The son of Madonna, Rocco Richie, recently shared his thoughts on Nepo Babies during an interview, describing them as “not the most interesting group.”
Insights from Fashion Magazine Interview
In an interview featured in the Daily Mail and the latest issue of Fantastic magazine, the 24-year-old Richie spoke about his flourishing career as an artist. He has successfully held several exhibitions of his paintings, with his latest work, Tourist, showcased by Georgio Armani in Paris.
Richie expressed that the Nepo Baby label doesn’t fully apply to him, as he has been operating independently from his famous parents, including his mother, Madonna, and his father, director Guy Ritchie. He also questioned the relevance of such labels in his native language.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “Nepo Baby” refers to a person who gains success or opportunities due to family connections, particularly being the child of a famous individual (like an actor, musician, entrepreneur, or politician).
“I always find it amusing that some of the most beautiful cathedrals were built over generations by the same family,” he commented in the Fantastic interview.
“And now, if you were born into a famous family—and I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that—you begin to look at Nepo Babies, and they really aren’t the most captivating group, right?” he remarked.
Richie further stated that as an adult, he prefers interacting with skateboarders over “upper-class people.”
“I immediately thought, this is a great place. The best years of my life,” he said. “I mean, who are the most fun people? Not so fun.”
The conversation comes shortly after Lexi Jones, David Bowie’s daughter, published a poem reflecting on her lineage after the release of her debut album, “Xandri.”
“I am the daughter of legends, but I am more than just my name,” the poem reads. “They see blood, they hear the sound, but they don’t see me, they don’t feel the same.”
Rocco Richie, Madonna, and Lourdes Leon in 2023. Credit: Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty images
Rocco’s sister, Lourdes Leon, is following in their mother’s footsteps as a pop artist, performing under the stage name Lolahol.
Last year, Madonna celebrated her “incredibly talented” children by sharing a message about their efforts during her “Celebration” tour. “I believe my children appreciated the rehearsals and performances the most this year; they have learned that if you want to follow your dreams, you must work hard for them,” she wrote.
Recently, several artists have criticized the Nepo Baby label. Lola Young referred to it as “garbage” after people highlighted her connection to author Julia Donaldson. Similarly, Phoenix Brown, daughter of Mel B, remarked in an interview that “children have never faced such hatred.”
Conversely, Luke Pritchard from Kooks defended Cruise Beckham during an interview, who has been reportedly receiving help from his parents to pursue a music career.
“Of course, he will be criticized for who his parents are,” Pritchard said. “He understands this. It was quite amusing when he said, ‘Jesus was also a child.’ I thought it was a rather funny response.”
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
