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Salt-N-Pepa Use Rock Hall Induction to Press Masters Fight With UMG

Their speeches highlighted a pending lawsuit to reclaim 1986–1993 recordings under copyright termination rules.

Overview

  • The trio received the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Musical Influence Award on Nov. 8, with Missy Elliott inducting them and DJ Spinderella becoming the Hall’s first female DJ.
  • From the stage, Cheryl “Salt” James said fans cannot currently stream their music, asserting it was pulled from platforms during their fight over master recordings.
  • Their federal suit, made public in May, alleges UMG refused to honor 2022 copyright termination notices covering albums released between 1986 and 1993.
  • The complaint seeks damages that could exceed $1 million and a permanent injunction recognizing the group’s rights to the disputed masters.
  • UMG maintains it owns the recordings and says it pursued mediation and compensation offers, while the case remains unresolved in federal court.