Words and Photos by Sharron Lou
New York doesn’t do anything halfway, and neither does Rico Nasty. Hours before doors opened on October 15, 2025, fans packed the streets outside Irving Plaza, buzzing with anticipation for her show.
From the moment she stepped on stage, Rico owned it. The crowd erupted as she tore into “Who Want It” and “Teethsucker,” her voice cutting through the room with fearless energy. Backed by a live drummer and guitarist, every track hit harder — raw, gritty, and charged with punk attitude. Her new album LETHAL has been called her most personal and fearless work yet, and that spirit came alive in every note.
What stood out most about Rico’s New York performance was both her intensity and control. She’s no longer trying to prove herself. She’s sharpening what she’s already built. The rage is still there, but it’s more focused, more deliberate, and laced with emotion.
Later in the night, “Smack a Bitch” set the crowd off. Fans rushed the stage, screaming every word. It was a full-circle moment, proving how far Rico has come and how confidently she commands her sound.When the lights went down, the energy lingered. Strangers grinned through smudged eyeliner, still catching their breath and soaking it all in. LETHAL might be the album, but New York brought its energy to life.
Loudspeaker Collective 