LOS ANGELES, CA—Hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa were formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on November 8, 2025, receiving the Musical Influence Award for their trailblazing, four-decade career. The trio, comprising Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella, were inducted by fellow icon Missy Elliott, who passionately credited them as the “foundation that holds hip-hop together” for female artists.
The highlight of the evening was a fiery performance medley that celebrated the group’s crossover appeal and bold lyricism.
💥 A Medley of Hits and Iconic Collaborations
Salt-N-Pepa—donning their iconic tri-color leather jackets reminiscent of the Hot, Cool & Vicious era—brought the audience to its feet with a high-energy set that spanned their biggest hits:
- The medley began with the assertive “My Mic Sounds Nice.”
- It transitioned smoothly into the playful party anthem “Shoop.”
- The group then performed the controversial and groundbreaking track “Let’s Talk About Sex,” which originally peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991.
- The R&B group En Vogue then joined the stage for their multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated 1993 collaboration, “Whatta Man.” In a moment that injected contemporary humor, Pepa updated her classic verse to reference “a body like Barack with a Denzel face,” drawing laughs and a standing ovation.
- For the grand finale, original producer and songwriter Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor joined the trio, amplifying the energy as the whole group closed with their platinum-selling 1987 smash, “Push It.” The track, which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, had fellow 2025 inductee Cyndi Lauper enthusiastically dancing along in the audience.
👑 DJ Spinderella Makes History
Beyond the electrifying performance, the induction marked a significant historical achievement. DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper) became the first female DJ ever to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In her acceptance speech, Spinderella acknowledged the cultural weight of the moment, noting that when she started, the DJ booth was a “boys club.” She dedicated the honor to “every female DJ who ever dared to dream,” cementing her place alongside male hip-hop pioneers like DJ Kool Herc (inducted 2003) and Grandmaster Flash (inducted 2007).
Salt and Pepa used their moment at the podium to advocate for women in music and address ongoing industry struggles. Cheryl “Salt” James specifically referenced the group’s high-profile, public battle to regain control of their master recordings from Universal Music Group, stating that the industry “still doesn’t want to play fair” and emphasizing that “Salt-N-Pepa have never been afraid of a fight.” This powerful statement underscored their legacy as not just entertainers, but as unapologetic cultural and industry advocates.
@rockhall 2025 Inductees @Salt-N-Pepa Official joined forces with Hurby Luv Bug Azor and @En Vogue for an amazing medley of their greatest hits, including “Push It.” 📺 Tune in NOW on @Disney+ to watch the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. #RockHall2025