Salt-N-Pepa Explain Why Label Edited Tupac Shakur Out Of "Whatta Man" Video

BY Erika Marie 9.6K Views
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Salt-N-Pepa, Tupac Shakur, Whatta Man
Tupac's controversial reputation was cause for concern by the record label who axed the rapper from Salt-N-Pepa's "Whatta Man" video.

It's one of their most beloved classic hits with a memorable music video to match, but some fans are unaware of Tupac Shakur's connection to Sslat-N-Pepa's "Whatta Man." At the time, Pepa was dating Treach, who would later become her husband, and Salt became good friends with Tupac Shakur after the Naughty By Nature rapper introduced them. 

When coming up with concepts for the "Whatta Man" video, it was decided that Tupac should star as Salt's leading man in the 1994 clip. There was even a scene where Tupac and Salt were seen getting mighty close in the bedroom, however, you'll notice that throughout the video, Tupac's face can't be seen.

The ladies recently revealed that it was their record label who came down hard on the visual, wanting to make sure Tupac was erased from the video. “The record company all panicked and only kept shots where you can’t see him,” Pepa said. “There were some great Tupac shots. And Salt always kicks herself. You can’t fight the record company.” Salt added, “It was the whole reason. I hate that when I watch the video, it really bothers me.”

Because of Tupac's controversial reputation, the label wanted to distance their artists from the rapper. “Being around him, that guy had charisma. He was the most amazing person that walked in the room. When he walked into a room, it was truly all eyes on him,” said Salt. She would later star in Pac's racy video for his single "Temptations." Watch the video to "Whatta Man" below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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