Rico

Never knew you, want to know who you are.

Rico is considered one of the most influential rappers in Dutch hip-hop. He made his breakthrough with the Zwolle-based hip-hop group Opgezwolle and, with this legendary crew, won awards including the Gouden Grepen, State Awards and a Zilveren Harp. After the group split up in 2007, Rico continued with Sticks. Together and as a solo artist, they have released more than ten albums and performed at major festivals such as Pinkpop and Lowlands. Rico is more than just a rapper; he is the mentor who, through the Fakkelteit, shows the new generation the way and who also dares to show his most vulnerable side. Following Rated R (2021) and Frenk de Slak (2023), in 2025 he published a book, Mijn eigen wereld , in collaboration with writer Job Hulsman, about his musical career and struggles with addiction. In April, he released his new album, Rico, about his search for himself. Expect a Rico Irie rated R DMT journey at Cultura Nova and, of course, plenty of new material.