Salt is a 60 year old MC from Brooklyn, New York who became amongst the First Ladies of Rap Salt-N-Pepa alongside Pepa & DJ Spinderella back in the mid-80s. Outside of them dropping 5 full-lengths together in a little over a decade with last one being in 1997, they’ve also been embroiled in a copyright dispute with Universal Music Group since 2022 & were recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last fall. However, neither of them until this point have gone solo & Salt’s taking it upon herself to be the first to do so.
After the “Long Game” intro, the opening track “Chosen” gets things poppin’ instrumentally bringing a Bay Area vibe to the table talking about her greatness whereas “Real One” embraces a funkier vibe flexing that she’s still nice with it after all this time away recording. “Diamonds in the Light” flips one of my favorite Jadakiss tracks “Still Feel Me” to discuss maintaining your inner peace leading into “No Crumbs” chops up a soul sample so she can talk about having unfinished business
“Kings & Queens” after a Chuck D interlude wraps up the 1st half with a 2nd single honoring hip hop culture’s historic origins in the east coast while “4 the Love” featuring Dee-1 soulfully kicks off the 2nd leg showing some love to the Nas joint “1 Mic”. We have Salt experimenting with R&B & trap on “Overcomers” asking where the ladies at for a summertime bop despite it being fall now & after the “Insecure” interlude, “Ride or Die” blends pop rap & trap for a decent romance anthem.
The spacious boom bap “My Team” reps her squad interpolating “My Chick Bad” by Ludacris & Nicki Minaj during the hook while “Poison Water” brings an aquatic trap flare to the table asking why this deadly form of rain’s been pouring down upon her. “Like Christ” feels less of an “interlude” & more of an undeveloped plea to become similar to Jesus just before the funky “All My Life” outro sends off Salty n Lit looking back at her career.
Similarly to Mike D of the Beastie Boys’ own solo debut Thank You last month, Salt gives the world a personal statement based on her life experience & who she has become for anyone who appreciates what Salt-N-Pepa have down for the culture without the need of a major label. There’s a heavy gospel influence to the production which can be inconsistent at points & more notably the guests, but it’d be interesting to hear if she makes anything going forward with bigger names joining her on the mic & behind the boards.
Score: 6/10