Nasty C’s 2025 album Free is a bold statement of growth and experimentation, showcasing an artist unafraid to step beyond the familiar boundaries of hip-hop. Unlike the more grounded, personal storytelling of his last project I Love It Here, this album embraces versatility and creative risk, embodying the freedom suggested by its title. Over the course of 16 tracks, Nasty C delivers a mix of high-energy bangers, smooth melodic cuts, and deeply introspective pieces that highlight both his lyrical prowess and his willingness to experiment with sound.
Nasty C recently appeared on 002 (Freestyle).
Musically, Free is genre-fluid. It blends his core hip-hop sound with influences from R&B, house, rock, pop, and even touches of Zulu maskandi, creating an eclectic sonic palette that feels both global and rooted in South African culture. This diversity ensures the album avoids monotony, moving seamlessly from club-ready tracks to soulful, reflective compositions. The production is layered and dynamic, featuring both longtime collaborators and fresh voices who add dimension to the project.
Thematically, Free is anchored in self-liberation, resilience, and cultural pride. Tracks like FTW and Switch capture his defiant, confident energy, affirming his refusal to be boxed in by expectation. Meanwhile, songs such as Head Up and Other Plans bring out a more vulnerable, reflective side, showing his ability to balance swagger with sincerity. Collaborations with artists like Blxckie, Tellaman, and Tshego highlight camaraderie and shared growth within the South African music space, further grounding the project in community while still aiming for global resonance.
Nasty C – Intro
Nasty C & Blxckie – Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)
Nasty C – Shmokin
Nasty C – Switch
Nasty C – Head Up
Nasty C & Usimamane – Soft
Nasty C – That’s Whassup
Nasty C – 10 Shooters
Nasty C – Ice
Nasty C – Psychic
Nasty C – MSP (feat. DJ Speedsta)
Nasty C – Selfish
Nasty C – Big Timing (feat. Tellaman)
Nasty C – Evidence
Nasty C – Other Plans (Interlude)
Nasty C – Not Tonight (feat. Tshego)
