Salt-N-Pepa To Be Honored with Star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame

The legendary rap group Salt-N-Pepa pioneered the Hip Hop sound back in the day with their music. They broke into the music industry along with DJ Spindarella with popular tracks like ‘Push It,’ ‘Shoop’ and ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ leading the way for female MC’s today. They sold millions of records in a male-dominated industry proving to be a force in music. Now, Salt-N-Pepa, real names Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, are set to be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The ceremony is set to take place today and Salt-N-Pepa spoke exclusively with Variety on being honored.

What is your earliest memory of the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Cheryl James: It was the ’80s and Salt-N-Pepa’s first time traveling to Los Angeles. We stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. I was fascinated by all of it. I’m a black-and-white movie buff, so all of the art and history were incredible. I walked it at night and read all the stars and was in awe of how many blocks of stars there were. Even when the person is no longer here, that star is going to be there representing their accomplishments.

What does it mean to you to be in that company?

Sandra Denton: It’s surreal for me because I had no idea that we would even be performing still. So, to be celebrated and to be able to invite family and friends and to have your star on the Walk of Fame forever, it hasn’t really hit me yet.

James: It represents a lot. I fought to get this star. We came from the ’80s. I was dancing with
mics that had cords and mic stands. We faced a lot when our songs were hitting, and [we were] selling as much as the next male rapper. They’d get the acknowledgment, and we [didn’t] because we were female.

We battled a lot of resistance from men in this industry. I never let it get to me or discourage me. It fueled me. I know that women in every industry have to fight harder for recognition, respect, and accolades. So mission accomplished, as far as I’m concerned.

Have things gotten better for women in music?

James: The industry has changed in leaps and bounds. When we were coming up, you had to come through a man to be taken seriously.

Denton: I’m beginning to see that change. Women are taking way more control of their image and business. Record companies don’t have the same amount of power that they had over artists. There is social media and so many ways that you can promote yourself. I love that there is this opportunity for you to have more control over your art and masters. A lot of women have the opportunity to be moguls in the way that we didn’t have at that time.

To read the full article, head over to Variety.