Grace Hamilton, better known as Spice or to some the “Queen of Dancehall”, has grown from strength to strength as she pushes her career on the international stage. One of her biggest moves, however, was joining the cast of popular American reality TV franchise Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. A move which polarized popular opinion in Jamaica and also in the U.S.
Local detractors criticized her accent or lack thereof while in the states. The argument was that she was already an established artist, but Americans struggled to understand her accent at times which left her no choice. She has since grown into her role on the show and has become a fan favourite for her spirit and fierce attitude.
Monday night was a night of ultimate validation for the “Black Hyprocrisy” singer when the cast of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta won the “Realty Royalty Award” at the MTV Movie Awards. This is mammoth achievement to say the least. Spice is at the moment in the prime of her career while being cemented in the mainstream American Media. How many dancehall artistes can say the same? Shaggy and Sean Paul are the names that spring to mind immediately, such illustrious company and she deserves it.
In 2010 I could never have imagined Spice being an American celebrity worthy of paparazzi attention, yet she is. What does this award mean for Spice? Well, it certainly means she proved the critics wrong, joining this cast has propelled the Spice brand not only to new heights but heights hardly glimpsed by recent dancehall superstars. Congratulations Spice! Dem cah cool it dung!
While at the awards ceremony on Monday, Spice posed for photos while collecting her award with the rest of the Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta cast.
After the show aired, the dancehall deejay took to Instagram and expressed how elated she was to receive the award.
“Bingi lingi lingi ling we won just won MTV MOVIE AWARDS BABY! Yessssss #lhhatl walked away with the award for Reality Royality so I now have a MTV Movie Awards under my belt… Big up all the other cast members and producers who work so hard behind the scenes,” she posted.
Industry players, fans, friends and dancehall lovers have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages.
This feat makes Spice the first dancehall entertainer to ever win an MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Love and Hip Hop Atlanta first aired in 2012. Spice made her reality tv debut on the series in 2018 and returned for yet a second season this year.
The prestigious ceremony aired on Monday saw Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta taking the trophy ahead of The Bachelor, Jersey Shore, Vanderpump Rules and The Challenge. The cast, including Spice, Lil Scrappy, Bambi and Karlie Redd were present to accept the award. Spice delivered her acceptance speech in patois. The audience erupted in cheers and applause as she said, “Well, mek mi just drop some Jamaican accent inna di ting! Spice official, the queen of dancehall is here!”.
Spice prior to her appearance on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta had a few acting stints. In 2014 she was cast in the film Destiny alongside singer Christoper Martin and verteran actor Munair Zacca.
With over 15 years in the entertainment industry, the 36-year-old artiste has had numerous successes including her Women’s Empowerment Foundation; her mixtape, Captured which debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart; also winning the International Reggae and World Music Awards for Best Female Dancehall Artiste.