As a fixture of South African hip-hop for the past decade, Nasty C would like it to be known that upon the release of his aptly titled fifth album, Free, he’s more at peace with his creative practice than ever.

“This album was inspired by feeling free to be creative and do all sorts of different new stuff, and experience some new things,” the Durban-raised MC tells Apple Music. “That’s pretty much what it was, and exploring different sounds.”

On his previous album, 2023’s I Love It Here, Nasty celebrated the joys of fatherhood and the stability of long-term love, wrapped in the bouncy trap-influenced soundscapes that have defined his career. With Free, he embraces the mobility of self-determination, delighting in an ability to chart his own course regardless of where it lands him. Across 16 tracks, Nasty flexes his range—he’s back outside on the trippy “Shmokin,” then turning reflective on “That’s Whassup,” a song inspired by conversations with nieces and nephews.

True to form, the MC folds house, rock, R&B, and even touches of maskandi into his expansive interpretation of hip-hop. “No two songs are the same, and some songs lean more towards the pop side of things,” he says. “Some even touch on maskandi a little bit, which is like a Zulu genre. It’s a South African genre, but it’s very, very heavy in the Zulu culture; that was pretty exciting to do.”

Below, Nasty C breaks down Free, track by track.

“Intro”

“‘Intro’ is one of those where the beat just inspires everything I say on the song, and you just ride the energy of the beat. We were in the studio, making music with some cool, creative people; talented artists.”

“Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)”

“Kind of the same thing as ‘Intro’—I just wanted something very high-energy, playful, melodic. Not too crazy on the lyrics and punchlines, just a vibe. It was produced by Cxdy, a producer I like working with from the States. He’s sick.”

“Shmokin”

“I recorded this one at my house in Joburg. Same vibey energy as the first two songs, but the concept developed into feeling like I’m back outside—smoking, drinking, vibing, mosh pits—all that energy.”

“Switch”

“‘Switch’ is about staying loyal to your friends and not switching because of outside opinions. Friendship shouldn’t be dictated by what people think you should do or who you should hang with. It’s about being true to yourself and your people.”

“Head Up”

“Produced by RJ Banks. I brought my live band into the studio to add live elements. It’s about staying positive, keeping your eyes on the prize, and focusing on the mission no matter what people say. People will always have opinions, but if you follow your heart, they’ll understand in the end.”

“Soft”

“Straightforward. It’s about working hard just to live soft: grinding, hustling, surviving. I made the beat for this one.”

“That’s Whassup”

“A laid-back, interlude-type song. It’s me reflecting on my influence on my younger siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. They see my lifestyle as fascinating and cool, and every time I go back home in Durban, that realization kicks in.”

“10 Shooters”

“MashBeatz made the beat. It was one of those studio days where you’re vibing, creating, and it just flows.”

“Ice”

“I was in the studio with Kling from Saak Beats. We ran through beats, laid down ideas, and this one stood out. The beat is fire, but the sample just takes it to another level.”

“Psychic”

“One I made myself. I was freestyling while producing the beat, and by the time the beat was done, I already had the concept. Just vibing.”

“MSP” (feat. DJ Speedsta)

“Produced by Spaced Time. I was experimenting and having fun. The title comes from a local slang term, ‘ma se poes,’ which is big in the coloured community. In the first verse, I talk about guys hating and giving weird vibes. The second half touches on the same energy from females.”

“Selfish”

“This one’s for my girlfriend, reaffirming my love for her. It’s about wanting the relationship to last forever, keeping my intentions pure like when we started. The album begins with vibes but here it settles down into something more intimate.”

“Big Timing” (feat. Tellaman)

“About making it big with your friends and sticking together. Losing friends along the way makes me appreciate the ones who stayed even more. It feels good to succeed with your people.”

“Evidence”

“A song about faith—believing in God and asking the big questions: Is heaven real? Is it worth sacrificing so much for something you can’t see? No one’s ever come back with proof, so it’s about wrestling with doubt while still believing.”

“Other Plans (Interlude)”

“About being in that awkward space with someone you’re dating—unsure if it’s a break, a breakup, or just a phase. I reflect on the good times and where things might have gone wrong.”

“Not Tonight” (feat. Tshego)

“The feature is my brother Tshego, a dope South African artist I’ve known for close to 10 years. He’s been on a dance wave, and his voice is crazy. Produced by Saak Beats, the same team behind ‘Ice.’”

Free captures a Nasty C who is unafraid to push his sound beyond borders—whether experimenting with maskandi influences, building anthems with longtime collaborators, or diving into intimate love songs. It’s an album that reflects freedom in every sense: artistic, personal, and spiritual.