Spice Makes History: First Jamaican Female Artist to Debut at #1
Spice, the Grammy® Award-Nominated, chart-topping global superstar, has made a groundbreaking entrance into the music industry with the release of her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Mirror 25’. This historic moment took place on Friday, August 9, 2024, as Spice Official Entertainment unveiled the album to the world. Distributed through Empire, ‘Mirror 25’ quickly rose to the top of the charts, debuting at #1 in Canada, #2 in the United States and United Kingdom on the All Genres Top Albums iTunes chart, and #1 at the Reggae Top Albums iTunes chart simultaneously. This extraordinary achievement has solidified Spice’s position as the first Jamaican female artist to achieve the highest chart entry on the all-genres chart.
The 25-song project, ‘Mirror 25,’ immediately captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide, securing the second position behind Kanye West’s ‘Vultures 2’ album, which held the number one spot. The album, Executive Produced by Spice herself, showcased her global dominance by topping the Apple Music Top Album charts in various countries such as Canada, Israel, Jamaica, Italy, UK, Cayman Islands, Antigua Bermuda, Trinidad, and Saudi Arabia, among others. In Jamaica, both the explicit and clean versions of the album claimed the #1 and #3 spots on the iTunes Reggae Chart in the US.
One of the standout tracks from ‘Mirror 25,’ Spice’s Gospel song titled ‘You are Worthy,’ soared up the charts, debuting at #1 for Gospel on the Apple Music Top Songs in Jamaica and making appearances in 11 countries on Apple Music. The success of this song further solidified Spice’s musical prowess and versatility as an artist.
Even Nicki Minaj, known as “the Queen of Rap,” praised Spice’s independent project, recognizing the Grammy nominated artist’s musical evolution. The iconic ‘Mirror 25’ album, comprising 25 tracks, embodies Spice’s legendary sound fused with a diverse range of rhythmic tracks from various genres. This fusion cements Spice’s influence in the Reggae/Dancehall genre and beyond, establishing her as one of Jamaica’s most versatile and creative artists of the modern era.
‘Mirror 25’ serves as a unique body of work that delves into Spice’s past trials and tribulations, unveiling vulnerable aspects of her life through each track. The album title, ‘Mirror 25,’ signifies reflection and self-discovery, marking a new chapter for Spice to express her artistic growth and personal journey as an artist and woman.
Spice expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “I knew that the album was a masterpiece, but I’m excited to see the positive responses because I was very meticulous in creating ‘Mirror 25.’ I knew my fan base is very diverse, so I wanted to make sure that there was something on it for everyone. Learning that this is the first time a Female Jamaican artist has entered the USA All Genres Chart at #2, I’m grateful to open up another international door for women in Dancehall. I’m humbled and grateful for this milestone.”
The album takes listeners on an introspective journey, showcasing Spice’s highs and lows, victories, struggles, and growth that she has experienced musically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. ‘Mirror 25’ delivers infectious melodies with empowering messages while commemorating the Dancehall legend’s 25-year milestone as an international recording artist.
As a surprise for her loyal fans, Spice released her new single and visual, “Whoop,” on the same day as the ‘Mirror 25’ album launch. Serving as the fifth single from the album, “Whoop” is a high-energy track that serves as a mantra for positivity. The song blends an eccentric Caribbean sound with an upbeat hip-hop rhythm, encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while fostering a positive mindset.
The stunning music video for “Whoop,” directed by Royal Eyez (Royal Okwor), showcases Spice’s vocals and message in a futuristic setting, adding depth to the viewing experience. The lyrics of the song explore themes of self-reflection and moving away from negativity, resonating with listeners on a profound level.
The music video transports viewers into an outer space world where Spice embodies an Alien from the future, exuding confidence and determination. This symbolic representation mirrors Spice’s crossover success as the reigning Queen of Dancehall, as she navigates through challenges and adversity over the past 25 years. Produced by Spice Official Entertainment, the rhythm track was recorded at Ireland Recording Studios, composed by Karon “Yow Levite” Young, and mastered by Redboom Super Mix.
Spice’s previous singles from ‘Mirror 25’— “Gangster” featuring Chronic Law, the empowerment anthem “Ex Boyfriend”, the controversial single ‘2085 Tea’, and the breakout hit ‘Round Round’ featuring Busta Rhymes—all achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the iTunes Reggae charts.
Spice, the Grammy Award-nominated Dancehall artist, has built a legacy spanning 25 years, earning the title of the renowned Queen of Dancehall. Her unique persona, characterized by flamboyant hair and captivating stage performances, has reshaped the landscape of reggae and dancehall music, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of today.
With over 433 million streams on YouTube and 400 million streams on Spotify, Spice has emerged as one of the most streamed female artists in her genre. She has collaborated with industry heavyweights such as Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Vybz Kartel, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and many more, showcasing her versatility and musical prowess.
Spice’s highly acclaimed album, ‘10,’ garnered over 300 million streams on Spotify and earned her a GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2022. Fueled by the success of her breakout hit single, ‘Go Down Deh’ featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul, Spice has expanded her fanbase and garnered global recognition for her contributions to music.
Spice’s newest album, ‘Mirror 25,’ is a testament to her resilience and growth as an artist, offering a glimpse into her journey of triumphs and challenges over the past 25 years. Through her music, Spice continues to inspire and empower listeners, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of reggae and dancehall music.