| Full Name | Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthday | May 7, 1997 |
| Birth Place | United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height | 5‘ 4" |
| Net Worth | $1M |
| Social Profiles | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube |
Rico Nasty is not your average rapper. With her gnashing flows, punk rock aesthetic, and brazen confidence, the fiery MC has carved out a unique lane in hip-hop that feels both rebellious and refreshingly real. She first rose to prominence with her 2018 singles "Smack a Bitch" and "Poppin‘" before breaking out in the mainstream. Here‘s a closer look at the Maryland native making noise in the rap game.
Early Life and Upbringing in Maryland
Born Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly in 1997, Rico Nasty grew up in Prince George‘s County, Maryland. From a young age, she found solace in music and began writing her own raps and songs during a difficult childhood. Her father passed away when she was just 9 years old, forcing her mother to work multiple jobs to support the family. Rico has cited her complicated relationship with her mom and rebellious teen years as fuel for the aggressive, IDGAF attitude that permeates her music.
Breakout Success with Mixtapes and Singles
Rico first made waves in 2016 with her debut mixtape Tales of Tacobella, released while she was still a teenager. Songs like "Hey Arnold" and "Poppin‘" showcased her boisterous flows and charismatic delivery, blending elements of trap, punk, and bubblegum pop into an infectious sound. She soon caught the attention of fellow DMV rapper Fat Trel and his Fresh Money label, who signed Rico in 2017.
Her 2018 singles "Smack a Bitch" and "Poppin‘" off her major label debut Nasty truly launched Rico into mainstream success. "Poppin‘" peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Smack a Bitch" racked up over 50 million YouTube views. She was suddenly performing on festival main stages like Made in America and Rolling Loud.
Musical Style and Influences
Rico‘s punk-laced sound incorporates elements of hip-hop, pop, rock, and metal for a chaotic, moshpit-ready blend. Some of her biggest influences include Lil Kim, Three 6 Mafia, Gucci Mane, and Brooke Candy. She‘s also cited rock acts like Paramore and My Chemical Romance as inspirations for her aesthetic.
On her collaborations, Rico has worked with legends like Gucci Mane as well as acclaimed producers like Kenny Beats. "Big Titties" and "Ice Cream Man" show her versatility alongside veteran rappers. Rico told HotNewHipHop, "I just try my hardest to make sure that every song I do with somebody has the same amount of energy.”
Continued Success and Acclaim
Rico‘s 2020 mixtape Nightmare Vacation earned rave reviews from critics, debuting at #14 on the Billboard 200. She continues to earn new fans with her electrifying live shows, delivering mosh-worthy hits like "OHFR?" and "Dirty."
As Rico‘s profile has risen, so has her influence as a woman in rap who prioritizes authentic self-expression over conformity. She‘s helped normalize the idea that women can be just as aggressive and dexterous as the guys on the mic. We can expect plenty more bold tracks and looks from this rap rebel – Rico Nasty doesn‘t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.