Salt-N-Pepa Warn Artists About Music Contracts Ahead Of Seattle Honor

Salt-N-Pepa named lack of ownership as a major barrier for women in music in a new interview, urging artists to learn what their contracts give away before they sign.

The duo spoke with Seattle magazine ahead of their October 22 honor at the Museum of Pop Culture.

“You can’t really have creative independence if somebody else ultimately controls the work you created,” the duo’s response read.

Salt-N-Pepa also urged young artists to ask hard questions and seek honest advice. They warned that following too many trends can weaken the identity that gives an act staying power.

That message carries weight given their own fight over recordings such as “Push It” and “Shoop.” The pair sued Universal Music Group in May 2025, seeking to reclaim rights to their catalog. They argued that federal copyright law allowed them to end old grants of rights after 35 years.

Judge Denise Cote dismissed the suit on January 8. Her ruling centered on who had granted the rights under the group’s early contracts.

Their lawyers challenged that decision at a September 22 appeals hearing. The duo argued that their agreements with producer Hurby Azor’s company supported their claim. UMG maintained that Azor’s company, rather than the women, had transferred the rights they sought to reclaim.

After the January dismissal, Salt-N-Pepa pledged to keep fighting for artists’ rights. UMG said it had tried to resolve the dispute privately and remained willing to work toward a resolution.

In the new interview, Salt-N-Pepa also reflected on “Let’s Talk About Sex.” They said the song still helps open discussions about consent, sexual health and control over one’s body. They welcomed younger listeners finding their own connection to the group’s records.

The museum’s event page confirms that Spinderella will join Salt-N-Pepa for their gala performance at Sky Church. The event raises money for exhibitions, youth education, community programs and artifact preservation, according to the museum’s published plans for the fundraiser. Archivist Syreeta Gates serves as this year’s event chair.

MOPOP will honor the group alongside Bruce Lee, Jeremy Scott, Halo and the Wing Luke Museum at its Icons of Pop Culture Gala on October 22 in Seattle.