Cheryl “Salt” James is a pioneering force in hip-hop, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

As a founding member of Salt-N-Pepa, she helped break barriers in a male-dominated genre. Their debut, “Hot, Cool & Vicious”, made history as the first female rap album to sell over a million copies in the U.S., and their hit “Push It” became a cultural milestone.

Over the years, Salt-N-Pepa released five studio albums and were chronicled in a 2021 Lifetime biopic based on their lives and career, celebrating their trailblazing legacy.

While the group navigates legal challenges — specifically, their lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which they are appealing — Salt continues to inspire and forge ahead. She’s now preparing to release her debut solo album, “Salty N Lit”, in Spring/Summer 2026.

We’re here to discuss her remarkable journey, her latest projects, and her ongoing fight for artists’ rights. Let’s welcome Salt!

Let’s hop into this lead entry, “Chosen”. Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?

“Chosen” is an introduction to Salt on my own, expressing myself as an individual; “Chosen” is a celebration of legacy artists and just smooth positive hip-hop with bars.

The single that’s out right now is “Kings & Queens”; I did this song to celebrate black culture in America. I partnered with The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, they’re dedicated to preserving hip-hop culture; how it started, where it came from and the pioneers. “Kings & Queens” is just in time for Black History Month. “We don’t survive, we thrive, that’s why I love us.”

Aside from the obvious, how then does “Chosen“ either differ and/or compare to previous Salt/Salt-N-Pepa entries?

“Chosen” is different because it’s just me, an introduction to Salt.

As a lyricist when you sit down to pen your rhymes, where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration comes in many forms. I can hear a beat and get inspired, or start with a topic I find interesting or important and go from there. Always inspired by my faith in one way or another.

That said, what all else are your future plans and/or goals for the 2026 season and beyond?

My plans are to keep making good music, keep encouraging the masses, to keep spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoy life.

August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop. What does that mean to and for you?

They used to ask us will hip-hop last? We’re still here, so that answers that question; it means we made history.

To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far!”. Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?

I always knew Salt-N-Pepa would become something great!

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called hip-hop?

Hearing my music on the radio for the first time was hands down the best moment ever; winning a Grammy was def second!

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

Love, light, inspiration, encouragement and to be reminded of what hip-hop was meant to be.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Sade because shes so smooth and intoxicating; I respect her as an artist.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

We’ve done them all; the biggest one was Wembley Stadium, for a Free Nelson Mandela concert.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of hip-hop?

Needs more authenticity and balance; hip-hop is raising generations, and we have to be mindful of how the culture influences the masses.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Authenticity and good timeless music; never believe your own hype.

Do you have any other outside/additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

I’d love to take a cooking class. I love to cook, and I’d love to be a grandmother one day.

What’s an average day like for you?

Wake up, read my bible, pray, work out, meetings, write or go to the studio to make music, shoot content, talk with my team, friends and family.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.

I talk to them on social media a lot; I love their feedback, good or bad, it’s helpful. I never turn down fan interaction if I can help it. I owe them, they keep me going.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

The fans, creating music, making my own schedule and working for myself.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Take care of your business, read your contracts, be authentic, never follow music trends, always practice your craft, get better, and be strong; this business ain’t for the weak.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Chilling with my grandkids.

What’s next for you, Salt?

More music, more light, more growth, more love, more Jesus.

Lastly, and speaking of Salt-N-Pepa, what’s up with Pep [S-N-P]?

She just lost her mom, so that’s very difficult; other than that she’s good, loving on her two grandchildren.