Grace Brings the Spice to Dancehall
Known around the world as the Queen of Dancehall, Jamaican-born ‘Spice’ is undoubtedly an iconic package of charisma, sex appeal and lyrical prowess. She recently stoked controversy with her song, Black Hypocrisy, a commentary on colourism within the black community. But Spice is hardly new to controversy, and as she’s done time and time again in a career spanning nearly two decades, she’s capitalized on the media blitz to highlight the issue of colourism and her work to empower women.
Before Spice, There Was Grace
Born Grace Latoya Hamilton on August 6th, 1982, she was raised in Portmore, St. Catherine. There was no glamour in her early years, living in a one-room house with her parents and four other siblings. Her father died when she was nine and Grace joined her mother to earn money to support the family.
Despite her struggles, Grace’s interest in music led her to the church choir and she often participated in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) music competition, earning several medals throughout the years. Initially, Grace wanted to become a chartered accountant, but decided instead to pursue a music career and enrolled at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to study music and drama.
Spice Brings The Sauce
In the early years, Spice was deejaying at community events. But Jamaica was introduced to Spice in the early 2000s when she stormed onto the stage at Sting, one of the biggest events on the dancehall calendar. From then, her talent was undeniable and Spice was invited to tour England with fellow artistes Ward 21 and Baby Cham. While in London, she secured her first international booking. Baby Cham, impressed by her talents, introduced her to music producer Dave Kelly who produced her first big hit “Fight Ova Man”.
No Stranger To Controversy
With her raunchy outfits and sexually explicit moves and lyrics, Spice has always courted controversy. But her name was splashed across the headlines in 2009 when she recorded the duo ‘Romping Shop’ with now-convicted killer Vybz Kartel. Jamaicans in the upper echelons clutched their pearls when the explicit lyrics blared through speakers around the country and many called for all content associated with the song to be censored.
Spice again courted controversy in 2018, when photos of her appearing light-skinned appeared online. The artiste had used makeup to alter her complexion as a gimmick to promote her new single ‘Black Hypocrisy’, which took a critical look at colourism – discrimination within the black community against darker skinned black people. Spice herself later revealed that she was inspired to write the song after she was bullied on Instagram for her dark skin. Black Hypocrisy entered the iTunes reggae charts at number one in the UK and USA.
From the Dancehall Scene to the TV Screen
With her captivating music, fashion-forward style, and colourful personality, Spice has signalled to Jamaica and the world that she’s in full control of the dancehall. In 2017, Spice brought her mesmerising presence to American audiences when she joined the cast of Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta, a popular VH1 TV series. Her bold personality and lively patois accent easily won the attention of viewers. With her appearance on the show, Spice has captivated an international audience and her signature blue wigs and trendy fashion is often highlighted in the media.
The Goodness of Grace
Like a true queen, Spice remains connected to her roots and holds several causes close to her heart. In 2018, Spice launched the Grace Hamilton’s Women Empowerment Foundation which supports women with mentorship, education and entrepreneurship. She also gives back to her community, hosting back-to-school treats and other community events.