Queen of Dancehall Spice has made a powerful return to the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, with her acclaimed 2021 debut studio album, ’10’, resurfacing at the number eight position. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of the Grammy-nominated project and Spice’s continued influence in the global music and entertainment landscape.
’10’ Ascends Anew on Billboard
The album ’10’, released in August 2021 by VP Records, initially debuted at number six on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Four years after its release, the album’s renewed presence underscores its lasting impact. Notably, Spice stands as the sole female artist currently featured on the chart, a testament to her unique position within the genre. The album, executively produced by fellow Jamaican music icon Shaggy, was a significant milestone for Spice, marking her first full-length studio project. It was lauded for its artistic and musical quality, showcasing Spice’s vocal and lyrical prowess across 15 tracks that blended hardcore dancehall with elements of soca, pop, R&B, and EDM. The project also earned Spice a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2022.
A Legacy of Chart Dominance
Spice, born Grace Latoya Hamilton, has carved a formidable career since her early performances in the early 2000s. Known for her aggressive flow and versatility, she has earned the title “Queen of Dancehall” and is recognized as one of the most influential female Jamaican artists. Her history on the Billboard charts includes her mixtape ‘Captured’ debuting at number one, and other successful entries like ‘Mirror 25′ reaching number seven. This latest re-entry with ’10’ solidifies her status as a consistent presence in the reggae and dancehall music scene.
Factors Fueling the Resurgence
The renewed attention on ’10’ appears to be multifaceted. The enduring global success of singles like “Go Down Deh,” featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul, continues to resonate, with the track surpassing millions of streams and sales, nearing RIAA Gold certification. Furthermore, Spice has recently garnered significant international visibility for her humanitarian efforts in her native Caribbean nation. CNN coverage highlighted her active role in distributing emergency supplies to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. This increased spotlight on her philanthropic work may have contributed to a broader interest in her music catalog, including the ’10’ album.
Chart Landscape and Spice’s Standout Position
The Billboard Reggae Albums chart often features a strong presence of legacy artists, with albums by Bob Marley & The Wailers frequently topping the rankings. In this environment, new releases and catalog titles can find renewed life. Spice’s achievement in re-entering the chart, and doing so as the sole female artist, is particularly significant. It highlights her ability to maintain relevance and captivate audiences across generations, even as the broader landscape of new dancehall albums has seen challenges in debuting on the chart in recent times.
Enduring Impact and Future Horizons
Spice’s return to the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with her 2021 album ’10’ is more than just a statistical win; it’s a powerful affirmation of her status as a global entertainment icon. Her ability to blend impactful music with genuine humanitarian efforts, all while commanding a unique presence in the male-dominated chart landscape, underscores her multifaceted career. As she continues to innovate and engage her fanbase, Spice remains a pivotal figure in dancehall and a significant voice for Caribbean artists worldwide. The ongoing success of ’10’ serves as a vibrant reminder of her artistry and its lasting resonance.