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South African rap heavyweight Nasty C has opened up about the surprising inspiration behind his latest project “FREE,” revealing that it was Post Malone’s chart-topping hit “Better Now” that helped shape the emotional tone of the album.
Speaking during an episode of Backstory Beats on +44 with Amazon Music, Nasty C gave fans a rare look into the creative process behind FREE, which was released last month to critical acclaim.
“It’s definitely Post Malone’s ‘Better Now’,” Nasty C shared when asked if any particular song had a significant influence on his new album. “I was playing that song a lot.”
The rapper went on to explain what stood out to him about the track. “The creativity behind it, the catchiness of it, the honesty in the lyrics too,” he said.
The album features tracks that lean into lighter, stripped-back instrumentation, where lyrical honesty becomes the focal point. Songs like “Head Up,” “ suggest an artist in transition exploring freedom not only as a concept but also as a personal journey.
The title FREE itself hints at a layered meaning. While it suggests liberation, it also implies something fleeting, freedom “for now.” This duality runs throughout the album, where moments of peace are tempered by the recognition that personal growth is ongoing.
Though rooted in hip-hop, FREE blends elements of alternative sounds, reflecting Nasty C’s ongoing evolution as an artist with global reach. The Post Malone influence, particularly from a song like “Better Now”, makes sense when viewed in the context of this genre-blending and emotional accessibility.
FREE has already sparked conversations among fans with many praising its honesty and sonic maturity. It’s not just a step forward musically, it’s a statement of intent. With a growing international presence and a renewed focus on storytelling, Nasty C is positioning himself as one of Africa’s most emotionally resonant hip-hop voices. If this project is anything to go by, his next chapter promises even greater creative freedom.
As Nasty C continues to navigate fame, expectations, and personal truth, FREE stands as one of his most introspective and mature works to date. And as he revealed, sometimes it only takes one song to unlock a new direction.
