Hip hop icons Salt-N-Pepa are reflecting on four decades of trailblazing success as they prepare for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. In an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton opened up about their journey, their legacy, and their current legal fight with Universal Music Group.
The group filed a lawsuit against UMG, alleging the label refuses to honor their termination rights, which would return control of their music copyrights after 35 years.
“We have done all the things legally to get our copyrights back, but they’re just refusing. So, we had to sue them,” said James. Denton added, “It just keeps us from re-releasing our music, promoting it, our own music anywhere else.”
Despite the legal battle, the duo is focused on celebrating their impact. Salt-N-Pepa were the first all-female rap group to go platinum, win a GRAMMY, and now, earn the Musical Influence Award from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“It’s an amazing feeling because it’s directed to music,” said Denton. “It’s about your journey, your legacy, what you have done.”
Asked how they want to be remembered, Denton shared, “Those girls fight. They real. They fight for their rights, for our rights, for women rights.” James added, “I want to inspire and encourage women to be themselves… just be strong.”