Salt-N-Pepa Battle for Master Rights at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On November 8, the esteemed hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the prestigious Musical Influence Award. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton accepted the honor alongside DJ Spinderella, marking her historic induction as the first female DJ in the Hall of Fame.

Salt-N-Pepa’s Influence and Ongoing Fight

During the ceremony, Salt emphasized the importance of their legacy, stating, “This is for every woman who picked up a mic when they told her she couldn’t.” In her speech, she highlighted their ongoing battle for the rights to their master recordings. The duo’s music has been removed from streaming platforms, signaling an ongoing industry fight for fair treatment and recognition.

“We have to keep using our influence until the industry honors creativity the way the audience does — with love, respect, and fairness,” James added, stressing the need for equitable access to their music.

A Star-Studded Presentation

Missy Elliott, also recognized for her contributions to hip-hop, presented the award to Salt-N-Pepa. Elliott noted their key role in paving the way for future female artists. “These three women are the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together,” she declared, highlighting their significant contributions to the genre.

Performance Highlights

• Opening Medley: Salt-N-Pepa performed a medley starting with “My Mic Sounds Nice” and followed by “Shoop” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.”
• Collaboration with En Vogue: DJ Spinderella showcased her skills before En Vogue joined them for “Whatta Man.”
• Grand Finale: The trio, alongside producer Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor, electrified the audience performing “Push It.”

Notably, Pepa added a modern twist to her verse by replacing “Arnold” with “Barack” in her rap, integrating contemporary references and ensuring the performance resonated with today’s audience.

Legacy of Salt-N-Pepa

As one of the most influential hip-hop acts from the late 1980s to early 1990s, Salt-N-Pepa made history as the first female rap group to achieve gold and platinum certifications. Their debut album, *Hot, Cool & Vicious*, was a landmark success, driven by the single “Push It.” The group later achieved top hits with “Shoop” and “Whatta Man,” both part of their acclaimed 1993 album *Very Necessary*.

Salt-N-Pepa’s accolades also include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022. Reflecting on their journey, James remarked that their Rock Hall induction felt like the culmination of their hard work over four decades. “It’s right on time,” she stated, echoing sentiments that their recognition was overdue yet timely.