New York City Council's Black, Latino and Asian (BLA) Caucus and the Power and Music Committee honoured Dancehall Queen Spice with the prestigious International Music Ambassador award.

 Being the first Jamaican to be so highly recognised, Spice told THE WEEKEND STAR that she was overwhelmed, honoured, happy and superproud of herself.

"I'm gleeful over this award. I'm truly humbled and grateful to be recognised internationally each time, as it continues to show my growth in music. When I read my award and it said 'Be it known that the New York City Council's Black, Latino and Asian Caucus honours Spice with the International Music Ambassador Award for her outstanding achievements in music', all I could say was 'Watch little barefoot Gracie from Jamaica'," Spice said.

Among the others who were honoured were activist Al Sharpton, singer Patti LaBelle, rappers Doug E Fresh, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Ja Rule, late recording artiste Roxanne Shante, founder of Ruff Ryders Waah Dean, directors Benny Boom and Ralph McDaniels, and former MCA Records executive, Don Pooh.

Spice, who expressed her joy on social media with her 'Besties', also told THE WEEKEND STAR that "My journey is undoubtedly the living testimony that prayer and smart work makes anything possible."

Spice, whose given name is Grace Hamilton, is an actress in the reality series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, on which she made her debut in 2018. The owner of the successful clothing line Graci Noir, Spice recently made history when she became the first female hardcore dancehall artiste to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Reggae Album category.

In January, the self-made entrepreneur, who has often described herself as "from homeless to owning houses" copped a spread in business bible, Forbes Magazine, and another in The New York Times in April.