Rico Nasty is heading back to Australia, and she’s bringing her trademark chaos with her. The American rapper has announced her first Australian headline shows for February 2027, ending a seven-year absence with two dates in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Maryland-born artist hits Sydney’s Metro Theatre on 9 February before heading to Melbourne’s Max Watts on 14 February, alongside appearances at Laneway Festival 2027.
Few rappers have blurred the boundaries between hip-hop, punk and metal quite like Rico Nasty. Since breaking through with 2018’s Smack a Btch*, she’s built a reputation for abrasive beats, ferocious vocals and a confrontational stage presence that owes as much to rock’s rebellious spirit as it does to rap.
Her distinctive Sugar Trap sound, which swings between sugary melodies and full-throttle rage, has helped reshape alternative hip-hop and influence a generation of artists unwilling to stick to one genre.
Her latest album, RX, released in July, sees her reconnect with the unruly sound that first made her impossible to ignore. Working with producers Kenny Beats and Dylan Brady of 100 gecs, Rico pushes further into experimental territory on tracks including BUTTHEAD, CUPCAKE and KISS N MAKE UP.
It’s another chapter in a career that has seen her collaborate with Doechii, Kali Uchis, Charli xcx and Doja Cat. More recently, she’s toured alongside Magdalena Bay supporting Hayley Williams across the US, even joining the Paramore frontwoman onstage for a performance of Airplanes.
She’s also ventured into acting, appearing alongside Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
But it’s onstage where Rico Nasty really makes her mark. Her performances are loud, unpredictable and frequently closer to a punk gig than a conventional hip-hop show.
After more than seven years away, Australian audiences finally get the chance to experience that energy in the close quarters of two headline venues.
Rico Nasty plays Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Tuesday 9 February and Melbourne’s Max Watts on Sunday 14 February, alongside her Laneway Festival appearances.
Frontier Members presale begins Thursday 5 November at 11am local time, with general tickets on sale Friday 6 November at 12pm local time.
Go HERE for ticketing information.
