Respect the rhymes! Outkast & salt-n-pepper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Big Night for Hip-Hop
The South had something to say on November 8 as the popular rap group was included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside hip-hop pioneers salt-n-peta and soul icons Sly and Family Stone.
The Atlanta-born musicians were joined by Rapper/Actor Donald Donald, who spoke to the group’s influence with his wit.
“Big Boi and André, I want to do it in person, thank you. About time Phumsoboxx / love below I came out, I wrote a letter from college to my brother, and I said, ‘I had a dream where we wrote a vision, “he said by showing me that the brothers would like to see them both fail. … Atlanta is not the music mecca that has become without you. There is no children’s gambino without you. There is no city without you.”
For their musical tribute, the hall of fame tapped Tyler, The Creator, Janelle Monae, Doja Cat, Jid, Circle Mike, Brown Brown, and Big Boi himself to do the honors. Tyler’s performance of “Bob (bombs over Bagdad)” was a rendition of electric space and high energy. Meanwhile Janelle’s cover of Andre 3000’s winning “hey ya” has also been a highlight. Big Boi took the stage with JID for “AtLens” and later joined Kill Mike and Sleep Brown for “The Way You Go.” Bravo!
Although he did not perform in the evening, Andre 3000 did his Mark, he delivered a speech about their journey, encouragements, and the brotherhood of brotherhood that brought the peacock to its feet.
“A lot of times it’s a lot bigger than just the notes or the instruments you’re playing,” he said during his remarks. “To everybody that’s close to you. It’s family, and this is my family. It’s wives, it’s the most important girl that came out, all the rappers that came out at the same time, all the rappers that came out, from Busta Rhymes to Missy [Elliot] on NAS on WU-Tang and I said before, we got a kilo [Ali]we found Raheem a dream. We were watching dancers in Atlanta. Those were our heroes growing up. “
In one emotional part of his speech, 3 stacks spoke of Outkast’s humble beginnings.
“Big things start in small rooms. We started in a small room,” said Tears.
Sawoti-N-Pepa also turned new years that night, with Missy Elliott taking the stage to highlight their influence on Hip Hop.
With Missy always being named as one of the most influential singers of her musical generation and visually, it was nice to see her giving flowers to those who influenced her. Also, she became the first female rapper to be nominated and inducted into the hall of fame in 2023.
“The reason you knew Nellit’s name Elliott was because of salt, Pepa, and Spendella,” he said. “When you see your favorite rapper, he understands that when they’re on top, there’s a foundation that stands on them. These three women are the bricklayers on the foundation that holds hip-hop.”
Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton reunited and performed together in recent years; However, they have been separated from DJ, Deidra “Spremella” Roper. Therefore, fans are happy to see them put aside their differences to make such a memorable experience. They also brought in a “whatta man” performance doctor and Spinderella – who became the first DJ to be inducted into the hall of fame – had a minute alone to show why he’s the best single.
Even when celebrating a milestone in their music history, salt-n-pepa took the time to talk about the industry’s dire situation for musicians. Salt pointed out that the band’s music is not available for streaming amid the ongoing copyright battle.
“This is every woman who took the mic when they told her she couldn’t,” she said. “As we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music. Our set has been taken down on all streaming platforms because the industry has never feared our influence until the award is received.”
Despite their current struggles, salt-n-pepa’s place in music history is firmly established. She was the first rap act to have gold and platinum records and the first female rappers to receive a Grammy. They also hold a lifetime achievement award from the Recorveing Academy and were given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.
