RICO NASTY: LETHAL NORTH AMERICA

Always the rap world's biggest rock star, Rico Nasty is known for her own particular brand of rage-rap and for her outrageous on-stage, online, volume-up persona. But as she grew up, she started to feel trapped by the character she created. LETHAL, her latest album out now on Fueled by Ramen, is a reckoning of who Rico is at 28 with the trap-pop teen persona she created more than a decade ago.

Toronto-based artist Ebhoni Cato O’Garro, known professionally by her stage name SadBoi, has been lauded by Pitchfork as a “rising star” and is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. A recent 2025 JUNO Award nominee, SadBoi captivates audiences with her edgy vocals, emotionally charged lyrics, and an unmistakable sound that draws deeply from her Jamaican and
Antiguan roots. Her music blends reggae, baile-funk, dancehall, and Caribbean influences with elements of R&B, rap, rock, and pop to create a global sound that's uniquely hers. Her dedicated fanbase, affectionately called “The Crybabiez,” resonates with her grungy, alternative, and underground aesthetic, reflecting a fierce, unapologetic feminine energy. In 2024, SadBoi made a bold introduction with the release of her debut project, BARE CHAT. The tape showcased a raw mix of tracks, featuring collaborations with Kaliii and Brazilian duo Tasha & Tracie. It captured the emotional highs and lows of women navigating heartbreak, desire, and revenge—an anthem for those caught in the throes of complicated relationships. Building on the success of BARE CHAT, SadBoi delivered her sophomore EP, DRY CRY, in late 2024.

The project further explored themes of sexual liberation, healing from heartbreak, rekindling love, and embracing newfound confidence. DRY CRY garnered widespread acclaim, with Pitchfork praising it as “a declaration of incoming supremacy,” confirming SadBoi’s place in the spotlight. Collaborating with artists
like Smiley, Cash Cobain, Blanco, DJ SAZE, Cleotrapa, and Duquesa, she cemented her reputation as a genre-blending innovator. As part of her growing presence, SadBoi took her electrifying performances on the road, headlining her
first US shows and touring across Canada, Europe, and the UK. She graced festivals such as Mural Festival (Montreal), Wireless Block Party (London), Rolling Loud (Vienna), Ginger Festival (Amsterdam), Yardland Festival (Paris), and Dour Festival (Dour). Beyond music, she made her mark in fashion, appearing in a Topicals campaign and debuting on the runway at Paris and New York Fashion
Week, including walking in the Sp5dr NYFW show. SadBoi's latest pop-tinged single, "THERAPIST," co-produced by Canadian hitmakers Mike Wise
(Chappell Roan, Usher, Britney Spears) and Lowell (Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Tate McRae), presents a darkly playful exploration of love, obsession, and delusion. The track's debut on COLORSxSTUDIOS brought the song’s sharp humor and chaotic energy to life, with SadBoi delivering a performance that turned each lyric into an unforgettable diary entry of red flags. With a growing discography that blends catchy hooks with poignant storytelling, SadBoi continues to showcase her evolving artistry and the complexities of human emotions. Her music and stage presence
promise to leave an indelible mark on the music industry as her unique sound and bold approach to genre continue to captivate listeners worldwide.