Salt-N-Pepa is a hip-hop group from New York City. It was formed in 1985 by Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa) and later joined by DJ Spinderella.

They were among the first all-female rap groups to find big success, breaking into a male-dominated scene with hits like Push It and Shoop. Their music often shared messages of independence and confidence. However, Salt-N-Pepa has won Grammy Awards and sold millions of records worldwide, making it one of the most important groups in hip-hop history.

About the Song

Whatta Man by Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue celebrates respectful, loving men who stand out for their loyalty and kindness. The song blends rap and soulful vocals to honor men who treat their partners well.

With catchy hooks and smooth verses, it praises qualities like trust, care, and emotional connection, making it a powerful anthem about appreciating good men.

Read Full Lyrics of Whatta Man

Intro: En Vogue

Yeah, yeah, hey, ooh, yeah
Uh, hey, hey, hey
Alright (Ooh, yeah)

Chorus: En Vogue

What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (You got to say it again now)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Yeah, he’s a mighty, mighty good man)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Yes, he is)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Oh, uh, yeah)

Verse 1: Salt

I wanna take a minute or two, and give much respect due
To the man that’s made a difference in my world
And although most men are hoes, he flows on the down low
‘Cause I never heard about him with another girl
But I don’t sweat it because it’s just pathetic to let it
Get me involved in that he said, she said crowd
I know that ain’t nobody perfect
I give props to those who deserve it, and believe me y’all, he’s worth it
So here’s to the future ’cause we got through the past
I finally found somebody that can make me laugh
Hahaha, you so crazy
I think I wanna have your baby (Ow)

Chorus: En Vogue

What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Alright, yes, he is)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Oh, he’s a mighty, mighty good man)
What a man, what a man, what a man (Ooh-ooh)
What a mighty good man (Uh, you gotta say it again now)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Yeah, hey)

Verse 2: Pepa

My man is smooth like Barry and his voice got bass
A body like Arnold with a Denzel face
He’s smart like a doctor with a real good rep
And when he comes home, he’s relaxed with Pep
He always got a gift for me every time I see him
A lot of snot-nosed ex-flames couldn’t be him
He never ran a corny line once to me yet
So I give him stuff that he’ll never forget
He keeps me on cloud nine just like the Temps
He’s not a fake wannabe tryin’ to be a pimp
He dresses like a dapper don, but even in jeans
He’s a God-sent original, the man of my dreams

Verse 3: Spinderella

Yes, my man says he loves me, never says he loves me not
Mine’ll rush me good and touch me in the right spot
See other guys that I’ve had, they tried to play all that mack ****
But every time they tried I said, “That’s not it”
But not this man, he’s got the right potion
Baby, rub it down and make it smooth like lotion
Yeah, the ritual, highway to heaven
From seven to seven he’s got me open like 7-Eleven
And yes, it’s me that he’s always choosin’
With him I’m never losin’, and he knows that my name is not Susan
He always has heavy conversation for the mind
Which means a lot to me ’cause good men are hard to find

Chorus: En Vogue

What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Uh, yeah, he’s a mighty, mighty good man)
What a man, what a man, what a man (Ooh, alright)
What a mighty good man (Say it again now)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Uh, ooh-ooh)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Oh, I said what a mighty good man)

Interlude: En Vogue

You know what I’m sayin’? He’s a mighty, mighty good man, y’all
Y’all don’t hear me, now check him out

Verse 4: Salt

My man gives real loving, that’s why I call him killer
He’s not a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am, he’s a thriller
He takes his time and does everything right
Knocks me out with one shot for the rest of the night
He’s a real smooth brother, never in a rush
And he gives me goose pimples with every single touch
Spends quality time with his kids when he can
Secure in his manhood ’cause he’s a real man
A lover and a fighter and he’ll knock a knucker out
Don’t take him for a sucker, ’cause that’s not what he’s about
Every time I need him, he always got my back
Never disrespectful ’cause his mama taught him that (I’ve got a good man)

Chorus: En Vogue

What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (Uh, a mighty, mighty good man)
What a man, what a man, what a man (Yeah, talk to ’em)
What a mighty good man (Yes, he is, oh)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (What a mighty good man)
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man (He’s a mighty, mighty good man, y’all)

Post-Chorus: En Vogue

Uh, what a mighty, mighty good man, y’all
Yeah, what a mighty good man
Yeah, hoo
Now break it down
A-break it down a-one time

Outro: En Vogue

Good God
Good God
What a man, what a man (Good God)
Good God
What a man, what a man (Good God)
Good God
What a man, what a man (Good God)
Good God
What a man, what a man (Good God)

Similar Songs Like Whatta Man

Here are similar songs by Salt-N-Pepa that share the catchy, empowering style of Whatta Man:

• Shoop: A playful, confident track with similar themes of attraction and appreciation, featuring Salt-N-Pepa’s signature rap style and catchy hooks.
• Let’s Talk About Sex: Features the group’s bold, straightforward approach to important topics with a danceable beat and memorable chorus.
• Push It: Their breakthrough hit with an upbeat rhythm and energetic delivery that shows their pioneering style in hip-hop.
• Do You Want Me: Shows relationship changes with the same blend of assertiveness and playfulness found in Whatta Man, featuring upbeat production.

Awards for The Song

Similar Artists Like Salt-N-Pepa

If you enjoy Salt-N-Pepa’s empowering blend of hip hop and R&B, these groups offer a similar mix of strong vocals, catchy beats, and bold style:

• Jade
  Genre: R&B, Hip Hop
  Top albums: Jade to the Max, Mind, Body & Song
• Xscape
  Genre: R&B, Soul
  Top albums: Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha, Off the Hook
• Total
  Genre: R&B, Hip Hop Soul
  Top albums: Total, Kima, Keisha, and Pam
• BlackGirl
  Genre: R&B, Soul
  Top albums: Treat U Right
• En Vogue
  Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
  Top albums: Funky Divas, EV3

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Tupac in the Whatta Man Video?

Tupac Shakur filmed a cameo for the “Whatta Man” music video, but most of his scenes were cut due to legal issues at the time. 

What Song does Whatta Man Sample?

Whatta Man by Salt-N-Pepa samples the 1968 soul song What a Man originally recorded by Linda Lyndell and written by Dave Crawford.

How did Whatta Man Perform on the Charts?

It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a major commercial success.