DJ Spinderella made history on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She became the first female DJ ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The historic moment happened during Salt-N-Pepa’s induction ceremony as recipients of the Musical Influence Award.
Spinderella, whose real name is Deidra Muriel Roper, accepted the honor alongside Salt and Pepa. The trio reunited for this momentous occasion after years of estrangement. Their induction represents a major milestone for women in hip-hop and DJ culture.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated DJ Culture
“When I started, it was a rare thing to see a woman behind turntables,” Spinderella said during her acceptance speech. “It was literally the boys club, so I had to carve my own lane.” She emphasized the dedication required to succeed in such a challenging environment.
Spinderella highlighted her commitment to excellence throughout her four-decade career. “It was dedication; it was my craft, and I never missed a beat, in 40 years y’all,” she declared. Her perseverance paved the way for countless female DJs who followed her groundbreaking path.
Carrying the Legacy of Every Female DJ Who Dared to Dream
Spinderella’s acceptance speech resonated with emotion and purpose. “I carry every female DJ who ever dared to dream,” she told the audience. She acknowledged every woman who touched a turntable and believed they could succeed too.
“This is ours. Respect the DJ,” Spinderella concluded powerfully. Her words served as a rallying cry for recognition of female DJs worldwide. The historic induction validates decades of work by women in DJ culture and hip-hop.
Joining Hip-Hop DJ Legends Already in the Hall of Fame
DJs already in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame include pioneering hip-hop figures. DJ Kool Herc was inducted in 2003 for his foundational contributions to the genre. Grandmaster Flash received the honor in 2007 for his innovative turntable techniques.
Spinderella now joins these legendary names as the first woman DJ honored by the institution. Her induction expands the representation of both women and hip-hop culture. The recognition acknowledges her essential role in Salt-N-Pepa’s groundbreaking success.
Salt-N-Pepa Perform Classic Hits With Missy Elliott and En Vogue
After a speech from Missy Elliott, the trio performed a medley of classic hits. They opened with iconic tracks from their extensive catalog. The performance included 1987’s “Push It” and other fan favorites that defined an era.
For 1993’s “Whatta Man,” they were joined by the song’s original collaborators En Vogue. The collaboration brought the audience to their feet with nostalgia and energy. The performance demonstrated why Salt-N-Pepa remains influential after 40 years in music.
Salt Addresses Ongoing Legal Battle for Master Recordings
The trio’s Saturday night acceptance speech also addressed their current legal struggles. Cheryl “Salt” James referenced the group’s lawsuit filed in May against Universal Music Group. They’re fighting to regain control of their master recordings and ownership rights.
“We’re in a fight for our masters that rightfully belong to us,” James said. She explained that after 40 years, their streaming music has been taken down from all platforms. “The industry doesn’t want to play fair,” she added amid cheers from the crowd.
Salt-N-Pepa Never Afraid to Fight for What Belongs to Them
James emphasized the group’s fearless approach to standing up for themselves. “Salt-N-Pepa has never been afraid of a fight,” she declared. The statement received enthusiastic applause from attendees who support their cause.
The group alleges that Universal Music Group has not honored their copyright clawback rights. They claim the record company has punished them by removing their music from streaming platforms. Their public stance at the ceremony brought attention to ongoing artist rights issues.
A Historic Night Celebrates Women’s Contributions to Hip-Hop
The induction ceremony celebrated more than just individual achievements. It recognized the essential contributions of women to hip-hop’s foundation and evolution. Spinderella’s historic first as a female DJ honoree carries enormous symbolic weight.
Her journey from teenage DJ to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee inspires future generations. The recognition validates the work of women who’ve shaped music culture. Spinderella’s legacy extends far beyond her technical skills to her role as a trailblazer.
