It’s easy to get lost in the noise of today’s music world. Trends come and go, algorithms reward what’s viral, and everyone’s trying to sound like the next big thing. But Canadian-Nigerian artist Rico? He’s not here for any of that. He’s here to tell his truth—and people are listening.
In just a few years, Rico has gone from a kid experimenting with melodies in his room to an artist with over 200,000 yearly Spotify listeners, a viral hit with half a million streams, and a live set that once opened for Rich the Kid. But none of that came overnight.
“I started making music in 2019,” he says. “Back then, it was just about figuring out my sound—seeing what felt real to me. I wasn’t chasing hits. I was chasing honesty.”
A Sound That Lives Between Worlds
Born in Canada with Nigerian roots, Rico grew up surrounded by music, studios, and the kind of raw creativity that sticks with you. His sound today is a seamless fusion of R&B, Trap, and Hip-Hop, pulling inspiration from artists like Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and 6lack—but always filtered through his own lived experiences.
“Everything I write comes from something real,” he says. “Relationships, culture, self-growth—these aren’t characters I’m playing. It’s just me.”
And that authenticity shows. Over the past three years, Rico’s dropped 45+ original tracks, with songs like “Invisible” hitting deep and sticking around—racking up 500K+ streams without a major push or industry machine.
“Seeing people connect with ‘Invisible’—fans from places I’ve never even been—was wild. That’s when I knew the music was bigger than just me.”
No Hype. Just Hustle.
Rico’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest? Balancing a full-time grind in music while finishing his bachelor’s degree. While some artists have the luxury of dropping everything to chase music, Rico had to do both—and still come correct.
“That hustle taught me a lot,” he reflects. “Discipline, patience, and the importance of doing things on your terms, even if it takes longer.”
And clearly, it’s working. His rise from just 5,700 monthly Spotify listeners to six figures a year wasn’t fueled by gimmicks—it was built on consistency, evolution, and heart.
Not Just a Rapper. A Storyteller.
What sets Rico apart is how grounded he is in his message. He’s not here to mimic the moment—he’s here to build a legacy. His songs walk a fine line between head-nodding sonics and soul-searching lyrics, making them resonate with fans of everything from Bryson Tiller to Giveon.
“People can smell fake from a mile away,” he says. “I don’t want to be the hottest for a week. I want to make music that still matters in five, ten years.”
That mindset is already shaping his next chapter. With a growing fanbase, a clear voice, and the kind of catalog that keeps evolving, Rico is focused on the long game.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Rico wants more than streams. He wants to connect. He sees a future where the name Rico means more than just good music—it stands for something real.
“I want to perform around the world. Work with the artists who inspired me. But mostly, I want to keep creating music that makes people feel seen.”
Because for Rico, it’s never been about blowing up overnight. It’s about building something that lasts.
Follow Rico:
TikTok | YouTube | Direct.Me
Check out his feature on VoyageATL: voyageatl.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-rico