Salt-N-Pepa Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Speech: Why They Said ‘The Industry Doesn’t Want to Play Fair’

At the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Salt-N-Pepa delivered more than just a nostalgic performance — they made a bold statement about artist rights. The hip-hop pioneers used their acceptance speech to call out the music industry for what they described as decades of unfair treatment over copyright ownership.

Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Deidra “Spinderella” Roper accepted the Musical Influence Award on November 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. During their speech, the group celebrated women in hip-hop while addressing their ongoing legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) for control of their masters.

Salt-N-Pepa Call Out Industry Over Masters in Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Speech

“We had cassette tapes, turntables, and dreams,” said Cheryl James during the ceremony. “And we are in a fight right now for our masters. After 40 years, as we celebrate this, kids can’t even stream our music. It’s been taken off every streaming platform because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair.”

Her words drew widespread applause and attention, highlighting a broader issue faced by artists across generations — ownership of their creative work. In May 2025, Salt-N-Pepa filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging violations of the Copyright Act of 1976. The law allows musicians to reclaim ownership of their recordings after 35 years, a right the group says UMG has refused to honor.

The case represents a major test for legacy artists seeking to regain control of their catalogs, echoing similar efforts by artists like Prince and Taylor Swift. The trio’s message at the Rock Hall reinforced the ongoing fight for fair representation and rights within the recording industry.

During the event, the group also reunited on stage with Spinderella, performing “Shoop,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Push It,” alongside guest appearances from En Vogue and Kid ‘n Play. The performance underscored their unity and legacy as the first female rap act inducted into the Rock Hall.

Hip-Hop Legacy Meets Legal Reality

The Salt-N-Pepa lawsuit marks a pivotal moment for veteran artists confronting outdated label agreements. Legal experts note that the group’s challenge to UMG could influence how record labels handle reversion rights under copyright law. If successful, their case might pave the way for other artists from the 1980s and 1990s to reclaim control of their music libraries.

DJ Spinderella, now the first woman DJ inducted into the Rock Hall, used her moment to uplift her peers. “I carry every female DJ who ever dared to dream,” she said. “Every woman who touched a turntable and said, ‘I can do that too.’ This is ours. Respect the DJ.”

As Salt-N-Pepa’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 2025 speech circulates, it resonates beyond nostalgia — serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for artistic ownership and equality in music.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Salt-N-Pepa say in their Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 2025 speech?

They called out the music industry for unfair treatment, highlighting that their songs are missing from streaming services due to ongoing disputes over master ownership.

Q2: Why did Salt-N-Pepa sue Universal Music Group?

The group sued UMG for refusing to return ownership of their master recordings, citing the Copyright Act of 1976 which allows artists to reclaim rights after 35 years.

Q3: What songs did Salt-N-Pepa perform during the Rock Hall ceremony?

They performed “Shoop,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Push It,” joined by En Vogue and Kid ‘n Play for a celebratory medley.

Q4: What makes Salt-N-Pepa’s induction historic?

They are the first female rap act to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a milestone for women in hip-hop.

Q5: What message did DJ Spinderella share during her speech?

She honored female DJs worldwide, encouraging recognition and respect for women in the DJ and production industry.