Dallas-based DJ Spinderella makes history with induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dallas-based DJ Spinderella made history on Saturday, becoming the first female DJ inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her work with the pioneering hip-hop act Salt-N-Pepa.

After performing a medley of hits including “Push It” and “Shoop,” the trio was honored with the Musical Influence Award.

Missy Elliott, who became the first female rapper to join the hall of fame in 2023, introduced the group. “They gave us their shoulders to stand on,” she said.

Standing onstage alongside Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa), Deidra Roper (Spinderella) said in her acceptance speech she’d be celebrating 40 years as a DJ next year.

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“When I started, it was a rare thing to see a woman behind turntables. It was literally the boys club,” she continued. “I carry every female DJ who dared to dream — every woman who’s touched the turntable and said ‘I can do that, too.’ This is for you.”

Roper joined Salt-N-Pepa in 1987, two years after the titular duo formed. The trio, then based in New York City, would go on to sell millions of records and be nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning best rap performance by a duo or group in 1995 for “None Of Your Business.”

In 2019, Roper alleged she was kicked out of the group in a lawsuit against her former collaborators. She sued them for unpaid royalties in the case, which was later dismissed. Her attorney told TMZ they had reached a settlement.

Roper reunited with the group members in 2022 when Salt-N-Pepa received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In her acceptance speech on Saturday, Roper called herself the “little sister” of James and Denton.

The night of celebration took a serious turn during James’ remarks, when she spoke about the group’s legal battle to own their master recordings.

The group sued Universal Music Group in May, alleging the label was in violation of the Copyright Act of 1976, a law that allows artists to regain the rights to their work after 35 years.

“Salt-N-Pepa have never been afraid of a fight,” James said. “This is the Influence Award. We have to keep using our influence until the industry honors creativity the way the audience does — with love, respect, and fairness — and that includes streaming platforms, too.”

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