The Meaning Behind The Song: Whatta Man by Salt-N-Pepa (featuring En Vogue)
Whatta Man, a song by Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue, was released in 1993. This song became an instant hit, and its popularity continued to grow over time. The upbeat melody, catchy lyrics, and the collaboration of two legendary female acts made it an iconic tune. The song’s overall meaning revolves around how the perfect man should be, as stated in the lyrics, “He’s a lover and a fighter and a king…”
Let’s dive deep into the song and understand its meaning:
The Collaborative Efforts of Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue
Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, two iconic female acts of the 90s, collaborated to create a feminist-themed masterpiece, which became an instant hit. The collaboration was not only successful, but it also showed the world that women from different backgrounds could come together and join forces in creating a masterpiece. This empowered women who were struggling to find a place in society and provided them with a glimpse of hope.
The Meaning of the Song
Whatta Man carries a powerful message regarding the quintessential man every woman desires. Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue highlighted how a man should treat a woman and how he should behave in a relationship. The song’s lyrics tell us that a man should be more than just charming; he should be strong, supportive, and be willing to stand up for his partner.
According to Salt-N-Pepa, the song’s primary message was to remind women that it’s okay to set high standards for their partners and never settle for anything less. The song’s opening lyrics, “How do you want it? How does it feel? Comin’ up as a nigga in the cash game…” illustrated how women should have the freedom to choose their perfect man according to their preferences and persona.
Deconstructing the Lyrics of Whatta Man
Three key lines in Whatta Man summarize the song’s overall message, which includes the following:
“He’s a God-sent original, the man of my dreams.” The lyric suggests that a father sent down the perfect man for his women. He is one of a kind and meets his partner’s needs and desires.
“A body like Arnold with a denzel face.” The lyric describes the perfect man’s physique, which is muscular and strong, like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s body, and with a highly masculine and attractive face, like Denzel Washington’s.
“He’s the kind of guy that would satisfy me.” The lyric indicates that the man should be capable of satisfying all of his partner’s needs, including emotional, physical, and spiritual.
Whatta Man portrays how a man should treat his woman, including being supportive, loving, and loyal. The song’s lyrics tell us that the perfect man loves his woman despite her flaws and accepts her for who she is.
Impact on Society
Whatta Man had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly for women and feminism. Women across the world were fascinated with this song as it showcased women in a powerful way. The song’s feminist theme resonated with many women, leaving behind a message that women, too, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.
Moreover, this iconic song empowered women to establish their standards when it came to choosing a partner. A man’s looks, wealth, and power were no longer the only basis for entering into a relationship. Instead, women sought partners based on emotional and spiritual compatibility as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whatta Man is not just a song; it’s a piece of history. Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue’s collaboration created an empowering anthem that celebrated men who treat their women with respect and dignity. Whatta Man was not only successful in the 90s but continues to remain relevant. The song’s impact has been profound, from providing women with hope and empowerment to creating a shift in societal norms. It has paved the way for future feminist anthems and isn’t shy of inspiring powerful and positive movements.
