Hip-hop history was made on Saturday, when OutKast and Salt‑N‑Pepa were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The ceremony celebrated their groundbreaking contributions to music, their influence on Atlanta and New York’s hip-hop scene, and their lasting impact on the genre worldwide.
During the event, André 3000 reflected on the journey with Big Boi and the people who inspired their music.
“A lot of times it’s a lot more than just the notes or the instruments that you play. It’s everybody that’s around you. It’s the family, and this is my family,” he said. He mentioned the artists and experiences that shaped them. “It’s the wives, it’s the girlfriends, it’s the girl you broke up with that pissed you off and made you write a song. All of that is important. We were watching dancers in Atlanta. Those were our heroes growing up.”
André also gave a nod to Salt‑N‑Pepa, recognizing their influence on the hip-hop community. “What they did paved the way for everyone who came after,” he said, honoring the women who helped break barriers in the genre.
DJ Spinderella also made history as the first female DJ inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her work with Salt‑N‑Pepa brought turntablism into the spotlight and opened doors for women in hip-hop.
The ceremony featured standout performances. While André 3000 did not perform, Big Boi was joined on stage by artists including Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, J.I.D., Killer Mike, and Janelle Monáe to perform a medley of OutKast’s biggest hits, including ATLiens, Ms. Jackson, B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad), and Hey Ya!.
Their energy brought the duo’s music back to life and reminded fans why OutKast remains legendary.
Salt‑N‑Pepa also had their moment in the spotlight, performing hits like Push It, Shoop, Let’s Talk About Sex, and What a Man.
The night highlighted both OutKast and Salt‑N‑Pepa’s contributions to music, showing how they shaped the sound of hip-hop while inspiring countless artists to follow their lead.
“To all the guys who had a crush on us and had our posters on your wall, you’re welcome.” — Watch @TheSaltNPepa officially accept their induction into the Rock Hall.
📺 Watch the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony NOW on @DisneyPlus.#RockHall2025 pic.twitter.com/tGnuhfsRkg
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 9, 2025
“Great things start in little rooms. We started in a little room.” — André 3000 and @BigBoi accept @Outkast’s Induction into the Rock & Roll of Fame.#RockHall2025 pic.twitter.com/lYI8xjENLB
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 9, 2025
Donald Cat was a disgrace, not knowing the words to the song
*doja*