Salt-N-Pepa, the iconic female hip-hop duo consisting of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, is taking the fight to Universal Music Group (UMG). Unfortunately, they are now deeply entrenched in an active lawsuit. In a candid interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, the couple discussed their emotional turmoil. Their music, unironically, is no longer available on streaming platforms as a result of a years-long fighting in the courts, and they’ve conveyed the dangers lurking in that.
The ensemble of famed artists argues that UMG’s actions go against federal copyright law by denying them their “termination rights.” This largely-unknown legal provision enables artists to regain the copyright their original recordings after a certain amount of time. Salt-N-Pepa alleges that UMG’s failure to recognize their rights makes it impossible for them to do what they need to promote and re-release their music. This denial directly threatens their legacy.
Cheryl James of Salt-N-Pepa shared her anger on the issue. She deemed it “ridiculous” to be held to a contract from 1985, 40 years later. This sentiment speaks to a bigger problem of artists’ rights in an industry that has changed drastically since the 1980s.
Sandra Denton echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s the law. That’s what it really boils down to. It’s the law.” The duo firmly believes that copyright law is designed to protect artists like them, who have made significant contributions to the music landscape.
Salt-N-Pepa’s influence on the music industry is still felt today, even four decades later, as they continue to pave the way for new generations of artists. Denton remarked, “It’s an amazing feeling because … it’s for your music, not just one hit.” She added, “It’s about your journey, your legacy, what you have done, you know, the influence that you had … 40 years and we’re still here.”
Cheryl James highlighted the importance of authenticity in their work, stating, “Authenticity, especially in art, I think, leads to longevity. I feel like that’s a big part of why people took to Salt-N-Pepa, because we are authentic.”
The continuing legal fight has raised alarm for Salt-N-Pepa. It creates a constituency of artists who are experiencing these same challenges within the broader music economy. James is fiercely committed to empowering women on and off the playing field. She challenges them to “take the leap” and shatter glass ceilings in their industries.
Salt-N-Pepa addresses this daunting legal terrain with swagger. In doing so, they think the law is on their side. The result of this lawsuit will have far-reaching impact on artists’ rights and copyright law within the music industry.
