Dee Dee “SPINDERELLA” Roper
“Spinderella cut it up one time … ” –Salt-n-Pepa, “Let’s Talk About Sex”
More than two decades after her groundbreaking entrance into the world of hip-hop, Dee Dee “Spinderella” Roper remains one of the most sought after OJ’s in the world.
As a member of the iconic rap group Salt-n-Pepa, the Brooklyn-born OJ set a standard for turntablist all over the globe. Five albums and fourteen million albums later she still stands as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
It has never been simply about cuts, beats, and rhymes says the Grammy and MlV Award winner. Her true passion for music and entertaining the masses has driven her to success.
“I’ve really been blessed to be in this game for so many years when so many others have come and gone,” she said. “This industry is all about fun and entertainment but humility, and professionalism will take you far. I have also had some great mentors over the years like Jazzy Jeff, OJ Scratch, and the late Jam Master Jay who my career was blueprinted after.”
Recently she joined forces with her long-time partner Salt-n-Pepa for a tour that has taken them across the country and abroad. During the group’s much-publicized hiatus, however, she never missed a beat, always staying on the pulse of the music business. With the flick of a wrist, she has juggled single motherhood with conquering the grand scale event circuit and holding down her international reputation as the quintessential old-school OJ. Attendees at official ESPN, Academy Award, Kentucky Derby, and NBA All-Star after parties have annually enjoyed her sets.
As one of the most recognizable faces in hip-hop, she has recently become the face of McDonald’s national “Flavor Battle” ad campaign. This on the heels of appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, VH-1 ‘s Hip Hop Honors, and Comedy Centrals’ celebrity roast for Flavor Flav where she served as musical director.
For years, she and collaborator OJ MoDave have produced ”The Backspin”, a nationally syndicated radio show that highlights the best of hip-hop music. The show has enjoyed high ratings in markets such as Dallas, Portland, and Boston to name a few.
While music is undoubtedly her first love, OJ Spinderella has expanded her horizons within the entertainment business and on the academic front. In addition to pursuing acting and voice-over work, she recently coordinated and hosted the “Music, Movies, and More” symposium at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
“President Obama and his wife have shown us what we are all capable of by way of their success,” she said. ‘With that kind of inspiration, I feel as though the sky is the limit for all of us within hip-hop culture and beyond.”
