Legendary rap group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during this year’s Image Awards ceremony.
Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper will receive the special honor during the 57th NAACP Image Awards telecast on Saturday, Feb. 28. It’s the latest award for the rap trailblazers who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last fall.
“As pioneers of hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella rewrote the rules and boldly claimed space in a genre that forever changed because of their voices, style, and undeniable talent,” said NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson. “Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame is a celebration of more than an iconic career – it’s a tribute to trailblazers who opened doors, and inspired generations in a way that still resonates today.”
The Hall of Fame Award is presented to “individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.” Past inductees include New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and Earth, Wind and Fire. Last year, the Wayans family received the special honor.
“Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella have built a legacy defined by confidence, authenticity, and cultural influence,” said Connie Orlando, executive VP of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. “They reshaped how women are seen and heard in music, creating space for bold self-expression and empowerment. Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame honors a career that continues to strengthen community, elevate culture, and connect generations.”
The NAACP also announced the lineup of presenters for the ceremony, including “Sinners” filmmaker Ryan Coogler and stars Delroy Lindo and Miles Caton; “One Battle After Another” duo Chase Infiniti and Regina Hall; “You, Me & Tuscany” stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page; Janelle James; Nicole Beharie; Ryan Michelle Bathé; Sterling K. Brown; and the cast of Tyler Perry’s “Sistas.” NAACP president & CEO Derrick Johnson and NAACP chairman Leon W. Russell will also present during the ceremony, with Colman Domingo set to be recognized with the President’s Award and Viola Davis to accept the Chairman’s Award.
Other special honorees during this year’s NAACP Image Awards week include A$AP Rocky, who will receive the Vanguard Award for fashion; and Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, who will receive the prestigious Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award.
Deon Cole returns to host the 57th NAACP Image Awards, broadcast live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, CBS and across Paramount networks. Kyla Pratt and Terrence J. have been tapped to host the live red carpet pre-show, beginning at 3 p.m. PT on BET.com.
English (US) ·