The 5 Most Shocking Secrets Hidden In Salt-N-Pepa's "Shoop" Lyrics, Revealed In 2025

Salt-N-Pepa’s 1993 smash hit "Shoop" remains one of the most iconic and sexually liberating anthems in music history, but its influence is far from over. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the song is back in the spotlight due to recent revelations from the group themselves and an ongoing legal battle that threatens the control of their classic masters, including the beloved single.

Originally released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Very Necessary, "Shoop" was a game-changer, unapologetically reversing the male gaze in hip hop and rocketing to number four on the Billboard Hot 100. This article dives into the full, uncensored lyrics, explores the song's groundbreaking meaning, and uncovers the latest drama surrounding the legendary hip-hop queens.

The Queens of Hip Hop: Salt-N-Pepa Complete Biography Profile

Salt-N-Pepa is one of the first and most successful all-female rap groups, paving the way for countless artists. The group was officially formed in 1985 in Queens, New York, and originally consisted of a duo before adding a DJ.

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Cheryl "Salt" James

• Real Name: Cheryl Renee James
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1966
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Role: Rapper (Salt)
• Career Highlight: Known for her sharp, confident lyrical delivery and co-producing many of the group’s tracks. She met Pepa while both were students at Queensborough Community College.

Sandra "Pepa" Denton

• Real Name: Sandra Jacqueline Denton
• Date of Birth: November 6, 1966
• Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
• Role: Rapper (Pepa)
• Career Highlight: Known for her energetic stage presence, distinct voice, and charismatic personality. She has also had a career in reality television and acting.

Deidra "DJ Spinderella" Roper

• Real Name: Deidra Muriel Roper
• Date of Birth: August 3, 1971
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Role: DJ (Spinderella)
• Career Highlight: The third and longest-running DJ for the group, replacing the original DJ, Latoya Hanson. Spinderella was inducted into the DJ Hall of Fame in 2020.

The Uncensored Power: Full Salt-N-Pepa "Shoop" Lyrics

The core of "Shoop's" enduring legacy lies in its bold, playful, and explicit lyrics. The song is a celebration of female sexual desire, with Salt and Pepa trading verses about the kind of man they find attractive—a refreshing change from the male-dominated rap narratives of the time. The lyrics are famous for the opening ad-libs and the repeated, catchy refrain.

(Intro - Pepa)
Hey, yeah, I wanna shoop, baby!
Ooo, how you doin', baby? No, not you
You, the bow-legged one, (ha-ha) yeah
What's your name? Damn, that sounds sexy
(Shoop) Here I go, here I go, here I go again (again?)
Girls, what's my weakness? (Men!)
Okay, then, me and the fellas (yeah!)
Are gettin' on, to the early morn
The party is on, like Donkey Kong

(Verse 1 - Salt)
I wanna shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, baby
Ooh, I wanna shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, baby
You've got a real nice frame, I like the way you talk
If you weren't so fine, I'd ask you how you walk
But don't walk, just stand right there, 'cause I ain't finished yet
I like your smile, your grill, your mouth, your teeth, your lips, your breath
I like your eyes, your nose, your chin, the way you look at me
All of the above, makes me wanna set you free
(Shoop) C'mon, let me ride in your Benz, or your Land Cruiser
(Shoop) You win the contest, and I'm the chooser

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(Chorus - Salt-N-Pepa)
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby

(Verse 2 - Pepa)
I love your big... brown eyes, your pretty smile
I love your big... thighs, and your style
I love your big... chest, and the way you dress
I love your big... lips, when they are pressed
Against mine, they taste like wine
I love your big... heart, and the way you start
To make me feel good, when I'm feeling bad
The best man I've ever had, you're glad
(Shoop) Can I get some fries with that shake, shake, shake?
(Shoop) Can I get some fries with that shake, shake, shake?

(Chorus - Salt-N-Pepa)
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, (Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby

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(Verse 3 - Salt)
Yo, I'm havin' a good time, I'm havin' a ball
I'm glad you came, I'm glad you called
I'm glad we met, I'm glad we talked
I'm glad we're friends, I'm glad we walk
Together, forever, we'll always be
The best of friends, you and me
(Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby, I wanna shoop, baby
(Shoop) I wanna shoop, baby, I wanna shoop, baby

(Outro)
Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, baby
I wanna shoop, baby, I wanna shoop, baby

The 5 Most Shocking Secrets and Recent Updates Behind "Shoop"

The song's legacy is constantly being refreshed with new details from the artists themselves and high-profile legal battles. Here are the most recent and surprising facts about the 1993 classic.

1. The "Bow-Legged One" Was an Actual Person

In a Vevo Footnotes installment, the group recently revisited the iconic music video and revealed that the opening lines weren't just a funny ad-lib—they were inspired by a real person. Pepa’s famous line, "No, not you, you, the bow-legged one, yeah," was a direct reference to a man they saw. Pepa mentioned that the man in question was actually cast in the video, bringing the flirtatious lyric full circle.

2. The "Big..." Verse Was Intentionally Ambiguous and Sensual

Pepa's second verse is famous for its repeated use of the word "big" followed by a pause, then a non-sexual word: "I love your big... brown eyes," "I love your big... thighs," and "I love your big... chest." This intentional lyrical structure was designed to be suggestive, making listeners immediately think of a different, more explicit word before the line is completed.

3. "Shoop" Was a Major Comeback After Motherhood

The success of "Shoop" was particularly meaningful because it was the first single released after both Salt and Pepa had become mothers. They felt pressure about their appearance and body image, but the song's confident, sexually-forward message was a powerful statement that they were still in control of their image and careers, regardless of societal expectations about women in hip hop who become mothers.

4. The Legal Battle Over "Shoop's" Masters is Ongoing

In a major development that keeps "Shoop" in the news, Salt-N-Pepa have been involved in a high-profile legal dispute with Universal Music Group (UMG). The group is seeking to regain control of their master recordings, including the master tapes for "Shoop" and other hits like "Push It" and "Whatta Man." This battle highlights the ongoing struggle for artists to own their creative output decades after their initial success.

5. The Song's Beat Samples a 1970s Funk Classic

The infectious, driving rhythm of "Shoop" is built on samples that give it its irresistible New Jack Swing feel. The primary sample is from "I'm Blue" by The Sweet Inspirations, a 1970s funk and soul track. This blend of classic R&B and contemporary hip hop production is what gave *Very Necessary* its distinctive sound and helped "Shoop" cross over to massive mainstream success.

The Lasting Legacy of Salt-N-Pepa's Confidence

Beyond the catchy chorus and explicit lyrics, "Shoop" is a landmark in female empowerment and hip-hop history. It was one of the first major hits where women in rap openly and confidently expressed their sexual desires and objectified men, flipping the script that had dominated the genre for years.

The song's success, alongside the equally massive follow-up "Whatta Man" (featuring En Vogue), solidified Salt-N-Pepa's position as pioneers. Their ability to discuss sex, romance, and independence with humor and boldness, as they did in "Shoop," has had a profound, lasting impact, ensuring their music remains fresh and relevant even today.