Sandra Denton, professionally known as Pepa, entered this world on November 7, 1964, in the vibrant city of Kingston, Jamaica. Her early years were marked by a significant life change, as her family relocated to Queens, New York, when she was just a child.
As she navigated her teenage years, Sandra's academic pursuits took her to Queens Borough College, where she was enrolled in a nursing program. However, it was during this time that she stumbled upon an unexpected passion - rap music. In 1985, she crossed paths with fellow Queens resident Cheryl "Salt" James, and the two began crafting rhymes together.
Their shared creativity and talent soon blossomed into a full-fledged musical partnership, and in 1986, they co-founded the iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa. Sandra's debut, alongside Cheryl, took place on the album "Hot, Cool, & Vicious," released in the same year.
Fast forward to 1988, when the trio welcomed a new member to the fold - Spinderella, who joined as their dynamic disc jockey. Sandra, Cheryl, and "Dee Dee" then collaborated on their sophomore album, "A Salt with a Deadly Pepa." This marked a significant milestone in their career, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world.
On a more personal note, Sandra became a mother for the first time in 1990, welcoming a son named Tyran. Her experiences as a young mother inspired her to make a guest appearance on the popular television show "Ricki Lake" in 1992. During this appearance, she shared valuable insights and advice with teenage mothers, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility and prioritizing their well-being.
