Thursday 8/20: Rico Nasty - "IPHONE"
Today we share our thoughts on a new song by Maryland rapper Rico Nasty.
Welcome to Endless Scroll, the brainchild of Eli Enis (he/him) and Eric Bennett (they/them). Since Feb. 2019, we’ve been a weekly podcast about music, the internet, and where those two things intersect. Now we’re, also a M-F newsletter about songs. Our format is simple: a link to a song and a short take from each of us about what we think of it. Each day of the week has a corresponding genre: Monday is indie, Tuesday is punk, Wednesday is hip-hop, Thursday is pop, and Friday is misc.
This week, while Eli is away on vacation, the newsletter will feature contributions from a series of writers we love.
Today, we share our thoughts on a new song from the Maryland rapper Rico Nasty. We’re joined by Atlanta, Georgia based music writer Hope Ankney. You can read some of Hope’s work for Soundigest here.
Hope Ankney:
Last November is when Rico Nasty began teasing out her track “iPhone.” Produced by 100 Gecs’ Dylan Brady, the song was instantly anticipated by fans. Its delay was in part by her determination to get Lil Uzi Vert as a feature on it. Last Friday the tune finally dropped, and even though Lil Uzi Vert is nowhere to be seen, the track loses none of its steam. It’s a hyper-pop anthem reminiscent of Dylan Brady’s brand. I always forget how solid both he and Rico are when they work together (“Ringtone” remix, anyone?). “iPhone” rolls like a chaotic power-trip with enough energy to revive this quarantine. The hook is one for the books, and even though Brady’s beats all sound similar to me, Rico absolutely kills it here. Writing the lyrics, “smoking so much gas, I forgot to put my mask on” before COVID occurred packs heat knowing how ahead of the curve Rico Nasty always is. Also, a friend pointed out to me that sometimes she sounds like if Angelica Pickles from the Rugrats started a rap career (which is a compliment by the way. Angelica was a badass), and I can’t unhear it. Now, that I’ve passed it along to you, I’m sure you’ll never unhear it either. Anyways, “iPhone” is frustratingly replay-able, and it’s most definitely Rico Nasty’s best work to date.
Eric Bennett:
As hyperpop devolves into, well, just pop, it will be interesting to see who developed with it and stands as the new guard. For now, though, Dylan Brady is still working his way through music’s up-and-coming talents. Ever since it was teased he’d been producing for Rico Nasty, the idea seemed only natural. Rico was already one of the most captivating artists of the moment, steering her career ever forward, and at her own pace. “IPHONE” is without question her most commercially accessible track yet. As much as her aggression filled songs like “Rage” and “Smack a Bitch” are incredible, they’re not the kind of bangers that get you radio play. “IPHONE” could help elevate her. It’s catchy as hell and proves her pop bona fides. The track displays equally the artistry at the center of its two creators, making it a perfect collaboration.