Introduction
Grace Latoya Hamilton, known by her stage name Ice Spice, is a Jamaican dancehall recording artist, singer, and songwriter with a net worth of $5 million. She rose to fame in the 2000s with a number of popular hits and continues to dominate the dancehall scene today. In this article, we will delve into how Ice Spice became a major force in the music industry and examine her career, business endeavors, and net worth.
Early Life and Education
Ice Spice was born on August 6, 1982, in St. Catherine, Jamaica. She was raised primarily by her mother in Portmore after her father passed away when she was just nine years old. Ice Spice attended church regularly and sang in the choir, displaying a love for music from an early age. She also spent part of her childhood living in London with her grandparents. After returning to Jamaica, she attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where she studied drama and music before transitioning to dancehall music.
Career
Ice Spice began her music career in 2000 at the popular dancehall festival, Sting. Over the next few years, she established herself as a talented and entertaining performer but did not release any notable tracks. That all changed when she collaborated with well-known Jamaican dancehall artist Baby Cham. Cham introduced Ice Spice to producer Dave Kelly, who helped her release her first-ever single, “Complain.” She signed a contract with Madhouse Records after releasing two more singles and collaborated with artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Beenie Man.
Her career breakthrough came in 2008 when she worked with dancehall artist Vybz Kartel to release “Romping Shop.” The song gained international acclaim, and Ice Spice quickly became a household name. The track was eventually banned by the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation due to its explicit lyrical content. Despite this, it remains one of the best dancehall songs of all time. In 2009, Ice Spice signed with VP Records and continued to produce hits, collaborating with artists such as Missy Elliott, Gappy Ranks, and Mya.
In 2013, Ice Spice released her hit single “So Mi Like It,” featuring Bust a Rhymes, which generated the most-viewed music video by a female Jamaican artist. She then released an EP in 2014 and continued to collaborate with artists like Bunji Garlin and ASAP Ferg.
In 2015, Ice Spice was nominated for the MOBO Awards, and in 2017, she collaborated with popular artists like Jax Jones, Sean Kingston, and Lady Leshurr. She also joined the reality show “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.” In 2018, she posted a picture of herself with lightened skin, which caused controversy among her fans. Ice Spice later explained that the picture was edited to raise awareness about colorism. She then addressed this issue further in various songs. Also in 2018, she released her first mixtape, “Captured.” She continued to work with artists like Sean Paul and started an online talk show before releasing her debut album, “10,” in 2021. The album received critical acclaim and earned her a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.
Business Endeavors and Net Worth
Besides her successful music career, Ice Spice has also engaged in various business endeavors. In 2009, she established a clothing company called Spicey Couture, which ceased to exist by 2020. She also launched her own beauty salon in Kingston in 2010 and later created a sports bar called 8 Ball in Portmore. In 2019, she created an online beauty store, Faces & Laces, which started as a wig-selling platform and later expanded to selling cosmetic products. In 2020, Ice Spice launched her own clothing line, Graci Noir.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 2021, Ice Spice’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. She has made most of her fortune from her successful music career, business ventures, and various endorsements and sponsorships.
Conclusion
Ice Spice, also known as Grace Latoya Hamilton, is a Jamaican dancehall recording artist, singer, and songwriter who has built an impressive career in the music industry. With a net worth of $5 million, she has become a major force in the dancehall scene and continues to generate hits and critical acclaim. With her successful music career and various business endeavors, Ice Spice has solidified her status as one of the most successful and influential Jamaican artists of all time.