Cheryl Renee James (born March 28, 1966), better known by her stage name Salt is an American rapper, songwriter and actress, best known for her work as a member of the Grammy–award winning female rap trio Salt N' Pepa. Born in Brooklyn, New York, James joined forces with Jamaican rapper Sandra Denton in late-1985; forming Salt N' Pepa. The group's (consisting of Sandra (Pepa) Denton and DJ Pamela LaToya Greene who was later replaced with Deidre (Spinderella) Roper) debut album, Hot, Cool and Vicious was released in December 1986.