to wait because someone felt they were better than me, because someone didn't think I was good enough, or because someone was transferring their own feelings about themselves onto me. And I've picked up this same logic of messed-up thinking.

It's not even thinking, it's going through life without thinking at all - not being totally aware of your own emotions, ignoring them.

As a young kid I made it a point to be a punctual student, it's a lesson my grandparents left with me before they passed on. But in my last year of high school, when my family's b.s. escalated, my aspirations to do or be anything in life, especially being a people pleaser as my grands tried to instill in me, took a steep dive. I wanted to do the opposite. I wanted to fail, I wanted to disappoint people. I didn't realize it at the time, but I started feeling like I didn't deserve a good life, or happiness. Me being late all the time was a huge part/effect of that 'feeling'.

Now, I have since then made strategic efforts here and there to be ON TIME. Especially for jobs, but once I experience some disappointment or un-appreciation; or if I've been snubbed, gossiped about or harassed; my suggestion/complaint was ignored; or if the employer didn't meet up to what they told me before hiring I tend to get very unhappy with the situation and I tend to be late. I give up on that situation. That's my way of griping about the job. That's my way on shitting on the people there - being late. Yes, despite probably needing the job and in the course of figuring out what my next step will be, I'm late.

Granted, I've had situations were being late was unavoidable, VALID stuff. Nonetheless, the person who lost out the most in all this is me. I've been my own worst enemy.

And no, this doesn't mean I can't hold long-term employment. I've had positions for 4 and 6 years. But that statement that Salt made had me reflecting, and I have a serious issue! It, alone, is the reason why I haven't lived up to my own expectations.

This thing has transgressed into every aspect of my life. If I had maintained being miss perfect, despite all the ridicule, I would have really made something of my life. And because I have not made 'something grand' of my life, those very same people that used to ridicule me for always trying to do the right thing, still do. "Here comes little miss perfect." I always sense that they are somehow pleased that the little girl they once knew that had all those big ridiculous dreams, woke up to their bitter and lame version of life's reality. It makes them smile.

Really though, lateness is a demon. I feel that this thing was transferred onto me, and I can not get rid of it.

And with this realization comes bitterness, yet another demon to grapple with.

[T MARIE]

I JUST LOVE THE SHOW!!!!

[Marie24`]

Okay..Is it just me or does Pep look a little different. Did she get a nose job or something? I don't know why she would do something like that. She was pretty already. she didn't need to fix her face, just her attitude. :)

[~KoYa~]

First of all vh1 i must commend u for this show becuz it the best show 2 hit vh1....i wish salt pep n spin the best of luck in tryin 2 resolve their differences....after watchin this episode i learned that pep is all for herself and her money....i hope she can change her ways and b more of a friend to salt n spin and think about their feelings 2...i think this show should have a second season...with spin being apart of it.."The Salt,Pep N Spin Show" lol....

[jamilla]

i know and love salt-n-pepa salt i see why u had so many problems pep ia always late pep be on time, lets make history again and come back in 2008 with a hot hit album , i love yall so much yall are real as can be i wish yall luck can u please if u have a blitz of salt-n-pepa on vhs i need a couple get at me asap

[L. Foster]

Okay. This show got the "Wow Award" from me. This week's episode made a 180 degree turn from hilarious to sad. First of all, I was so disappointed with Pepa's behavior for not walking Cheryl to her car and for being consistently late AND lying about it. Sheesh! Pepa is a grown woman, but she is seriously lacking professionalism and respect for a group reunion that she claims is so necessary.

Second major point, professional management. Apparently, it was not made clear enough to Spin that she was never an official group member, just a glorified DJ. Whew! "Papa Knowles" should have handled that situation with Spin not understanding her role in the group. I personally always assumed the "N" was for Spin even though she wasn't on the first album. (Perhaps, you can credit that assumption to the fact that I was only 7-8 y.o. when "Push it"& "Tramp" finally made it to the south.) Unfortunately for this issue, we, the rest of the world, don't REALLY know how it all went down. We can only speculate from the show that Pepa and Salt were holding on to the money and didn't want to cut Spin into a more permanent/lucrative share. It was probably okay for Spin to be a DJ for hire during the first tour, but things changed when she became a more integrated entity in the group after the tours. Perhaps, Spin was taking on extra responsibilities behind the scenes without pay or little compensation, which gave her the impression that she was making sacrifices/picking up an extra load in the name of keeping the group strong. Who knows!!!!

ULTIMATELY, they built a whole career without a solid foundation (in terms of communication) which led to Salt taking on too much responsibility, becoming seriously ill and enabling Pepa to avoid taking on more professional responsibility. Maybe if Pepa did more business in the group she would have had more confidence to step out on her own when Salt left. Spin just got cut out of some money and feelings hurt for not getting her role clear. I would be more interested in supporting separate endeavors vs. a new group effort because I think it would be forced and insincere. I don't want another Salt-N-Pepa anthem pushing "Expression" while the group is not expressing/resolving their own group issues. I don't think the group's future issue will be communication, but more along the lines of creative differences. Sidebar--I really like Salt's songs on her solo album and think she will do fine without Pepa and the insanity of Salt-N-Pepa. This reality show, however, may be the extra push that will allow Pepa to come out with her own album and stop begging Salt to do another SNP album.

Last thought, I really like this show, but hope the remaining episodes aren't going to be more of Pepa's ridiculousness. It was entertaining on episode 4 because I was certain that Pepa's absurdity was due to their sisterly like relationship, but I didn't think it extended to the professional level. Next week's episode should be interesting. Does anyone agree/disagree with my thoughts?

[Amanda]

I am glad that Salt-N-Pepa can work out there issues because one of the most important things in life are our relationships to one antoher. Keep on pushing the faith cause our younger generations need to see that you can still entertain and praise the lord at the same time. Pepa if you ever read this be patient and little self-less with Salt. Learning to improve our your flaws and strengthening them helps you become gain a feeling of self worth. Work on being punctual.

[antonio]

i totally agree with the blogger who commented "this was an eye opener". my opinion has changed a lot also. pepa is really showing her true colors. everyone thought salt was the bad guy. pepa's lateness would really annoy me. just imagine what salt has been going through for years being in a group with pepa's arrogance. the first couple of episodes i thought salt was really being disrespectful to pep, but now i understand. pep needs boundaries because if salt allows pep to continuously take her for granted she will be right back where she started

[Michelle]

I think the show is great! I'm glad to see them back together in some form. I can see both sides of the coin in terms of the differences they have. If I were Pepa, I would have been severely hurt as well to have my career end when I wasn't ready for it to end. That is devistating because they were still puttin' out hits at the time. But I also understand that Salt felt she made a move that may have ultimately saved her life.

The good thing is that nobody can say that either of them have been on TV demeaning each other, cussing each other out or nothing. They have disagreed quite a bit but they have shown growth and maturity in that they always seem to bring their issue to some type of closure without completely alienating or pissing the other one off.

I'm truly of the Salt-N-Pepa era and personally am glad to see them back on the scene a little. These ladies, including Spin, were pioneers in the rap game. No matter what happens after this show, their place in history is sealed and nothing can ever erase that.

[Valante Brown]

I absolutely love the Salt N Pepa show. I never knew the reason behind the breaking up of the group but, I feel as now I have a much better understanding. Pepa should work on her tardiness. I know it has to be aggravating to be linked to someone who does not care about time. I really hope that they come out with a new record for 2008.

[Glenisha7]

Salt I believe your walk with God and Pep you are just being who you are but except each other for who she is. Salt you don't have to walk away from pep because she is not saved encourage her and Pep know that young women are watching you.

[Jacquetta]

I've been watching the show because I love and grew up listening to them. My comment is what happened to the young man that did the rap portion for "Shoop"?

[ms. b]

i love the show salt n pepa. i remember them when i was in middle school and really dug them back then. but now that i'm all grown up now i realized we are all around the same age group. and did pepa get some cosmetic surgery done? she looked nice before. why did she do it if she did?

[lissy]

Ilove salt n pepa an have since they came on the spotback in da day i watched the surreallife because pepa was on it lol an needless to say she made it worth it to me Im gladd salt got her eating disorder under control but coming from a similar back ground its a fight every day!!!!! good luck girls

[Alexis]

First of all kudos to VH1 awesome show!
I am 29 yrs old, I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa
My 1st ever concert was when i was like 8 or 9 years old. And my mother took me to see Salt-N-Pepa!!!!!! It was a show with Keith Sweat, S-N-P, Kid N Play was called 2Hype back then, and dj rob base( I wannna rock right now)! Anyways, to this day, with the exception of everytime I saw JAY-Z live, it has been the greatest concert of my life!!!!! Oh how i just knew i was S N P. I got a Sweatshirt that i still have! and when i came home i couldnt sleep, i wanted to cut my hair like s n p. The next day My best friends and i were "playing s n p" something we did like everyday after school anyway. But this day was different 'cause I actually saw them live, so i was teaching them what to do. The point of all of this was to say I love S n P. But all everyone wanted to know about the show was this, WHAT DID SPINDERELLA DO, HOW WAS SHE CUTTIN' HOW DID SHE MOVE AROUND HOW WAS SHE DANCIN BEHIND THE TABLE! WHEN WE PLAYED SALY N PEPA WE ARGUED OVER WHO WAS GONNA BE SPINDERELLA!!!!!!!!!!!! SO YES SANDY AND CHERYL WHILE U R UP FRONT SPINDERELLA MATTERED IN A BIG WAY TO ME AND MY FRIENDS IN PHILLY, 1. SPINDERELLA WAS PRETTY, HAD A GREAT SMILE, AND SHE HAD "REAL TALENT" (I AM NOT TRYING TO BE DISRESPECTFUL, JUST HEAR ME OUT) TO 8 &9 YEAR OLD GIRLS, A GIRL THAT COULD DJ WAS DA BOMB, ANYBODY COULD SING OR RAP BUT SPIN COULD CUT MIX RECORD YO SHE WAS DOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kay Wood]

I was around 10 when I fell in love with SNP. I wanted to be just like them. First time I ever saw them was in Maryland in a Rap/Go-Go concert. We were very hard on New York rappers back then. We had our own music genre that dominated the metro area. You could not hold a rap concert
at any major venue in the area without headlining a DC Go-Go artist. Tickets would not sell. However, SNP got major respect with one song. The song was, "My Mic Sounds Nice".
The track they sampled was from a local Go-Go band called the Junk Yard Band. JY as we call them made a hit so of course SNP's song was inevitably a hit in the area. "Shake Yo Thang",featuring EU another Go-Go band was a top hit around here too. They rocked at that concert that night I first saw them live. They rocked more than any other rapper that performed that night.
I have been a fan every since and I love their shows and videos. I am 32 married with children and still get excited when I hear their songs.
I hope their current show continues for another season. The women as friends and business partners have room to grow. The personality differences are dramatic and hilarious at times. But, it is good to see women talk and work out their problems without getting catty with each other all the time and commense to dissolving their relationships.
When you love somebody you don't have to abandon them when you get mad at them
You don't have to if the person is really a good person. I get the sense that they do really love each other. So, working out their friendship is worth the try. National television right now is the place to do it if they have the strength to do it. Besides, I think people need to see them interact. They may be able to learn something while being entertained. Plus, they are not your typical stereotypical rap group. They are normal acting women.
For instance, Pepa, is extroverted with some selfish ways and a sweet heart. Spin is bitter but still likes her friends. Salt has changed her ways from the past and willing to work things out in the future.
Although, Pepa has to realize
that the break-up was for probably for the better. It should have been a wake-up call to be a better friend and to focus on staying on top of their group business. She has to do that, this time around. Her girl Salt was having major issues physically and mentally back then and it was simply time
for her to let go of all of it. It wasn't about Salt and Pepa it was about Cheryl.
I mean who lets somebody binge every night while you go out and party.
Now is the time to move forward and help each other. Salt took her time to heal and she doesn't need to be faulted for it. She made her history and entertained us
for a long time. She didn't have to do it forever. Alot stars who don't do that are not even alive today because they didn't.
Now Pepa needs to take her time to heal and grow. The benefit of the situation and show is that you have someone who seems to have your back and can help guide you in a better direction.
Pepa is going to have to succumb to some of Salt's ways and advice if she really wants the group to come together again. Salt is going to have to deal with some, not all of Pepa's ways.
In my opinion, Salt can stand alone and she
is the backbone of SNP. She doesn't need to do a group record. I have longed for the day she would go solo. She was always tight with her lyrics and her style of rap. The way she enunciated her words simply made her flow tight. All of you SNP fans, don't forget "Let's Get Paid". And that she will be able to do well with Pepa or without. So, Pepa do what you need to do if you want the group thing.

I hope Salt continues to be herself in her music by making necessary changes to your lyrics if you have to. Also, continues to spread her faith upon her friends. Jesus didn't come here to save saints. You saved women need to do what Jesus came here to really do...Save Sinners!
As for Spinderella, I think fans considered her to be a part of the group. But, if she was there to be a face and icon then that is how she should have gotten paid to be. If she contributed more to the albums then she should have been compensated for that. You can't be too bitter if you were not a contributing artist.
Yes, she got fans. She was the another pretty face that was apart of a unique rap group. Plus, she served a unique role. She wasn't DJ Kid Capri,don't get me wrong,but she was tight on the "wheels of steel". That was not common in mainstream rap at that time. Thus, she was just as much of a role model and icon in the female rap world because she was doing something unique at the time. If she didn't like how thing were going she should have renegotiated if somehow she was doing more than what they told her she was going to do. A contributing role should be defined for furture projects or she should not become a part of the group. She should then be paid for guest appearances and concerts when needed and
when she wants to do it. In the words of TCQ, "record company people are shady..." Much love SNP. I look forward to seeing you on TV this week.
Kay,Uptown, DC.

[gigglygirl]

I just want to know why there's been no mention of Pep's OBVIOUS nose job that took place during filming. In the second or third episode I was laughing hysterically at the fact that she had one nose during the show then her new nose every time they did the camera interviews taped separately, and every time her nose changed scene to scene was bizarre! Was I the only one scratching my head at the fact it went unadressed?

[gigglygirl]

I just want to know why there's been no mention of Pep's OBVIOUS nose job that took place during filming. In the second or third episode I was laughing hysterically at the fact that she had one nose during the show then her new nose every time they did the camera interviews taped separately, and every time her nose changed scene to scene was bizarre! Was I the only one scratching my head at the fact it went unadressed?

[PhenWmn4u]

Salt, Spin, and Pepa

Since I started listening to you, I have alsways admired you. Salt n Pepa are a mainstay in my memory and the memories are good.

I was sorry to see y'all break up, however, it was good to see y'all together.

Salt

Keep serving the LORD. He's workin' it out for you

I will keep all of you in my prayers

[saltpepspin_fan]

VH1 what happen to the V spot box that came up when you wanted to watch a show??????...now i cant watch the salt n pepa outtakes and i cant even watch the show because the box dont come up anymore and IM NOT in the USA so PLEASE PLEASE put the v spot box back.....

I must say I love Every Episode of the snp show...pep please please calm down and be more understanding to salt and where she is now in her life i really love both of you and cant wait to see what comes of you in the end..

[BlackWomanOnFire]

First & Foremost I love the show. It's finally a show that I can watch and not feel repulsed by it nor do I see my black sisters making azz out of themselves like other shows that are aired on VH1.

Now as a outsider looking in I am not so agreeable with how you ladies treated Spin. Although you all are a dynamic duo, Spinderella completes the group and for you-all to look at her as just a fixture is not right. She help mold the group into more than just Salt N' Pepa. She is and was that extra seasoning that you just couldnt put your finger on when getting a sample taste. To exclude her is like a big slap in the face and shouldnt be like that with her.

Other than that, I have no other issue. Keep up the good work and I am glad to see you ladies back into action.

[Charli G]

This episode was great, people of our time need to know communication is key. I am thankful for this episode because I was able to see a dear friend in the prayer group. I know now she is OK. If anyone has info on how to contact Ms George.It would be much appreciated.