On Sept. 28, Rico Nasty stormed the stage of the Gothic Theatre to perform songs off her latest album, “LETHAL.” Maria-Cecelia Simone Kelly, better known as Rico Nasty, has never been one to hold back. Her stop in Colorado proved exactly why she’s carved out such a fierce space in hip-hop and rap culture.
Rising to fame in 2018 with viral songs like “Smack a Bitch” and “Poppin,” Rico has built her reputation on bold, confident energy. Now, with her third studio album “LETHAL” fueling the setlist, she’s proving that her live performances are where her music truly explodes.
The Gothic Theatre, tucked in South Denver, offered the perfect backdrop for the night. Known for its intimate size and architecture, the venue brought Rico fans close together, making the entire evening feel like a night out with your closest friends.
The energy was rumbling when opener SadBoi hit the stage. The Canadian-born rapper and model wasted no time pulling the crowd in. With a bouncy, carefree set, SadBoi had the crowd moving almost immediately. Her self-assured demeanor mixed with confidence that demanded the spotlight, gave her set the feeling of a headlining performance.
When Rico Nasty took the stage, excitement in the room shifted to eruption. Her music has always carried themes of rebellion, empowerment and unapologetic self-expression. Those messages hit harder in a live setting.
The audience shouted every lyric back at her, creating a freeing, communal experience. The tracks from “LETHAL” felt like they were built for the stage. The songs included potent lyrics, pounding drums and a rawness that begs to be screamed live rather than just played through headphones.
Rico radiated confidence. Every movement, every word, every playful smirk fed into her larger-than-life presence. She doesn’t just perform songs, she makes them her own. Her charisma made it impossible to look away, while her gritty vocals and insane beats made it impossible to stand still.
By the end of the night, the Gothic was vibrating with a high-energy buzz only Rico could produce. Whether you can rap every verse of Rico’s songs or just started listening, her performance makes for an empowering and high-energy experience.
