Providence’s own Rico Still Made It is determined to prove that his city belongs on the hip-hop map. The rapper, who once went by Rico Smash, stopped by The Franchise Report to reintroduce himself, share his journey, and deliver an unforgettable live performance that showcased both grit and heart.
Fresh off a chapter of growth and reflection, Rico explained that his new name reflects both survival and optimism.
With roots in rap that stretch back to his elementary school days, he describes his sound as lyrical yet versatile, refusing to box himself into one lane.
His ultimate goal? To break barriers for Rhode Island artists. Rico wants to inspire the next generation while showing the wider world that talent and determination thrive in his city.
Rico is in what he calls groundwork mode, networking, doing shows, and building his presence on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. His upcoming project, What They Know About Me, is slated for mid-August, promising a mix of love, positivity, and authenticity for his community.
Mid-interview, Rico launched into a powerful freestyle performance, weaving through themes of struggle, incarceration, heartbreak, and perseverance. His delivery was raw, passionate, and unfiltered, avoiding clichés about guns or drugs while zeroing in on survival and growth.
The performance drew instant praise from hosts Leticia and Franchise, who applauded both his energy and his message.
Closing out the show, Rico expressed thanks to those who supported him during hard times, while sending love back to his city.
