This development was initially noted by music commentator 2022 Africa, while independent charting services monitoring Apple Music in real time have confirmed the album’s current No. 11 status in South Africa as of September 30, 2025.
The album’s decline follows its release on September 12, when Nasty C introduced a 16-track collection under Tall Racks. According to the Apple Music album page, the release date is officially noted as 12 September 2025, featuring a total runtime of 39 minutes that contributed to a strong initial performance across digital streaming platforms.
“Free” has also achieved significant success beyond South Africa, reaching No. 1 on various national Apple Music album charts and garnering international attention shortly after its launch, a trend highlighted by local media covering its early success.
Despite the shift in rankings, the album’s themes continue to resonate. Early critiques emphasize Nasty C’s emphasis on self-empowerment, fatherhood, and a more relaxed creative approach, marking this chapter as a reinvention rather than a sidetrack. This thematic coherence has facilitated a connection with listeners while paving the way for the rapper’s forthcoming promotional efforts.
