Genre-bending, rage unleashed.
Lethal, the third studio album by Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, better known as Rico Nasty, was released May 16, 2025, on Fueled by Ramen, the indie label famed for Fall Out Boy and Paramore. It is her first post-Atlantic release (via. Rap-Up). Executive produced by Imad Royal, the album spans fifteen tracks and runs just under 34 minutes.
Transitioning from her Atlantic era, Rico Nasty found a creative reset signing with Fueled by Ramen, where she leaned into a raw, genre-blurring sound (via. Marie Claire; Harper’s Bazaar). Lethal melds rap, punk, metal and pop into bursts of emotional and sonic chaos, yet reflects an artist newly in tune with her real self—a contrast to her past personas.
Clocking in at 33:53 over 15 tracks, including “Who Want It,” “Teethsucker (Yea3x),” “On the Low,” “Butterfly Kisses,” “Smoke Break” and the tender closer “Smile, ” Lethal moves at a relentless pace (via. Rico Nasty Store). “Teethsucker (Yea3x)” led the release rollout in February (via. Pitchfork), followed by “On the Low” in March (via. NME) and “Butterfly Kisses” paired with “Can’t Win Em All” in May (via. Uproxx).
The opener, “Who Want It,” rockets out as a blitzed-out intro.“Teethsucker (Yea3x)” sustains that fury with a trap-rock attitude. “On the Low” provides a rare moment of sweetness amid the chaos. “Soul Snatcher” sees Rico shifting through multiple rap personas. “Smoke Break” unleashes guttural metal screams. “Pink” offers a bubblegum pop-trap sheen, while “Crash” leans pop-rock catchiness. The closing “Smile,” is a heartfelt ode to her teenage son.
The production blends programming with live instrumentation and aggressive textural shifts, from screamo to melodic rap. Pitchfork noted that the genre shifts can feel scattered, yet moments like “On the Low” and the heavy-lift of metal-tinted tracks showcase her unfiltered passion.
Fans on Reddit anticipated the May 16 release and expressed excitement about her new label and sound. Her NPR Tiny Desk concert confirmed that this new, vulnerable side, particularly “Crash,” resonates deeply in performance (via. Washington Post).
Pitchfork awarded Lethal a 6.7 out of 10, praising its emotional urgency but noting inconsistent cohesion amid shifting styles (via. Pitchfork). Clash rated the album eight out of ten, commending its “rugged, lawless sounds” and energy. DIY scored it three-and-a-half stars, calling it “an alluring feat” of reaffirming Rico’s legacy. Rolling Stone also scored it three-and-a-half stars, noting its rock-inflected intensity and introspection.
Lethal is a bold reinvention for Rico Nasty – raw, emotional and full of energy. From intense screams to softer moments, she shows honesty and leaves past personas behind. The album’s sharp contrasts may feel messy at times, but that’s part of its appeal. Many listeners will find it fun, exciting and enjoyable as Rico Nasty proves herself once again as a powerful and authentic artist.
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