by Rafihat Banjo

*Trigger Warning -- Cursing*

Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, better known as Rico Nasty, is a Maryland native who raps, sings, and writes songs. Rico Nasty delves into many different genres such as hip hop, punk rock, heavy metal, R&B, and trap.

Rico Nasty gained popularity from her Soundcloud singles “iCarly” and “Hey Arnold.” She later went on to sign to Atlantic Records in 2018, where she continued to drop more mixtapes like “Nasty” and “Anger Management.”

Recently, Rico Nasty dropped her debut studio album on December 4, “Nightmare Vacation,” with popular songs such as “OHFR?” “iPhone,” “Own It,” “Smack A Bitch,” “STFU,” and “Candy.” Rico Nasty’s “Nightmare Vacation” went on to chart #1 on Billboard’s US Heatseekers Albums chart.

Rico Nasty’s upcoming mixtape, “Rx,” is set to drop during the summer of 2021. She will be releasing a single from “Rx,” named “Magic,” on June 30.

Here are 3 reasons why you can’t help but like Rico Nasty:

1. Unique and raw sound

Rico Nasty has developed a unique sound over time. When she dropped “iCarly” and “Hey Arnold,” both songs were a mix of trap and bubblegum pop. In “iCarly,” the lyrics talk about rising to the top, trying to get rich, and become the best version of yourself, “I told her if they hate it's cause they see it / Enemies envy us because we eating / Now we get money it's sunny all season / You can be the best you gotta believe it.” Rico Nasty displays a lot of empowering lyrics in her songs, even in songs like “Poppin,” “First time I hit a mill I went and got some Gucci / I'm a poppin' ass bitch let me remind ya / I don't need your money, bitch, I got my own money.”

2. Style/fashion sense

Rico Nasty is very versatile. One day she is very punk rock, with spiky black hair, wearing dark mark up, and a bunch of studs and spikes. The next day you might see her rocking a pink wig and a dress. She never sticks to one aesthetic. You never know what you’re going to get with her, and that is one of the many reasons why I love stanning and listening to Rico Nasty. She isn’t afraid to be herself and to show her fashion sense off to the world regardless of if people like it or not.

3. Stage presence

Not many artists are able to captivate the audience the way Rico Nasty does it. Going to a Rico Nasty concert would be a bucket list experience! Her energy on stage is unmatched, and I know she is going to go far. You can just tell by the charisma she has on stage and the way she carries herself that she is unapologetically herself. I can see why so many people love attending her concerts due to the mosh pits near the barricades and so many people enjoying the music and just vibing.

If you enjoy listening to Lil Uzi Vert, Doja Cat, Kali Uchis, or Flo Milli, you should check out Rico Nasty. My personal favorites from Rico Nasty’s discography include “Countin’ Up,” “OHFR?” “Lightning,” “Key Lime OG,” “Hey Arnold,” and “Poppin.” She is unapologetically herself, and she has a unique sound. Her music is raw and authentic. She isn’t what you would call “mainstream rap.” She has a unique flow and incorporates a punk rock sound to hip hop and rap, which isn’t done often.