Artist: Rico Nasty
Album: RX
Release Date: July 24, 2026
Label: Fueled by Ramen
Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Rico Nasty is that she’s never stayed in one lane for very long. Every record feels like another version of herself, whether she’s leaning into punk, metal, hip-hop, rage rap, or outright chaos. That’s why RX, her second album since 2025’s LETHAL, feels like the next logical step for an artist who’s finally comfortable letting herself have fun.
The album also marks a reunion with producer Kenneth Blume, better known to longtime fans as Kenny Beats. On paper, it’s an exciting pairing. In practice, it reminds you why these two have always brought out something special in one another. Blume has built a remarkable career both as a producer and DJ, but there’s an undeniable chemistry whenever he and Rico collaborate. Neither artist abandons their own instincts, yet together they consistently create something that neither could have made on their own.
At just nine tracks, RX moves quickly. It’s the kind of album you can finish during a workout, your morning commute, or while getting ready for your day, but despite its short runtime it feels remarkably complete. Every song contributes to the larger picture, making the album feel intentional rather than merely abbreviated.
Coming off LETHAL, I expected another barrage of distorted guitars, metal influences, and the aggressive live energy that made last year’s tour so memorable. Those elements haven’t disappeared completely, but they’ve taken a back seat. Instead, RX embraces hyperpop, dance-pop, cyberpop, glossy electronic production, and bright digital textures that immediately reminded me of arcade games, early computer culture, and the playful, kawaii-inspired sounds that have become increasingly influential across pop music. Underneath all of that remains Rico’s hip-hop foundation, but it’s wrapped in a much lighter and more playful sonic palette than we’ve heard from her before.
The biggest surprise isn’t the production, though. It’s Rico herself.
Lyrically, this feels like the album where Rico Nasty finally tells the world she’s made it. The anxiety and tension that once fueled so much of her writing have largely been replaced by confidence, humor, and genuine happiness. Whether she’s rapping about buying a house with a gate, laughing off online stalkers and jealous critics, or dismissing men who think they’ve got a chance with her, these songs feel celebratory instead of defensive. There’s still swagger, but it’s no longer coming from a place of having something to prove. It comes from someone who’s built the life she wanted and is finally allowing herself to enjoy it.
That confidence changes her delivery, too. Her flow is noticeably more melodic than on previous releases, adapting naturally to the softer production surrounding her. There were moments where I found myself thinking of artists like rapper Flo Milli and newcomer XXL Freshman Trim, because of the playful cadence and lighter vocal approach. The “girly pop” side of Rico has always existed beneath the leather boots, spikes, and punk attitude, but here she’s finally allowing it to sit front and center without sacrificing the confidence that’s always defined her. That feels like a risk, and I respect it.
Visually, she’s every bit as edgy as she’s always been. The artwork, visuals, and aesthetic still carry the sharp attitude fans expect. But sonically, she’s loosened the grip just enough to let another side of her personality come through. Rather than weakening her identity, it actually makes her feel more complete.
The middle stretch of RX is where the album truly comes alive. Beginning with “Cupcake,” the record shifts into another gear. “Blow Your Nose,” “Runway,” and “Butthead” form the emotional and musical centerpiece of the album, delivering exactly the kind of high-energy Rico Nasty experience longtime fans are hoping for. The opening songs do an effective job of introducing the album’s mood, while the closing tracks gradually bring listeners back down, making the entire record feel thoughtfully sequenced instead of simply assembled.
That’s something I appreciated throughout RX. It’s a short album on the verge of being in EP territory, but it never feels rushed. You can hear how carefully these songs were arranged, allowing the energy to build naturally before settling back down again. It’s a cohesive listening experience rather than just nine individual tracks thrown together.
More than anything, this record reminded me why Kenneth Blume and Rico Nasty continue returning to one another creatively. It doesn’t feel like Kenny Beats making a Rico Nasty record or Rico simply rapping over Kenny Beats production. It feels like two artists arriving at the studio with ideas they couldn’t fully realize without the other person in the room. That’s rare, and it’s what separates great producer-artist relationships from merely good ones.
Having interviewed Rico after the release of LETHAL, I knew she had no shortage of creative ideas waiting to be explored. That said, RX feels more like Rico confidently choosing her next direction instead of an artist in the search of one.
I’ve been looking forward to this record since I first heard it was on the way, and it did not let me down. It’s a noticeable shift from LETHAL, but it’s a shift that feels earned. Rather than abandoning what made Rico Nasty exciting in the first place, RX expands her world, showing there’s room for joy, humor, confidence, and hyperpop experimentation alongside the aggression that built her career.
Featured image credit: Chloe Catajan
