Originally calling themselves Super Nature, the trio of Salt, Pepa, and DJ Spinderella entered the hip-hop scene in 1985 with an answer record aimed at Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick. The following year's debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious, showcased the New York City girls' confident raps over beats by the producer Hurby Azor. As the '90s kicked into play, the Very Necessary project thrust the group further into the mainstream with a series of catchy crossover hits that embellished their suggestive lyrics with smart R&B hooks.