For Nasty C, freedom isn’t about reinvention, it’s about reclaiming. With his latest album, Free, the rapper gets vulnerable, reflective, and more in control than ever. He opens up about finding strength in solitude, channeling honesty through music, and the grounding force of fatherhood.
Glamour: What does being “FREE” mean to you in this moment of your life and career?
Nasty C: It means being in control of a lot of things I didn’t really have control over before. It’s being free to express myself and be whoever I want to be, however I want to be.
Glamour: This album feels like a bold reset. What was the most personal track for you to write?
Nasty C: The album isn’t necessarily a bold reset, but the most personal track would definitely be “Head Up.”
Glamour: You’ve said you feel more honest and uncompromising with this project. What helped you unlock that freedom?
Nasty C: Me being honest and uncompromising has always been a part of who I am. That’s a constant theme throughout all my projects. It’s not really something new, so there wasn’t anything to unlock there. I’ve just always approached music that way. Obviously, I pick and choose which songs I want to be super honest and vulnerable on versus the ones that are more general.
Glamour: How different did the creative process feel now that you’re releasing music under your own label, Tall Racks?
Nasty C: The creative process hasn’t changed, it’s always been the same for me. What’s different now is the release process… I have a lot more control now, from deciding how and when to put the music out, to shaping the overall rollout. Of course, my team still comes in with their recommendations based on their experience and expertise, but ultimately, most of those decisions sit with me.
Glamour: “Head Up” has such an emotional core. What inspired that message or self-belief and patience?
Nasty C: I think it just comes from the kind of person I am. I’m patient with myself, even though I go through a lot. So, when I need encouragement or someone to help me get through tough situations, I’m pretty much that person for myself. It’s not that I don’t have people who support me, I definitely do, but I’m just not the kind of person who talks openly about my issues. So I end up being my own motivator, and reminder to keep my head up. Because of that, I try to be that same kind of person for others, too. That’s where that comes from.
Glamour: We’ve seen you working “odd jobs” like bagging groceries and fixing engines. What sparked that idea?
Nasty C: The idea actually started as a campaign concept that I came up with to push the song “Soft.” But I fell in love with it because of what came from it… getting to be out there, connecting with fans, and being seen in a different light. It allowed me to relate more to my fans, to be outside more, not just on stage or in the “superstar” moments.
Glamour: What did those real-life experiences teach you that fame or studio time never could?
Nasty C: I wouldn’t say they taught me anything new outside of the obvious skills that come with the work. It was just a refreshing experience overall.
Glamour: As a dad, a CEO, and a chart-topping artist, how do you stay grounded through it all?
Nasty C: Honestly, that’s just who I am. It’s how I was raised. I don’t have to think about it, channel it, or get pep talks. I’m just grounded by nature.
Glamour: What would you say to your younger self just starting out in the game? Nasty C: Honestly, I don’t even know what I’d say to him. I feel grateful for everything I’ve been through, the good and the bad, because it’s shaped me into the person I am today. When I stand next to people in my profession and have conversations, I realise that we’re all dealing with similar struggles, but I’ve managed to gain a better grip on things over time. So I wouldn’t change any of it. Everything I went through made me who I am today.
Glamour: Off-stage, what’s your go-to way to relax or tap back into your personal zone? Nasty C: To be real, I don’t really have that. I don’t do the whole “personal zone” or “relax” thing much when I get home, I’m usually still working. But my family, especially my son, is the one thing that can hit that “factory reset” button for me. He’s the one who brings me back to just being, you know? That’s probably as close as I get to switching off.
Glamour: What do you hope people feel when they hear Free for the first time? Nasty C: I just want people to take it for what it is. If they relate or connect to it, that’s awesome. If not, that’s fine too. I wouldn’t wanna dictate how people should feel about music. It’s just another serving of music in an infinite ocean of it. If you don’t like it, move on. Obviously, I hope people enjoy it, but I don’t have a deeper expectation than that.
Glamour: If you could go back and talk to the Nasty C just breaking into the industry, what would you say to him?
Nasty C: I’d tell him to prepare himself, mentally and emotionally. When you start out, you only see the good side of things, the stuff on TV. You don’t know about the bad. So yeah, I’d tell myself to prepare.
Glamour: What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel like that guy?
Nasty C: I don’t really do outfits like that. I’m not that kind of person. I’m not big on fashion statements or trying to put something together to feel a certain way.
Glamour: What does success look like to you at this stage in your journey?
Nasty C: Success, for me, is about being content, knowing I did my best on whatever I’m working on, whether it’s a song, a project, a shoot, or a video. If I can release something and feel proud of it, that’s success in its own way. But also… yeah, let’s be honest, it’s about having a lot of money too. [laughs]
Glamour: What’s next for you, musically, personally, or in the bigger picture? Nasty C: I’m working on the FREE Deluxe right now, which should be dropping very soon. There’s a lot of new music on the way, plus a bunch of music videos coming out too. The Ivyson Gaming side is also doing really well, so you can expect some big things there. And Tall Racks is evolving too, which is going to be an exciting journey for me and all the artists coming on board. So yeah, a lot to look forward to.
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