Spice scores perfect 10 with Grammy nomination

An album that was 10 years in the making and which is titled 10, has scored a perfect 10 for Dancehall Queen Spice.

Her debut album, released in August by VP Records, was executively produced by Shaggy and has earned for her the title, "Grammy nominated".

Spice, who calls Shaggy her hero, told THE STAR that she was doing her make-up on Tuesday when she found out that she was nominated in the Best Reggae Album category. She called Shaggy first.

"I got the call from Michelle [Williams], who works for VP Records. She was like 'You are nominated'. I ran down the stairs and told my mom. I was just screaming and celebrating the moment with my sister and my kids. Of course, I called Shaggy first because he was the person who stood up to the plate and put the album together, and he mended the relationship with VP Records and he's just my hero. I am gleeful, so excited, happy, grateful and humbled," Spice said.

In an Instagram Live, a tearful Spice mentioned that she was doubtful about receiving a Grammy nomination.

"I was doubtful, to be honest, because sometimes we mek society and people put things in our minds. The fight just a come from every angle. These tears are just joy. It is not a matter if I win next year. Today I am already a winner because I did what they said was impossible," Spice said, as she played the song Friends from 10.

In THE STAR interview, she stressed that it was important for her to big up the entire team. "Sean Paul's album is also nominated for a Grammy and he is also a part of Go Down Deh, which is doing amazing numbers for me. I want to big him up and all the other nominees as well. It is just one love. VP Records ... everybody did a wonderful job of getting me where I am today," Spice said.

The Grammy nomination is the icing on the cake for Spice. She has enjoyed a successful year with appearances on US prime time television, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel and the Wendy Williams Show, and the hit collaboration Go Down Deh, with Shaggy and Sean Paul. The video, which premiered in May, has amassed more than 34 million views. Her album also features a guest appearance by Spice's son, Nicho.