Hip hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, marking another defining achievement in their decades-long impact on music and culture.
Cheryl “Salt” James accepted the honor during the ceremony, presented by fellow rap icon MC Lyte. The moment blended humor and heart as Salt joked about forgetting her glasses and set aside prepared remarks.
Instead, she performed the opening verse of her new single “Kings & Queens,” transforming her speech into a lyrical celebration of legacy and pride. The empowering track serves as the second single from her upcoming solo debut, Salty N Lit, scheduled for release in Summer 2026.
The anthem centers on faith, strength, identity, and community, themes that have defined Salt’s voice since the group’s rise in the 1980s. She also released an official lyric video to encourage fans to embrace the message and celebrate their own crowns.
The Hall of Fame recognition underscores Salt-N-Pepa’s enduring influence on hip hop and Black culture.