Salt‑N‑Pep, OutKast, Cyndi Lauper and The White Stripes Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
New York — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed four landmark acts on Saturday night, inducting hip‑hop trio Salt‑N‑Pep, the genre‑bending duo OutKast, pop pioneer Cyndi Lauper, and garage‑rock outfit The White Stripes into its ranks. The ceremony took place at the Hall’s Cleveland venue, marking the first time that two hip‑hop acts shared a class with artists from pop and alternative rock.
Salt‑N‑Pep opened the evening with a high‑energy performance of their 1987 hit “Push It.” The trio donned the iconic multicolored leather jackets from the original music video, prompting the audience to rise to its feet. Their rendition, complete with synchronized choreography and live instrumentation, underscored the group’s lasting influence on both rap and mainstream pop culture.
OutKast followed, delivering a concise medley that highlighted their evolution from the Southern underground scene to global superstardom. Cyndi Lauper, known for her flamboyant style and anthems like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” performed a stripped‑down version of “Time After Time,” showcasing her vocal versatility. The White Stripes closed the musical segment with a raw, garage‑rock interpretation of “Seven Nation Army,” reminding listeners of the band’s minimalist yet powerful legacy.
Hall of Fame officials noted that the diverse lineup reflects the institution’s broadened criteria, which now emphasize cultural impact alongside commercial success. Industry analysts observed that the inclusion of two hip‑hop acts signals the genre’s full integration into the canon of rock history, a shift that began in the early 2000s. Local authorities praised the event for boosting tourism and highlighting Cleveland’s role as a cultural hub.
Looking ahead, the Hall of Fame announced plans to expand its educational programs, aiming to engage younger audiences with the stories behind these inductees. The ceremony concluded with a joint tribute, reinforcing the message that rock’s evolution is a tapestry woven from many musical threads, each deserving recognition for shaping the soundscape of modern music.
