On this day, August 3, in hip-hop history…

Spinderella - Eye Candy
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1971: Today marks the 41th birthday of pioneering female DJ, Deidra "Dee Dee" Roper AKA DJ Spinderella of the seminal hip-hop group, Salt-n-Pepa.

Chosen by the group's producer, Herbie "LuvBug" Azor, to replace fired DJ Latoya Hanson after Hanson proved unreliable, Spinderella was only 16 years old when she was plucked from obscurity to join one of hip-hop's most enduring acts. After auditioning for the role, Spinderella would beat hundreds of hopefuls including future radio/television host, Wendy Williams, for the role. From there, Spinderella would become world-famous anchoring Salt-n-Pepa's performances as the group's DJ and performing on many of their songs.

Over the years, Spinderella would go to not only perform as the group's DJ but her role began to expand as she began to rap and produce for the group, too. As a group, Salt-n-Pepa, would go on to sell millions of records, tour the world and become icons in the rap game.

Happy Birthday, DJ Spinderella!

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