Spice captures number one spot on Billboard - Encourages artistes to be more independent

Less than two weeks after the official release of her 'Captured' mixtape, dancehall's leading lady Spice has copped the number one spot on the coveted Billboard Reggae Chart.

This makes Spice the third female to land the top spot this year and one of only nine female artistes from Jamaica to hit that mark in the chart's history.

Speaking with THE STAR about the accomplishment, an ecstatic Spice said the achievement means a lot to her.

She expressed that it holds a particularly special place in her heart because she managed to peak on one of the most desired charts in the world with no help from a major label or record company.

"It feels good to have the number one reggae album on Billboard right now and it's an even greater feeling doing it without no major label or management team behind me," she said, pointing out that while she expected the compilation to be successful, the Billboard number one came as a surprise. "I did expect some charting spots with this mixtape. I have some very powerful songs on this project and most of them will captivate a wider audience, but I never really expected the number one spot. I have also shown a lot of versatility in the tape. There's reggae, dancehall, hip hop, and even a Spanish song on it so most fans will be able to relate to something. I'm really expecting it to do even greater things."

When asked about the chart's history and why more women in particular have not been able to achieve that number one spot, Spice explained that artistes believe they need a huge record label behind them.

Spice, who has been involved in an ongoing legal battle with her record label, expressed joy at being able to break away somewhat to do things on her own.

After waiting years for her label to release an album, Spice said her mixtape was the result of taking matters into her own hands, and said she is happy her decision to do things independently is paying off.

She urged other entertainers, particularly females, to make their own moves. Spice said that the days when artistes needed record labels to help propel their careers are long gone.

"I'm living proof that you can make it to the top no matter what. I think most females feel like they needed to have a big company behind them, but now that I'm able to prove that hard work and dedication can pay off. I think more women will dabble into independent projects," she said.

Although legally she is not able to release an album, Spice says she will continue breaking barriers on her own as an independent artiste by releasing powerful mixtapes and singles.