The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025 induction ceremony went down over the weekend! This year’s inductees in the performer category included Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.

Donald Glover introduced OutKast. He praised the duo as “something that had no business being in the mainstream.” Andre 3000 and Big Boi spoke and Dre said, “We didn’t know what we were doing back then…just that it felt right.” Big Boi added, “We made it from the basement to the biggest stage in music. That’s love.” A tearful Andre continued, “Great things start in little rooms. We started in a little room.”

The tribute performance featured Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, Janelle Monae, Sleepy Brown, JID, and Killer Mike. Unfortunately, Andre did not join Big Boi during the performance.

The ceremony also honored Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for musical influence; Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye were recognized for musical excellence, and Lenny Waronker received the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Salt-N-Pepa was joined by their longtime DJ, Spinderella, and producer Hurby Luv Bug.

Missy Elliott introduced them and said, “The female rappers had to step to the mic and show that they could go toe to toe with the guys. And Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella did it.”

During their acceptance speech, Cheryl “Salt” James referenced the group’s current fight for their master recordings with Universal Music Group. Salt said, “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.” She continued, “Salt-N-Pepa have never been afraid of a fight. This is the Influence Award; we have to keep using our influence till the industry honors 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.”

The group performed “My Mic Sounds Nice,” “Shoop,” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.” They were then joined by En Vogue for their 1993 hit, “Whatta Man.”