Expression (song)

"Expression" is the lead single released from Salt-n-Pepa's third album, Blacks' Magic. The song was both written and produced by member Cheryl "Salt" James.

"Expression"
Single by Salt-n-Pepa
from the album Blacks' Magic
B-side	"Clubhouse"
Released	November 13, 1989
Recorded	1989
Genre	Hip hop
Length	4:04
Label	Next Plateau
Songwriter(s)	Cheryl "Salt" James
Producer(s)	Cheryl "Salt" James
Salt-n-Pepa singles chronology
"Twist and Shout" (1988) "Expression" (1989) "Independent" (1990)

The song became the group's second single to reach the top 40 in the United States, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 while also topping the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart, becoming their first song to do so. The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on February 28, 1990, before reaching platinum status less than three months later, on May 25. In 1992 a re-release charted within the top 30 in Ireland and the United Kingdom and peaked at number 13 in France.

The music video is notable for marking the directorial debut of director Millicent Shelton.[1]

Single track listing

A-side

1. "Expression" – 4:04
2. "Expression" (No Shorts mix) – 5:17
3. "Expression" (Acappella) – 1:16

B-side

1. "Expression" (Instrumental) – 4:04
2. "Expression" (Bonus Beats) – 1:30
3. "Clubhouse" (Vocal) – 5:29
4. "Clubhouse" (Instrumental) – 5:29

Charts

Chart (1990)	Peak position
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[2]	76
UK Singles (OCC)[3]	40
US Billboard Hot 100[4]	26
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[5]	32
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6]	8
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[7]	1
US Hot Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[8]	6

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[9]	Platinum	1,000,000^^
^^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

1992 re-release

"Expression (Hard Ecu Edit)"
Single by Salt-n-Pepa
from the album Rapped in Remixes: The Greatest Hits Remixed
B-side	"Remix"
Released	1992
Genre	Hip hop, dance music
Length	3:59
Label	Next Plateau
Songwriter(s)	Cheryl "Salt" James
Salt-n-Pepa singles chronology
"You Showed Me" (1992) "Expression (Hard Ecu Edit)" (1992) "Start Me Up" (1992)

"Expression" was re-released in 1992 as the first (and only) single from Salt-n-Pepa's remix album, Rapped in Remixes: The Greatest Hits Remixed. The song peaked at number 23 in Ireland and the United Kingdom and number 13 in France.

Track listing

CD maxi-single

1. Expression (Hard Ecu Edit) - 3:59
2. Expression (Hard Ecu Full Length) - 6:18
3. Expression (House Mix) - 6:18
4. Expression (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) - 5:46

Charts

Chart (1992)	Peak position
France (SNEP)[10]	13
Ireland (IRMA)[11]	23
UK Singles (OCC)[12]	23

References

1. "Millicent Shelton – Bio". millicentshelton.com. Millicent Shelton. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
2. "Dutchcharts.nl – Salt 'N' Pepa – Expression" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
3. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
4. "Salt N Pepa Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
5. "Salt N Pepa Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
6. "Salt N Pepa Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
7. "Salt N Pepa Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
8. "Salt-N-Pepa Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
9. "American single certifications – Salt 'N Pepa – Expressions". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 22, 2019. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
10. "Lescharts.com – Salt 'N' Pepa – Expression" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
11. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Expression". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
12. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 22, 2019.