Salt-N-Pepa
ListenThe Show Stoppa · 1985
Super Nature — “The Show Stoppa (Is Stupid Fresh),” vocal version, 1985.
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1985 · Pop Art Records / Quazar Records
The Show Stoppa (Is Stupid Fresh)
Salt-N-Pepa began with a record that talked back. Recording as Super Nature in 1985, Cheryl James and Sandra Denton answered “The Show” with “The Show Stoppa”—a sharp entrance into a rap conversation that women were determined to join. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0030 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Super Nature, presented by Hurby, the Love Bug |
| Release | 1985 · United States |
| Label | Pop Art Records / Quazar Records · PA-1413 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | US promotional copy |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | M · sealed |
Release history and significance
Their working relationship began at Sears, where they and aspiring producer Hurby Azor were colleagues. Salt recalled that Hurby asked them to record vocals for a track he had made. Marley Marl played it on his radio show, and Pop Art Records then asked to release it on vinyl. The women left their jobs and school and began performing in clubs. [1]
Salt described the answer record as a way for women to get heard, pointing to Roxanne Shanté as an earlier example. “The Show Stoppa” was a reply to “The Show,” rather than its companion recording “La Di Da Di.” It established their voices before the Salt-N-Pepa name and the later success of “Push It.” [1]
Recorded at Power Play Studios, the single credits James and Denton as writers, Hurby as producer and arranger, and Hurby and Marley Marl as mixers. Quick Silver supplies human beatbox and scratches, while the Heartbreak Kid Cool Out delivers the introduction. This promotional edition includes the vocal, instrumental and extended Def-Mix. [2]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the promotional edition from US$5.63 to US$26.85, with a median of US$17.50, as recorded on 13 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
Twelve-inch promotional vinyl single, containing the vocal and instrumental on side A and the Def-Mix on side B. The release is credited to Hurby presenting Super Nature. [2]
Condition
Recorded as Mint and sealed at acquisition.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller RhythmRugRekuds on 22 July 2025.
Sources
- Davey D interviews Salt-N-Pepa. Salt recalls Sears, Hurby’s recording, Marley Marl’s radio support and the first Pop Art release.
- Discogs, Super Nature — The Show Stoppa, release 5774169. 1985 US promotional pressing, PA-1413, credits and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.