DMV rapper, Rico Nasty, has consistently been far-fetched, colorful, and ORIGINAL for at least three years in the rap game now. With her early tracks like “Poppin’” to her most recent single, “Roof”, she’s helped me through releasing negative emotions with her head-knocking lyrics all while effortlessly maintaining rap’s successful theme of braggadocio. I knew my love for her was real when I watched her perform live… I’m honestly a Stan now.

Rico Nasty dropped her second album “Anger Management” on midnight of April 25, 2019. Her entire album was produced by acclaimed producer Kenny Beats; he’s produced numerous tracks like “Trust Issues”, “Smack a B*tch”, and “Guap”. He has also produced songs for other artists like Ski Mask the Slump God, Quavo, and more to name. “Anger Management” includes features from rap duo EARTHGANG, Splurge, and some tracks produced from Baauer. 

Rico Nasty is known for her constant theme of rage; with her recent interview with NARDWAUR she shared, “…my music is very vibrant, if you like to have a good time– in a time of the times– in this world right now, you should probably listen to my sh*t and get some sh*t off, release some sh*t, rage a little bit, jump around and you go back to what you were doing.” Wow, a true self-care queen, huh? She shared her new album art for “Anger Management”, I was just honestly excited she was giving us new music to rock out to.

I was finally able to sit down and listen to her album—both sober and lit during different times of the day—and really grasp her project. Overall, I enjoyed her album but I discovered a side of Rico Nasty that I found astonishing! 

Rico Nasty, also known as Taco Bella, started off her album with an ire track titled “Cold”. Nasty has no problem reminding those who live under rocks that she IS the hardest, best and of course coldest in the game. With her original aesthetic and sound, I can’t disagree with her at all. Who else is currently leading a female fan base in HIP HOP with punk rocker and PURE bad ass vibes? She kept up the excitingly ravenous tunes through tracks like “Cheat Code”, “Big T*tties” and “Mood”.

“Hatin” was an endearing nod towards Jay-Z’s “99 problems”—I’m starting to think she has a thing for recreating classic rap tracks with her own spin—see “Countin’ up”, her own rendition of “Superthug” by Noreaga.  

“Relatives”, Rico Nasty prompted us that she is indeed an affiliate of the rap game using her hard-pressed flow and rhymes. She details highs and lows whilst undergoing music success, highlighting people making fake connections to her only because of how much success she’s growing into.  It made me think of the opportunist we’ve all happen to come across… life goes on though.

A personal favorite, “Sell Out”–I honestly harassed the replay button when it came to this song– My good sis nicely reached into her bag and addressed some good points here, obviously telling listeners that she would never lose her dignity for fame and she is willing to remain authentic through her career. She touched on how the expression of anger is something you shouldn’t feel ashamed of. “Sell Out” was a pleasant unexpected turn, I’m really used to Rico Nasty keeping me at an amped level but it’s always the unexpected that adds on to important topic: growth. Emotions are a part of the human experience, you are allowed to feel them (regardless of gender) – release them! 

Finishing the album off with the track “Again”, Nasty left us in a lighter note–in a sense. She touched on adjusting to the highs and lows in the new life of attained success and fame.  

I find Rico Nasty amazing for currently breaking barriers, presenting us fresh new sounds, and not giving one flying f*ck about society’s standards in regards on how women move in the entertainment industry. Seeing her perform live was a turning point for me as a fan. She proved that she is serious about her craft, engaged with the audience, and changed the way I listen to her music.

Fun fact: I got to experience being in one of her mosh pits—by accident. It was lit, but I’m much too delicate *laughs*

With the amount of woah’s I hit listening to this album, I hope you can finally grasp who Rico Nasty is after reading this review; appreciate the important voice she’s giving women who handle emotions differently and really take in what she’s doing for the women in hip-hop.