Whatta Man

"Whatta Man" is based on a 1968 song called "What A Man" by the soul singer Linda Lyndell. The chord progressions, groove and "What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man" parts are all in Lyndell's original, which was a minor R&B hit. In Lydell's song, she sings about a man who thrills her - not only does he treat her right, he also knows the latest dance moves, including the Funky Broadway and the Tighten Up. Salt-N-Pepa's man is also a good one: smooth, generous and understanding.

In this song, Salt-N-Pepa celebrate the good men who are out there, and run down everything they like about him. Some key traits: Secure in his manhood Never disrespectful to women Big bass voice Spends time with his kids The group had spent some time bashing men in previous songs, setting them straight on tracks like "Do You Want Me" and "Chick On The Side." This song takes a different perspective, making it clear they have nothing against men - especially good men.

This is one of those songs that expresses a distinctly female viewpoint but was written by a man: It was composed by their producer, Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. The song on which it is based, "What A Man," was also written by a guy: Dave Crawford, who was a producer at Atlantic Records. Crawford, who died in 1988, is listed as a co-writer with Azor on "Whatta Man."