Pepa (rapper) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pepa
Pepa performing with Salt-N-Pepa at the Canberra Theatre, Australia, 2013
Born	Sandra Jacqueline Denton (1964-11-09) 9 November 1964 (age 60) or (1969-11-09) 9 November 1969 (age 55) (sources differ) Kingston, Jamaica
Other names	Pepa Sandy Denton Pep Sandi
Occupation	Rapper singer actress
Years active	1985–present
Spouse(s)	Treach ​ ​ (m. 1999; div. 2001)​
Children	2
Musical career
Origin	Queens, New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop dance pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Next Plateau London PolyGram Red Ant
Associated acts	Salt-N-Pepa Roxanne Shante MC Lyte Run-DMC Fat Boys Kid N Play LL Cool J

Sandra Jacqueline Denton (born 9 November 1964 or 1969), known as Pepa or Pep, is a Jamaican-American rapper and actress. She is most famous for being a member of the successful female rap group Salt-N-Pepa. Pepa has also appeared in several TV shows. These include The Salt-N-Pepa Show and Growing Up Hip Hop.

Early Life and Education

Sandra Jacqueline Denton was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She was the youngest of eight children. For her first six years, Sandra lived on a farm with her grandmother. Her family moved to Queens, New York, when she was three. Sandra joined them later. She loved performing from a young age.

In 1979, Sandra moved to Logan, Utah, to live with her older sister Patsy. This happened after her family's home in Queens had a fire. While in Utah, she attended Logan High School. She was inspired by rock music during this time. She enjoyed bands like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. After a year, Sandra returned to New York. She later graduated from Springfield Gardens High School.

After high school, Sandra studied nursing at Queensborough Community College. It was there that she met Cheryl James, who was also studying nursing. This meeting was very important for her future music career.

Music Career Highlights

Pepa's music journey began when she and Cheryl James met Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. They were all working at a store called Sears. In late 1985, James and Denton released a song called "The Showstopper." It became a popular R&B hit.

The group then added Latoya Hanson as their first DJ. Soon after, in 1986, Deidra "Spinderella" Roper joined as the group's DJ. They released their first full album, Hot, Cool & Vicious.

Salt-N-Pepa released five studio albums in total:

• Hot, Cool, and Vicious (1986)
• A Salt with a Deadly Pepa (1988)
• Blacks' Magic (1990)
• Very Necessary (1993)
• Brand New (1997)

The group decided to take a break in 2002. However, they reunited for a special performance in 2005 on VH1's Hip Hop Honors. Salt-N-Pepa officially reformed in 2008. They continue to perform together.

Acting and TV Appearances

Besides music, Pepa has also acted in movies and TV shows. She appeared in the movie Joe's Apartment. She was also in the HBO movie First Time Felon. Pepa played Officer Andrea Phelan in the HBO drama Oz.

She has been a part of several reality TV shows. These include The Surreal Life and The Surreal Life: Fame Games. Pepa and Cheryl James also starred in The Salt-N-Pepa Show on VH1. Pepa later had her own reality show called Let's Talk About Pep.

In 2008, Pepa released her autobiography, also titled Let's Talk About Pep. The book shares stories about her life and career. It includes an introduction by Queen Latifah.

Pepa also appeared in an episode of the TBS sitcom Are We There Yet? in 2011. Since 2016, she has been a supporting cast member on the reality show Growing Up Hip Hop. Her daughter, Egypt, is also on the show.

Personal Life

Pepa has two children. Her son, Tyran Denton Jr., was born in 1990. Her daughter, Egypt Jahnari Criss, was born in 1998.

In 1999, Pepa married Treach from the rap group Naughty by Nature. They later divorced in 2001.

Pepa also owned a clothing store called HollyHood. It was located in Atlanta, Georgia. She has always been involved in different projects.

Discography

Studio albums

• Hot, Cool & Vicious (1986)
• A Salt with a Deadly Pepa (1988)
• Blacks' Magic (1990)
• Very Necessary (1993)
• Brand New (1997)

Filmography