Grace Latoya Hamilton (born August 6, 1982) was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. She is a Jamaican dancehall recording artist, singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman. She is professionally known as Spice. Spice has established herself as the "Queen of Dancehall" and is widely recognized as one of the most prominent dancehall artists worldwide. Known for her aggressive flow, musical versatility, and outspoken lyrics, Spice's career has been marked by numerous accomplishments.
Spice first gained recognition in 2000 when she performed at the renowned dancehall festival, Sting. In 2003, she released her debut single "Complain" under the Madhouse Records label, owned by record producer Dave Kelly. This was followed by the release of singles like "Right There" and "Hype" in subsequent years, as well as collaborations with notable artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Beenie Man.
However, Spice's major breakthrough came in 2009 with the controversial single "Romping Shop," featuring Vybz Kartel. This catapulted her into the spotlight and led to a signing with VP Records. In 2014, she released her debut EP, "So Mi Like It," which featured the hit title track. Spice's talent and impact were further recognized in 2016 when she became the first female dancehall artist to be nominated for Best Reggae Act at the MOBO Awards.
Spice's journey to international recognition was chronicled in her appearances on VH1's reality television series, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. The show documented her relentless pursuit of global success in her music career. In 2018, she independently released her first full-length project, the mixtape "Captured," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
After parting ways with VP Records, Spice released her highly anticipated debut studio album, "10," in 2021. This album garnered critical acclaim and earned her a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 64th Grammy Awards in 2022. Not one to rest on her laurels, Spice independently released her second studio album, "Emancipated," in 2022 under her own label, Spice Official Entertainment.
With her undeniable talent, determination, and groundbreaking achievements, Spice continues to push boundaries in the dancehall genre and solidify her position as a trailblazer. Her fearless approach to music and her ability to captivate audiences with her energetic performances have solidified her status as a true icon in the industry. As the "Queen of Dancehall," Spice's legacy continues to evolve, inspiring future generations of artists and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
