South African hip hop superstar Nasty C has entered a powerful new chapter with the release of his fifth studio album, FREE. Dropped on 12 September 2025, the project is his first under his independent label Tall Racks Records, marking a bold move for one of Africa’s most celebrated rappers.
The Durban-born artist has long been recognized as a trailblazer in African hip hop, with multiple awards, international collaborations, and a reputation for bending genres with ease. With FREE, Nasty C reclaims control of his art and his story. “With this album I feel very free,” he explained. “Free to create and express myself however I want. Releasing this project on my own label means a lot. It speaks to freedom.”
A Declaration of Independence
Spanning 15 tracks, FREE blends raw rap anthems with introspective moments. From the lyrical intensity of Psychic to the softer tones of Soft featuring Durban rapper Usimamane, the album showcases the rapper’s versatility. Current single Leftie, featuring Blxckie, pairs vulnerability with bravado, while the standout track Head Up carries a motivational message about patience, resilience, and self-belief.
The project is more than music. It is a manifesto of independence, reflecting Nasty C’s personal and professional growth. Beyond the studio, the rapper has drawn headlines for taking on everyday jobs like bagging groceries, fixing engines, and cutting hair. He calls it a way of connecting with ordinary people and staying grounded, mirroring the mindset behind FREE.
With distribution through Platoon, Tall Racks Records is positioning itself as a platform for boundary-breaking sounds. The ethos of artistic ownership runs through every note of the album, reinforcing Nasty C’s mission to inspire a generation of African creatives to own their vision.
Global Hip Hop Powerhouse
Already boasting more than one billion streams, nearly 2 million monthly Spotify listeners, and 5 million Instagram followers, Nasty C is South Africa’s top hip hop export. He has collaborated with stars like T.I., A$AP Ferg, Benny the Butcher, and Ari Lennox, and his music has been championed by platforms including BET, BBC 1Xtra, GRM Daily, and Audiomack.
With FREE, he adds another milestone to a career that continues to break barriers for African hip hop. The album is available now on streaming platforms worldwide, accompanied by the official visuals for the focus track Head Up.
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