Rico Nasty Dances in the Mirror to This Playlist

Photo courtesy of Rico Nasty.

Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview‘s weekly destination for playlists curated by our friends, enemies, and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured playlists from Grace VanderWaal, David Longstreth and Mel Ottenberg. This week’s edition arrives courtesy of Summer 2025 issue star Rico Nasty. The Maryland native and rage-rap pioneer recently released her third studio album, Lethal, a project as raw and unapologetic as she is. After gracing the pages of the mag in nothing but Interview duct tape, we had her cook up a playlist with everything from Chief Keef bangers and DC gogo to Joan Jett and The Cranberries. She also answered our questionnaire, where she shared her thoughts on life’s big questions: spirituality, motherhood and the best iCarly character.

Where do you dance? Anywhere there’s a mirror.

Who do you trust most with the aux? If I let you drive my car, I trust you on Aux. If not. Then haha speaks for itself.

What song do you wish you wrote? Sade, “By Your Side.”

What genre do you have on repeat? I don’t rlly have a specific one on repeat other than hip-hop or rock.

What song on this playlist makes you cry? Sade, “By Your Side” lol.

What was your first concert? Chris Brown and Soulja Boy at the Verizon Center.

Favorite decade in music? The ’90s.

Name a song that reminds you of your hometown: “Pieces of Me” by Rare Essence.

Dream collab, dead or alive? Joan Jett, Miley, or Rih.

Favorite SoundCloud rapper? Me.

What’s a music taste red flag? They only listen to oldies.

What are you DoorDashing to the studio? Champagne and Yerba Mate.

How do you rage? Whenever however.

What has being a mother taught you in your music career? Time flies by.

Three words to describe your new album: Lethal lethal LETHAL.

Out of the characters you’ve created, which do you connect most with right now? I actually feel like I’m just me again, Maria.

How do you stay inspired? Don’t take advice from people who don’t make art.

Are you spiritual? I pray.

Favorite iCarly character? Sam.

The world is ending, what are you wearing? My New Rocks and a North Face backpack full of supplies.