Salt-N-Pepa Challenge Universal Music Group in Fiery Rock Hall Speech
At the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, hip-hop legends Salt-N-Pepa made history—not just as the first female rap act inducted, but by boldly calling out Universal Music Group (UMG) over an unresolved copyright dispute.
Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton used their acceptance speech to expose systemic exploitation in the music industry, delivering a powerful message about artist rights.
A Defiant Moment on a Historic Night
Known for timeless hits like “Push It,” “Shoop,” and “Whatta Man,” the duo shifted focus from celebration to advocacy.
“We broke barriers, opened doors, and still, the industry tries to push us aside,” Salt declared. Pepa added, “Universal, y’all know what you’re doing.”
While specifics weren’t shared onstage, insiders confirm the conflict involves royalty payments and ownership of their classic recordings—common struggles for hip-hop pioneers who signed restrictive contracts in the 1980s–90s.
The Masters Battle: A Recurring Industry Fight
Salt-N-Pepa’s dispute mirrors high-profile cases like Prince’s and Taylor Swift’s battles for control of their masters. Many legacy artists, particularly Black creators, were locked into unfavorable deals, leaving them with little financial benefit from their own work.
“We built this legacy, but the money doesn’t reflect that,” Salt told reporters backstage. “They profit off our art, and we’re supposed to stay quiet? Nah.”
Universal’s Silence & Industry Backlash
UMG has not publicly responded, but pressure is mounting. Fellow artists, including Missy Elliott, voiced support:
“Labels need to do better by the artists who made them rich.”
Experts speculate UMG may settle quietly to avoid further backlash amid growing scrutiny over legacy artist treatment.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Despite legal hurdles, Salt-N-Pepa teased upcoming projects—including a potential biopic—but emphasized their fight extends beyond themselves:
“This is about every artist who’s been cheated,” Pepa stated. “We’re not backing down.”
Their Rock Hall moment wasn’t just a milestone; it was a rallying cry for industry reform.
Final Takeaway
Salt-N-Pepa’s induction celebrated their contributions, but their defiance may leave a lasting legacy. By confronting UMG on a global stage, they’ve amplified a critical conversation about fairness in music.
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