In a groundbreaking moment for music history, Salt-N-Pepa were officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 8, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. The ceremony was historic not only for the legendary trio but also for DJ Deidra Muriel Roper, better known as Spinderella, who became the first female DJ ever to receive this prestigious honor.

The induction featured a heartfelt tribute from Missy Elliott, celebrating Salt-N-Pepa’s transformative impact on hip-hop and music culture. The trio followed with an electrifying performance of their classic hits, including the 1987 chart-topper “Push It” and the 1993 anthem “Whatta Man,” joined by En Vogue for the iconic collaboration, leaving the audience in awe.

During her acceptance speech, Spinderella reflected on breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated industry: “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… Every woman who touched a turntable and said, ‘I can do that too.’ This is ours. Respect the DJ.” Her words celebrated decades of dedication, inspiring female DJs everywhere and cementing her legacy alongside trailblazers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash.

Salt-N-Pepa also addressed ongoing challenges with the music industry. Cheryl “Salt” James spoke out about the May lawsuit against Universal Music Group, aiming to reclaim control of their masters, alleging the company removed their music from streaming platforms in retaliation. James emphasized, “Salt-N-Pepa has never been afraid of a fight,” highlighting the group’s unwavering commitment to protecting their artistic legacy while breaking new ground for women in music.