Treach, member of the iconic hip hop group Naughty By Nature, recently spoke with Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97. During the interview Treach explained why Tupac’s face was covered for the Salt-N-Pepa “Whatta Man” music video.
Tupac and Treach built a genuine friendship, going back to their early days on tours and carrying bags for headliners such as Digital Underground. Ultimately the two artists became successful on their own and would even appear together on the hit movie Juice.
Speaking on Hot 97’s “Ebro In The Morning,” Treach shared some Tupac stories, one which included another iconic hip hop group, Salt-N-Pepa. “It was crazy because, if you look closely to the video, of course I was with Pepa. Tupac was with Salt,” Treach explained. “The original one they had, they kind of cut his face, cause at the same time he was going through that bogus case, sexual assault charge. He had a side view. All the fans knew it was him. He’s full face wasn’t seen as it was on the original.”
During the shooting of the music video, Tupac was fighting a sexual assault case, as pointed out by Treach. Although Tupac had yet been convicted, Salt-N-Pepa’s record label panicked and scratched original plans. “Shame cause, the game we in, you’re not innocent until proven guilty. It’s the opposite,” Treach said on Hot 97.
Back in 2020, Salt-N-Pepa, spoke with Rock The Bells, about the “Whatta Man” music video and working with Tupac. “His reputation was the whole reason,” Salt explained as to why Tupac’s face was not shown. I hate that when I watch the video, it really bothers me.”
“The record company all panicked and only kept shots where you can’t see him,” added Pepa. “There were some great Tupac shots. And Salt always kicks herself. You can’t fight the record company.”
But, on a positive note, Tupac’s cameo still left a good impression. “Being around him, that guy had charisma. He was the most amazing person that walked in the room. When he walked into a room, it was truly all eyes on him,” said Salt. The group would then return the favor for Tupac, as they appeared on his “Temptations” music video which was released as Tupac served time behind bars.
