Rico Nasty - Las Ruinas

After building a name for herself via the incendiary attitude that runs through to 2020’s full-length debut ‘Nightmare Vacation’, it looks like Rico Nasty just might be getting vulnerable on us. Now, fans of her explosive side will find plenty to love on ‘Las Ruinas’ - see the breakbeat-driven ‘Intrusive’ and future bad bitch anthem ‘Watch Your Man’ - but where this mixtape excels is when it diverts from the Rico we know. The first half is noticeably heavier, while the second houses a more experimental, exposed side to the artist. She explores a bubblegum bass sound; ‘One On 5’ is noticeably lacking her signature raspy flow, instead her delivery is more akin to that of Shygirl. There’s a relatable innocence on show: “You could tell me the sky was green I’d believe / Finding you was relief.” Moments like this break down the walls that Rico had previously built up around herself. Maybe she’s not as Nasty as she’d have us all believe.