Rico Nasty
Nightmare Vacation
Release Date: Dec 4, 2020
Genre(s): Rap
Record label: Sugar Trap
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Album Review: Nightmare Vacation by Rico Nasty
Excellent, Based on 5 Critics
Based on rating 8.5/10
As female artists have come to dominate rap, hip-hop - any genre they choose - one name has fought its way closer to the centre of the room--Rico Nasty. Still finding her place with a few lukewarm releases in 2017, it was 2018's "Smack A Bitch" that sucker punched an industry that hadn't been interested in celebrating the rage of women in rap. It's not like Rico was the first person to rap and be angry, but she was certainly the first to do it so unapologetically, and she's definitely not interested in starting on Nightmare Vacation.
Based on rating 8/10
The first thing you hear from Rico Nasty on her much-awaited debut album is a proclamation of intent: "On a dark and stormy night, I don't blend in, bitch, I shine bright." If you've listened to any of the Maryland rapper's mixtapes, Nasty's glowing conviction isn't anything new. On her first full length, Nightmare Vacation, she refuses to be anyone but herself, with her voice catapulting from garish adlibs to an enthralling, screeching flow. Those adjectives might make this sound like a bad thing, but Nasty is one of the most thrilling MCs currently working.
Based on rating 8
At just 23-years old, shapeshifting sugar trap queen Rico Nasty has already established herself as a singular artist and certified rap heavyweight, through six mixtapes that showcase her raucous fusion of hip hop, nu metal, punk and trap. Debut album 'Nightmare Vacation' sees Nasty refine her thrilling sound, without ever diluting it. It's organised chaos, underpinned by a fearless, unshakeable self-confidence.
Based on rating 7.4/10
It was Rico Nasty and Kenny Beats' first time in the studio together. She asked him for heavy metal. Then she stepped out, took some molly, and came back in. He apparently hadn't finished the beat yet, but Rico saw something in its half-baked state and insisted on recording. She might've been ….
Opinion: Great
The Lowdown: Rico Nasty has always been a powerhouse, existing on the edge of Soundcloud rap in the mid-2010s while still finishing high school. Her infectious, aggressive-yet-bubbly style made waves on the Internet early on, attracting the attention of Lil Yachty in 2016 to remix her song "Hey Arnold" and being featured in the hit HBO series insecure in 2017. Combining her eclectic fashion sense with spitfire raps that effortlessly bounce between sex and violence makes her one of the biggest pieces in the growing mosaic of this new era of female rappers.
'Nightmare Vacation'
is available now