Hip-hop has always been about more than music; it’s about voice, power, and breaking boundaries. When an act like Salt-N-Pepa steps on stage, it’s not just nostalgia; it’s a reminder of how far women have come in rap and how far there’s still to go.
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony gave fans exactly that reminder. The legendary trio Salt-N-Pepa, and their groundbreaking DJ Spinderella, made history once again, proving that four decades later, their influence still moves culture and sound.
I’m writing about this because their induction isn’t just another music headline; it’s a turning point for women in hip-hop and for DJs everywhere who’ve been waiting for real recognition. From “Push It” to “Whatta Man,” their beats shaped an entire generation, and now their legacy is officially cemented in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Salt-N-Pepa & Spinderella induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The rap group Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper) were honored at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Spinderella made history as the first female DJ ever inducted into the Hall.
The trio lit up the stage with a medley of hits, including “Push It” and “Whatta Man," joined by En Vogue, who performed with them on the 1993 original. Missy Elliott, who herself made history as the first female rapper inducted in 2023, introduced the group with an emotional speech celebrating their impact on women in hip-hop.
Why this moment hits hard for hip-hop culture
Salt-N-Pepa’s rise wasn’t easy; they broke through an era when female voices were often ignored in rap. Their debut album helped them become the first all-female rap act to reach gold and platinum status, setting the stage for countless women after them.
Spinderella reflected on her journey in her acceptance speech, saying:
“When I started, it was a rare thing to see a woman behind turntables. … It was literally the boys' club, so I had to carve my own lane. I had to show up. … It was dedication; it was my craft, and I never missed a beat, in 40 years y’all… I carry every female DJ who ever dared to dream. Every woman who touched a turntable and said, ‘I can do that too.’ This is ours. Respect the DJ.”
Those words hit deep, especially for young women coming up in today’s hip-hop scene, where visibility and respect are still hard-won.
Salt also took the opportunity to speak about a serious issue, the group’s ongoing legal fight with Universal Music Group over their master recordings. She told the audience:
“We’re in a fight for our masters that rightfully belong to us… After 40 years, our streaming music has been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry doesn’t want to play fair. … Salt-N-Pepa has never been afraid of a fight.”
Her words underline a truth many artists know too well: creative freedom means little without control over your work. The group’s stance shows that even icons must still battle for fairness in the industry they helped build.
Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella’s induction isn’t just a win for them, it’s a win for every woman who’s ever dreamed of turning tables, spitting rhymes, or owning her art. This moment reminds us that hip-hop’s heart beats strongest when it stands for equality, creativity, and truth.
As the cheers fade, one thing is clear: the legacy of Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella will keep inspiring future generations. The music doesn’t stop, and neither does the movement.