Music
From her verse on Doja Cat’s Tia Tamera, to her Smack a Bitch hit going viral on TikTok, Rico Nasty’s sugar trap sound is a familiar one. Her long-awaited debut studio album Nightmare Vacation is the perfect amount of in-your-face chaos that’s become expected from the Maryland born rapper.
In an album full of angst and playful experimentation, Rico Nasty reminds everyone that she’s still as unbothered and unapologetic as she was on Tales of Tacobella for 39 minutes straight. Tracks “Loser” and “IPHONE” invoke 2000’s nostalgia, with the former’s refrain echoing Regina George’s iconic “We’re going shopping loser, get in!” quote.
However, Rico’s playfulness isn’t limited to 2000’s references—it extends to promotional tactics as well. Her sex positive anthem Pussy Poppin was originally released on OnlyFans, and it’s just as nasty as her name insinuates. She vividly describes her experiences, rapping the jaw-dropping line, “I tell him that he better еat it like he starving/Put this pussy in his mouth while hе yawning.”
Fun and games aside, Nightmare Vacation’s key strength is Rico’s powerful delivery. She goes in on “Candy,” setting the tone for the rest of the album with a bassline that hits like a fist to the stomach. The track is a celebration of self, as Rico flexes her hard earned success while reflecting on her journey. She vents on the record “Let It Out” and embodies a temper tantrum—in the best way—through tracks “Check Me Out, “STFU” and “OHFR?” Reminiscent of Rico’s older songs “Rage” and “Countin’ Up,” she continues to put her haters in their place, leaving no room for argument—well, they can try to argue. But she makes it known that they can’t expect her to listen.
Despite these similarities, Rico dabbles into borderline mainstream territory on this album more than any of her previous projects. “Don’t Like Me” featuring Don Toliver and Gucci Mane is comparable to every other Buddah Bless produced hit, and Rico’s toned down verses don’t help its case. “Back and Forth” with Aminé is a mellow tune by Rico Nasty standards, trading her aggressive lines for suggestive ones and modifying her flow accordingly. Her delivery is as sharp as ever, but also the most relaxed it’s ever been, with a slower rhythm and softer tone.
While the collaborations showcase Rico’s ability to deviate from the hardcore sound that’s become her comfort zone, they pale in comparison to the sugar trap she’s known and loved for. “Own It” proves to be the standout of the lot, with a club feel and groovy beat that compliments Rico’s rather calm performance on the track.
Nightmare Vacation comes full circle, aptly concluding with a remix of Rico’s biggest hit “Smack A Bitch.” Rico shines alongside female rappers ppcocaine, Sukihana, and Rubi Rose, which makes it the most enjoyable collaboration on the album. It embodies the record in full: An elevated version of the Rico Nasty sound listeners have grown accustomed to.Whether through sugar trap hits or pop inspired tunes, Nightmare Vacation is both a culmination of Rico Nasty’s work thus far and an indicator of her full potential. It demonstrates Rico’s willingness to dip her toes in uncharted waters, all while serving angst ridden bangers.
