Ashton Nicole Casey, otherwise known as Ashnikko, is a rapper and singer who blends her music with a variety of genres, but is mainly known for electronic pop and rap. Ashnikko’s music is all about dismantling the patriarchy and female empowerment, and she has a personality that is hard to ignore in her image, songs and music videos.
On Jan. 15, Ashnikko released her first album, “DEMIDEVIL,” consisting of 10 songs, after a handful of EPs and singles over the last three years. This album is no different than some of her previous work, focusing on admonishing toxic men.
“Daisy” is a perfect representation of a song that she uses to supersede female stereotypes. Woman have been seen as the weaker sex, but this song counters that.
“Toxic” is a song that celebrates accomplishments and admonishes the haters of the world. Her opening line of the song, “You can’t stand to see me shine, better buy a visor,” is a perfect summation of the song.
“Deal With It (feat. Kelis)” is a truly epic break-up song and I feel like every single album needs one. This song speaks about moving on and choosing yourself. Self-love is one of the most important things we must tackle in life and this song is a remainder that moving on is important and you need no one as much as you need yourself.
“Cry (feat. Grimes)” is one of my favorites on the album. I can unapologetically scream the lyrics to this song in my car without worrying about looking like a crazy person. This song was the product of betrayal in a relationship, which I thought was beautifully executed through the lyrics. Even when you’re tough, it is okay to feel hurt and have a moment of sensitivity.
“Good While It Lasted” is one of the softer songs on the album that seems to represent remembering the good and bad of a relationship that just didn’t work out. This song sings about coming to terms with the fact that you can’t always just blame the other person on why the relationship failed.
Everyone should go ahead and stream this album as well as Ashnikko’s previous songs. “DEMIDEVIL” is a compilation of highs and lows that we can all, at one point or another, relate to.
