Salt‑N‑Pepa, Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “Spinderella” Roper rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a trailblazing powerhouse in hip‑hop. With their catchy production, unapologetic lyrics, and unmistakable swagger, they reshaped the music landscape. As one of the first all‑female rap groups to break into the mainstream, they broke down industry barriers, paved the way for future women in hip‑hop, and proved that female artists could thrive at the top of a male‑dominated genre.
The group has collected numerous honors throughout their career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022. In a recent interview with Billboard, James said being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame felt like “the last big one” left for the group, noting that they were “very, very excited.”
She added that the recognition represents everything an artist hopes for in a career longevity and appreciation for their work. For her, seeing people celebrate Salt-N-Pepa’s impact on music feels especially meaningful at this stage in her life. While many fans say the honor is long overdue, she believes the timing is perfect.
James also revealed that the group is currently battling for control of their music. “We’re in a fight for our masters that rightfully belong to us,” she said. “After 40 years, our music was pulled from streaming platforms because the industry doesn’t want to play fair.” Drawing cheers from the crowd, she added that Salt-N-Pepa “has never been afraid of a fight.” 🎤
This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony also featured a tribute to Sly Stone, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 82. Stevie Wonder and Beck teamed up for a duet performance of “Dance to the Music,” while Maxwell performed vocals on “Everyday People.” Jessica Hudson took on “Higher,” with additional contributions from Questlove and Flea.
Hip-hop duo OutKast were also among the evening’s inductees. Before speaking, the pair Big Boi and André 3000 played three rounds of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would address the audience first. Big Boi won and opened his remarks by thanking his family and the communities of Savannah, Georgia and Atlanta, Georgia.
