SALT-N-PEPA HONORED WITH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HALL OF FAME AWARD WITH CHERYL “SALT” JAMES SPOTLIGHTING NEW SINGLE “KINGS & QUEENS”

This past weekend, Cheryl “Salt” James was honored with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award at the NAACP Image Awards as one half of the legendary hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa, marking yet another milestone in a career that has shaped music and culture for over four decades.

Presented by longtime friend, peer, and hip hop icon MC Lyte, the moment was both powerful and deeply personal. As Salt took the stage, she brought warmth and humor to the room, joking that she could not read her speech without her glasses. Instead of delivering prepared remarks, she chose to rhyme the first verse of her new single “KINGS & QUEENS,” turning the acceptance into a celebration of lyricism, legacy, and cultural pride. Finding the moment fitting, she addressed an audience that radiated Black excellence from wall to wall, using her verse to uplift the room and honor the royalty reflected before her.

“KINGS & QUEENS” is the second single from Salt’s forthcoming debut solo album Salty N Lit, arriving Summer 2026. The empowering anthem speaks to identity, strength, faith, and community, reinforcing the same messages that have defined Salt’s career from the beginning. To further engage fans and amplify the message, Salt has released the official lyric video, inviting supporters to learn the words and stand boldly in their own crowns while continuing to uplift the culture.