Rico Nasty has been a staple for the black alternative community. Giving us the sugar trap energy that was missing from the genre, Rico Nasty blends trap and hip hop with rock and punk styles. Since 2014, Rico has been creating music for fans that want to put a middle finger in the air and let out all emotions in the same space. Her musical delivery is unwaveringly sharp, quick, full of metal rap intensity that is so unique to see in this time.
Rico at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
In April 2023, I scored tickets to see Rico Nasty with a friend. I had been a long time Rico fan. Her music makes you want to rage, and let out all your emotions without feeling any shame. Every album she released I had fallen in love with. Although each album has a different story to tell, Rico consistently delivers the Black-Punk vitality our younger alternative selves thrived on.
Before even entering the venue I was in awe of just how many Black alternatives were outside waiting in line. Everyone was dressed in Goth, Punk, Pop, & Alternative Fashion that would make Rico Nasty so proud. Her fashion has always been a unique blend of alternative punk and pop princess vibes (think if Bubbles and Buttercup combined into one hero). But what really made me emotional was to see so many Black, POC, and marginalized people all in one space to see this amazing creative. I think that’s what makes her so distinctive in the first place – it’s not just her musical style or fashion- but her ability to create such a space in the world for people like us to enjoy.
Omeretta the Great Delivers
We got the privilege to see Omeretta the Great open. All the way from Atlanta, this rapper effortlessly gave an incredible flow of the same type of tenacious trap that we love. She reminded me of why I believe it’s so important to show up for openers as much as possible. She did not disappoint, and created instant fans from her performance.
Live in Brooklyn
Rico’s performance was definitely one that I will remember. From the moment she skipped out onto the stage, everyone was ecstatic and completely in awe. I could tell she was having just as much fun as the hyped up fans, which echoed every line.
Audience Control
One thing I have started paying attention to is the way artists not only interact with their audience, but how they maintain control when an incident arises that puts fans at risk of harm. The recent tragedy that took place at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival is a definite reminder. I often do feel that in Metal & Alternative spaces that these incidents are wildly overlooked. People even say they expect people to get out of line and injured while moshing and headbanging. However, no matter the venue, the artist, or the occasion– attendees’ safety should always be priority.
Although this was a smaller venue, Rico Nasty was incredibly attentive to the crowd. People would sometimes mosh a little too aggressively, pushing people to the sides over. The smaller venue was already pretty packed so people being shoved too hard put them at risk of hitting the sides or even pushed up against barricades. A fight even broke out at one point. Rico Nasty would abruptly stop a song to ensure the crowd was okay and knew to make room for people. This happened maybe 4 times, but each time Rico handled the situation with urgency–even though I could tell she was definitely exasperated. She said with a large grin, “Ya’ll good??” But eventually everyone got it together and the show continued with a safe high energy.
Rico Nasty is not only an incredibly talented artist, but a phenomenal performer. The energy and unique style she brings to her shows makes her an artist you don’t want to pass up. The musical world she has created offers a place of healing to marginalized alternative people who just want to take up space without shame. Take a listen to some of her hottest tracks below, and leave a comment on your favorite!