Salt-N-Pepa used their platform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday night to call out Universal Music Group. They took the stage at the event to accept the Musical Influence Award. While doing so, they argued that their masters rightfully belong to them and accused UMG of punishing them for trying to get them back.
“When we came out, the industry was different,” Salt said. “We didn’t have streaming, we didn’t have social media. We had cassette tapes, turntables and dreams. But even back then, we had to fight to be heard to prove our worth. We’re in a fight right now for our masters that rightfully belong to us. After 40 years, as we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music. It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms, because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair. Salt ’N Pepa have never been afraid of a fight."
She continued: “This is the Influencer award. We have to keep using our influence until the industry honors the creativity the way the audience does—with love, respect and fairness. And that includes streaming platforms, too. Hip-Hop gave us a voice and we’ll keep using it.”
Salt-N-Pepa UMG Lawsuit
“Thank you to the fans, the DJs and the women who rhymed in their mirrors and the mighty good men who supported," she concluded. "I want to apologize to the countless fans who got in trouble for cutting their hair like us and singing our lyrics. We love you. To all the guys who had a crush on us and had our posters on the wall, you’re welcome. And to Pep and Spin, I love you ladies for being together again. It feels so good to make history.”
Salt-N-Pepa previously filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, earlier this year, accusing them of violating the Copyright Act. The act gives artists the right to reclaim intellectual property 35 years after its release. They claim that the company is deliberately blocking them from accessing their masters and removing their music from streaming platforms.
