Maria Kelly

Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, professionally known as Rico Nasty, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born on May 7, 1997, in Largo, Maryland, she gained widespread recognition for her distinctive, energetic delivery that blends hip-hop with punk and trap metal influences. Rising to fame through self-released mixtapes and viral digital singles, Kelly has established herself as a prominent voice in modern rap and alternative hip-hop.

About

Raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, Kelly developed an early interest in music influenced by her parents' eclectic tastes and the local scene. She began writing and recording music while attending high school, releasing her debut mixtape, Summer's Eve, in 2014. Her early work fused bright electronic production with raw vocal delivery, laying the groundwork for her signature sound, which she famously coined "sugar trap". Over time, her avant-garde fashion sense and expressive visuals made her a standout figure across social media platforms.

Career Highlights

Kelly's breakout moment arrived with early online singles such as "iCarly" and "Hey Arnold," which generated significant traction on SoundCloud. She achieved widespread mainstream visibility in 2018 with her hit anthems "Smack a Bitch" and "Poppin". Following these breakthroughs, she signed with Atlantic Records and released her acclaimed mixtape Nasty in 2018, followed by Anger Management, a collaborative project with producer Kenny Beats in 2019. In December 2020, Kelly released her debut studio album, Nightmare Vacation, which featured hit collaborations and reached top positions on Billboard music charts. She continued her prolific output with her mixtape Las Ruinas in 2022 and subsequent live performance tours, maintaining an influential position in contemporary music.

Personal Life

Kelly is the mother of a son, Cameron, born during her senior year of high school, whom she frequently cites as her greatest inspiration for building her music career. Now based in Los Angeles, California, she maintains an active public profile through her official social media channels, where she shares updates on her music, fashion ventures, and lifestyle with a global audience.