Whatta legacy

Salt-N-Pepa – founders Cheryl James (“Salt”) and Sandra Denton (“Pepa”) – are credited as one of the first all-female rap groups in music history, and their hits in a career that celebrates 30 years this year include “Push It,” “Shoop,” “Let’s Talk About Sex” and “Whatta Man” with En Vogue.

Salt-N-Pepa are in North Idaho next week for a gig at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley. The lively and sassy Denton chatted via cellphone in advance of a recent show in Las Vegas:

Q: Welcome to Las Vegas. Where was your performance Sunday, and how did it go?

A: Thank you. I’m looking at all these hotels, wow, they’re all so amazing.

We were in Fort Lauderdale taking part in the AIDS Walk Foundation. It was very successful and with an amazing turnout. It’s an important cause, and we are happy to support great causes. But I have to say, Fort Lauderdale was so hot (laughs).

Q: How did your Super Bowl commercial featuring your big hit “Push It” come about?

A: Geico contacted our agent and asked us to do it. The commercial really took off, and it was amazing. Everyone was talking about it. We reinvented ourselves with young kids: “I know you, but I know you through my mom!” It wasn’t actually made for the Super Bowl; it was done already. But it was such a success that Geico continued to air it.

Q: Are you surprised at the longevity of “Push It”?

A: You know what? We joke that “Push It” is the song that won’t die (laughs). It has a life of its own! It’s so amazing, we have friends in India, in Europe, and they’ll call and say, “We were in a club last night, and they played ‘Push It.’ ”

It’s an amazing song, and I’m so glad we made it. We weren’t so gung ho about it at first. It was very poppy, and we were trying to keep it real. But we were told it’s different and that it’s going to be a hit. And sure enough, so I’m very happy we recorded it.

Q: Salt-N-Pepa celebrates 30 years this year. Did you think Salt-N-Pepa would last this long?

A: At the beginning, we weren’t so sure because of the rap stigma, that rap was just a phase. But we proved ourselves and hit platinum after platinum after platinum. Our music is timeless, and we’re here to stay.

Back in the day, I wanted to play the casino here – why can’t we? Now after all these years, we’re finally here with Celine Dion (laughs).

Q: What is your favorite song to perform – is it one of your hits like “Push It,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Shoop” or “Whatta Man” with En Vogue?

A: To be honest, Cheryl and I, we love “Shoop.” We love “Push It,” we do love it, and it’s the last song, so after a long show, we know that we’re taking it home. “Shoop” is a lot of fun, although “Push It” gets that big response.

People sing along to “Shoop” and dance to “Push It.” Both are fun, and each has its own vibe, but we love “Shoop.” Ellen (DeGeneres) loves “Shoop.” She’s always singing it, and we love her, too.

Q: You talk about the ideal man in “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.” Who’s your ideal man in 2015 and why?

A: (Laughs) How do I answer that? Well … I’m with someone, so, uh, his name is Gurps. I just call him G. That’s how I’ll answer that question (laughs).

Q: What would you tell a female rapper starting out in 2015?

A: Please go for it! We need more female rappers. It’s always been a male-dominated industry. Do you, be true to yourself, and go for it. We have a voice that should be heard.

Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, they’re great, and they’re doing their thing. There is always a place for female rappers. A lot of us, Missy Elliott, debuted at the same time. We have opinions and voices. So go for it!

Q: Who are some of your favorite current artists?

A: I like different sounds and artists. I’m Jamaican. I love The Weeknd’s new song. I love J. Cole, Drake. I have to be honest, I do love my rap, my hip-hop, I’m not going to lie. I love J. Cole and Drake. I’m a fan of J. Cole!