Rico Nasty Announces Australian Headline Shows For 2027

Australia, prepare for a healthy dose of nastiness. Genre-smashing US rapper Rico Nasty is finally heading back Down Under after more than seven years, announcing her first-ever Australian headline shows for February 2027.

The boundary-pushing artist, whose ferocious fusion of hip-hop, punk, trap and nu-metal has earned her a reputation as one of rap’s most electrifying performers, will hit Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Tuesday, 9th February and Melbourne’s Max Watts on Sunday, 14th February.

Rico Nasty – ‘Frenzy’

The intimate gigs will take place alongside her previously announced appearances on the Laneway Festival 2027 lineup, giving Aussie fans two additional opportunities to experience her famously high-octane live show.

And for anyone who’s been waiting to witness Rico’s signature brand of sugar-coated sonic violence in the flesh, it’s been a long time coming.

Born Maria Kelly, Rico Nasty first emerged as a teenager with an uncompromising sound that gleefully blurred the lines between aggressive trap, bubblegum pop and punk rock rebellion.

Her breakout 2018 single Smack A Btch* helped cement her reputation as a trailblazer of the so-called rage-rap movement, with her abrasive delivery, infectious hooks and unapologetic attitude inspiring a new generation of genre-defying artists.

Since then, she’s continued to carve out a singular space in contemporary hip-hop, collaborating with the likes of Doechii, Kali Uchis, Charli xcx and Doja Cat.

Her Australian return follows the release of her latest album, RX, which arrived in July.

The record sees Rico reconnecting with the wild, experimental energy of her earlier work, teaming up with acclaimed producers Kenny Beats and Dylan Brady of 100 gecs for four months of studio sessions.

The result is a collection of gloriously unpredictable tracks including BUTTHEAD, CUPCAKE and KISS N MAKE UP, embracing everything from chaotic sonic experimentation to the unapologetic confidence that’s defined her career.

Speaking about the album, Rico described its sound as a collection of “sonically weird, crazy sounds”, with the project representing a return to making music entirely on her own terms.

The release has also earned critical acclaim, with Pitchfork describing it as her “most focused and satisfying work in years”.

And Rico’s been keeping some pretty impressive company onstage, too.

Following the album’s release, she joined Hayley Williams and Magdalena Bay on the Paramore frontwoman’s sold-out US tour, even teaming up with Williams for a performance of B.o.B’s 2010 hit Airplanes.

The collaboration marked the song’s first live performance in 16 years.

Somehow, Rico has also found time to expand her creative résumé beyond music, making her acting debut in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, alongside Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer.

But come February, the focus will be firmly back on the pit.

With her explosive stage presence, punk-rock attitude and refusal to play by genre rules, Rico Nasty’s long-awaited Australian comeback promises to be anything but ordinary.

Frontier Members can access a 24-hour presale from Thursday, 5th November at 11am local time, before general public tickets go on sale Friday, 6th November at 12pm local time.

Both headline shows are strictly 18+.

Check out the full details below!