On May 16, Rico touches down at BIRD, bringing razor-sharp bars, lived stories and pure hip-hop presence. As a driving force behind Opgezwolle, he helped shape Dutch rap history, stacking awards and tearing through stages from Lowlands to Pinkpop, plus stops at Paaspop and Oerol along the way.

Post-group, he never slowed down, dropping projects solo and with Sticks, building a catalog over ten releases deep and a live reputation that hits hard. Off stage, he founded a creative hub for youth, passing on craft, discipline and fire.

Following Rated R, Frenk de Slak and the book Mijn eigen wereld (written by Job Hulsman), April 2026 marks the arrival of his new album Rico; an introspective search for self, set to beats. This show is part of the release run.

Joining Rico on May 16: ZWARTEWATER

Raised on a rap diet of 90’s NYC underground and local legends, the trio from Zwolle, producer Milan with MCs Goudie and Frodeau, are carving their name deeper into the city’s hip-hop legacy. From behind the IJssel they bring a hard, ominous sound paired with razor-sharp, unfiltered lyrics.

Undeniable for the purists, but ready for a wider audience. In dimly lit venues they fire cryptic bars straight at everything shaping our world today, from global conflicts to battles in the upstairs room.

May 16. Raw hip-hop energy, live at BIRD.