The duo have great energy on 'Jealous' but in real life, the rapper and singer have become tightknit friends too.
Rico Nasty and Mahalia were on triple j Breakfast this week (Monday) to chat with Bryce and Ebony about their recent collaboration, the dynamic bop 'Jealous'.
The song puts the spotlight on both artists' versatility while also bumping up the attitude stakes. 'Jealous' is a track for haters to let sink in and in doing so, Rico and Mahalia absolutely shine.
First Spin: Mahalia and Rico Nasty are a total mood on new track 'Jealous'Opening up about the origins of the track, Mahalia said that 'Jealous' was a bit of an acknowledgement that jealousy can breed real negativity in people. And when it manifests in the people who are supposed to support and rally around you, it sucks even more.
"If I'm being completely real, I had [this voice] saying in my head people are jealous, people are jealous of things I have." she said. "I always thought that was narcissistic until I got older and realised that jealousy and envy are real things and it's extremely negative."
"I was going through my shit, I was dealing with really shit, unsupportive friends who were just spouting their negative energy at me. I had to write a song about it."
Bringing in Rico Nasty, who's been enjoying a hectic ride to widespread notoriety herself over the last few years, Mahalia thought it was fitting to bring a fresh attitude that was so uniquely Rico into her world.
"I don't need to say it, everybody knows, but Rico is a rock star." she said. "For me, she just completely says it how it is from start to finish. The idea of having her on a track like this where, for the first time ever, I felt like I was finally laying down some real shit? She felt like the perfect girl to join on it with me."
Loading...The feeling was definitely mutual for Rico, who added in her own perspective on the track and how it brought her closer together with Mahalia. Having met via FaceTime through a mutual friend, the girls' connection was pretty instant.
"I think COVID may have brought the worst out of some people, I will say that." Rico told Bryce and Ebony.
"There comes a time where someone is saying "That person is probably jealous of you," and you think to yourself, "They would never be, I treat them so well." I think this is where my perspective comes from; I treat them so well and I'm so nice, why would they be jealous? Being a loving person can make people jealous, because some people just aren't as loving."
Of Mahalia, Rico is a strong stan for the British singer's warm and open personality and sheer ability to make people feel special.
"I can't lie, you have a light around you," Rico said to her during their interview. "Every time I talk to you, you have this thing; it makes me feel open, it makes me feel like I've known you since forever."
"You've gotta protect that light! I love this song, it's an anthem. For jealous friends, for jealous people in relationships, period. This is one of my favourite collabs."
Listen to Rico Nasty and Mahalia chatting about linking up for the first time, as well as Rico's bizarre mouth spitting fan requests, below:
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