NASTY C INTERVIEW: VIPER caught up with South African Rap icon, Nasty C, as he enters a bold new chapter of his career. Now fully independent under his own label, Tall Racks, the chart topping star released his fifth studio album, ‘FREE’, earlier this month. Known for pushing boundaries in African Hip Hop, Nasty C delivers a raw and unfiltered 15-track project that captures his evolution as both an artist and individual. Featuring standout collaborations with Blxckie, Usimamane and more, ‘FREE’ is a defiant statement of creative control, growth, and liberation.
What keeps you grounded?
My love for music. Being able to create, release it, and see people connect with it that’s everything.
Growing up, which albums shaped your sound?
Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter III’ and ‘Tha Carter IV’, plus his ‘Drought’ and ‘No Ceilings’ mixtapes. I’m a huge Wayne fan. T.I. was another big influence, and ‘Rappa Ternt Sanga’ by T-Pain too.
Outside of music, what passions drive you?
Gaming especially Call of Duty. I run Ivyson Gaming, which organises tournaments and connects the gaming and music worlds. At shows, we even set up gaming stations for fans. Fashion is another passion, I’m working on fresh merch.
‘Free’ is your first project under your own label. What does independence mean to you at this point?
It means everything. Full control [over] what I release, how, and where. I enjoy seeing results in real time, knowing the ideas are mine. Independence is about ownership and I want that to become the norm for African artists.
What does the album title, ‘Free’, represent?
On the surface, it’s about doing whatever I want, whenever I want. But deeper than that, it’s about breaking away from things that held me captive; addictions, expectations, even moving with the crowd. Fatherhood and independence have taught me a lot. Today, I feel truly free.
Which track was the most challenging to write?
‘Evidence’. It’s about having faith in God but also questioning things like whether heaven is real, or if sacrificing worldly pleasures is worth it. I wanted it to be relatable without sounding preachy, and still musically engaging. That balance was tough.
Do you believe what you write manifests in real life?
Absolutely. I believe in the law of attraction speaking things into existence, I think lyrics can materialise.
How about collaborations – do you think energy and alignment play a role?
Definitely. For example, one of my first music memories was listening to T.I.—and now I have a song with him. That’s alignment. In the studio, it’s all about energy and flow.
How important is it to collaborate with South African artists?
Very important. We have incredible talent at home. Collaborations help expose each artist to new audiences, it opens doors.
How has family influenced your career?
A lot, I’ve cut back on late nights and heavy touring to spend time with my child. It’s also influenced my writing. I steer away from negativity and beef, focusing on positive growth.
Do you face creative blocks? How do you overcome them?
Definitely. Sometimes the best solution is to step away. I’ll paint, watch movies, or game for weeks. That way, I return with fresh energy.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Making music purely out of passion, not necessity. I’ll be running companies that support the music industry, but I won’t be as hands-on. Most importantly, I’ll be present as a father.
Your legacy what do you hope people say when they hear your name?
That I was genuine, fair, fun to be around, and that I made inspiring music for a generation.
What life lesson would you share with fans?
Don’t compromise who you are to live someone else’s version of life. I wasted years pretending to be someone I wasn’t. Stay true to yourself.
What has fame taught you?
People often use others for their own advantage. Don’t take it personally—it’s just how the world works. Find ways to make those situations beneficial for everyone.
What’s something you had to unlearn as you grew?
Being “too cool.” For years I lived up to that image – the grills, the persona. Eventually, I had to shed it to live peacefully and authentically. I lost people along the way, but it was necessary to find myself.
Thank you for your honesty. As you step into this new era of independence, what’s next?
Just continuing the journey building, learning, and creating with freedom.
Interview by Dejee Jno-Baptiste
