Nasty C | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Nsikayesizwe David Jr. Ngcobo |
Also known as | Ivyson |
Born | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | February 11, 1997
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2013–present |
Labels |
|
Partner | Sammie Heavens |
Website | nastyc |
YouTube information | |
Channels | Nasty_C |
Subscribers | 1.3 million |
Total views | 284 million |
Last updated: 18 October 2023 |
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo [1] (born 11 February 1997), [2] known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer. [3]
After releasing three mixtapes, and two EPs, Ngcobo released his debut album Bad Hair (2016), and Strings and Bling (2018) which was associated and supported by his first tour, The Ivyson Tour. [4] [5] [6]
He was the youngest recipient of an award alongside Aewon Wolf and many at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards, namely the Best Freshman Award. [7] [8]
In March 2020, Nasty C signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records. After the deal, he released his United States official single after joining Def Jam "There They Go" which gained him global recognition. In 28 August 2020, he released his third studio album Zulu Man with Some Power, the first under his new label. In September 2022, Nasty C released a mixed tape titled the Ivyson Army. [9] He released two singles back-to-back, No More, [10] in June of 2023, and Crazy Crazy, [11] in July of 2023.
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo was born on 11 February 1997 in Diepkloof, borough of Soweto, Johannesburg. [12] After the passing of his mother who was involved in a fatal car accident when he was 11 months of age, [13] he relocated to Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal to be raised by his father, David Maviyo Ngcobo, who is a human resources manager. [14] His older brother Siyabonga Ngcobo influenced him to become a rapper as David learnt the basics of producing music from him at the age of nine. David also has a younger brother Olwethu Ngcobo. David attended Strelitzia Secondary School in Lotus Park, Durban where he completed 12th grade. [15]
At the age of fourteen, Ngcobo released his debut mixtape One Kid, a Thousand Coffins on 14 May 2012. [16] He then released his debut EP L.A.M.E (Levitating Above My Enemies) on 4 April 2014. [17] The following year, 2015, on 10 February, he released his second mixtape Price City, which produced the successful single "Juice Back" that raised his prominence. [18] "Juice Back" later spawned a Gemini Major-produced remix featuring singer Davido and rapper Cassper Nyovest on 30 November 2015. [19]
On 11 February 2016, Ngcobo released "Hell Naw" which was later revealed to be the lead single from his upcoming debut album. [20] On 23 September, Ngcobo then released his debut album, Bad Hair under Mabala Noise Entertainment. [21] For the album's artwork, he got his fans on Twitter to email him their portraits showing their bad hair periods, he then combined all the portraits in an artistic manner assembling his face. [22] Bad Hair reached number-one on the iTunes local charts and was the most streamed album in South Africa within its 24 hours. [23] Ngcobo released a 15-minute film featuring three songs from Bad Hair directed by Kyle Lewis. [24] The short-film which included tracks "Don't Do It'", "Good Girls and Snapchat Hoes" and "Phases" featuring Rowlene, was commercially featured in several countries including France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States, which was infrequent for an African video. [25]
On 2 December 2016, Ngcobo released the extended version for Bad Hair named Bad Hair Extensions . [26] Bad Hair Extension featured new four songs including the lead single Allow featuring American rapper French Montana. In winning many accolades for both 2016 and 2017, Ngcobo received his biggest nomination which was for the 2017 BET Award for Best International Act: Africa where he lost to Wizkid. [27] He was also nominated for the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards. [28] Ngcobo was ranked third on the 2016 MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs. [29] In 2017 he was ranked again on the same event, this time at the fourth place. [30]
On 16 February, Ngcobo signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Africa [31] in partnership with Universal Music South Africa and a talent booking deal with UMG Live Africa. [32] On 1 June, during his visit to Nigeria, he signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group Nigeria, [33] before the pre-release of his singles, "Jungle" and "King" featuring American rapper A$AP Ferg, from his second album, Strings and Bling . [34] In June 2018, during a press release with Premium Times, [33] the general manager of Universal Music Group Nigeria, Ezegozie Eze said "Strings and Bling is a testament to skill, craft and passion that he brings to his game every single time, and we are thrilled to bring this excellent body of work to the market". Strings and Bling was then released on 6 July 2018 in both digital and physical formats. [35] [36] TimesLIVE named Strings and Bling one of the best hip hop albums in South Africa, and it was also included in the list of hip hop albums on Tina magazine. [37] [38] The album's other singles include "SMA" featuring Rowlene, and the promotional single "Gravy". [39]
On 20 August 2018, Ngcobo established his own record label, Tall Racks Records. [40] His long-term associated singer Rowlene was the first act to sign under the label, alongside himself. On 6 October 2018, Ngcobo began the Ivyson Tour in Durban, South Africa. [41] The tour with five consecutive shows (four in South Africa and one in Namibia) was a success with filled up attendance. [42] At the end of 2018 he was ranked in MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs for the third time in a row, at the third place. [43]
As for 2019, Ngcobo was named the ambassador of the male grooming company, Axe South Africa. [44] At the 2019 Dstv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards his single "SMA (Vol. 1)" featuring Rowlene was nominated for Favourite Song Of the Year. [45] On November 24, 2019, he took home two AFRIMA awards includes Best African Rapper/Lyricist and Best African Collaboration. [46] He was also ranked at the top of MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs for 2019, his fourth time in the row being ranked in that list. [47]
Ngcobo made the third installment of his concert tour, The Ivyson Tour, which kicked-off on 20 September 2019, in Cape Town, South Africa. [48] [49] On 27 September 2019, he released "God Flow" featuring rapper crownedYung, the lead single of his then-upcoming third studio album, Zulu Man with Some Power . It was reported that there were international artists who would appear on the album. [50] [51]
In March 2020, Billboard reported that Nasty C signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records, with the release of single "There They Go" as his debut under the label. [52]
In April 2020, Nasty C released the visual EP Lost Files, with the songs presented in performance clips on YouTube. He explained the EP's concept stating: "They're songs that didn't make it onto certain projects, songs that ended up as just ideas". On 14 May, the EP was uploaded on Apple Music. [53]
On 20 May 2020, Nasty C made his acting debut with a cameo role in the six-part Netflix African original young adult series Blood & Water , playing the role of Zhero. [54] On 28 May 2020, Nasty C signed with Universal Music Group flagship Def Jam Africa. [55] On 5 June, Nasty C teamed up with American rapper T.I. for the protest song "They Don't". Proceeds from the song benefit the non-profit organizations Until Freedom and Solidarity Fund, with lyrics referencing the murder of George Floyd. [56] On 25 June, he released a collaborative mixtape with DJ Whoo Kid, titled Zulu.
After several postponements, on 6 August 2020, Nasty C took to his social media and announced that his much anticipated album Zulu Man with Some Power would be released within the month of August. He released the track list consisting of 20 songs featuring international and South African artists, including Lil Keed, Ari Lennox, Lil Gotit, T.I, Tellaman and Rowlene. The album was released 28 August 2020. [57] [58] In November 2020, Nasty C won Best Male Rap Act award at African Muzik Magazine Awards 2020 ceremony. [59] In December 2020, he was ranked third in the MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs list, his fifth time in a row to appear on that list. [60]
In June 2021, he released a single titled "Best I Ever Had". [61] [62] At the 6th ceremony of All Africa Music Awards, he received three nominations for Songwriter of the Year, Best Male Artist in Southern Africa and Best African Rapper/Lyricist. [63] He was ranked third again in the 2021 MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs list, his sixth time in a row on that list. [64]
In May 2022, he embarked on the Ivyson Army Tour, which started on May 7 (Bloemfontein); the tour included 5 dates that ran from May 7 until June 4, 2022. [65]
In June 2022, he landed a role on the Disney+ animated series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire . [66] [67]
In May 2023, Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest announced African Throne World Tour, which includes 12 dates. [68] It ran from August 18, Arusha, Tanzania until October 28, Johannesburg, South Africa.
In early August 2023, Nasty C announced his fourth studio album, I Love It Here, released on September 15, 2023. [69] [70] The album debuted number 1 in South Africa. [71]
Nasty C and Cassper, announced their upcoming collaborative album Thick & Thin, on L-Tido's podcast in early December 2023, release date to be announced. [72] They also revealed that are planning second leg of African Throne World Tour. [72]
In July 2024, Nasty C announced his upcoming I Love it Here Tour, to commence on October 18 in France, Paris. [73]
Year | Title | Role | note | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Blood & Water | Zhero | Guest Role | [54] |
2020 | Zulu Man In Japan | Himself | Documentary | [83] |
2023 | Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire | Manzo (voice) | Guest role; Episode: "Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer" |
Year | Award Ceremony | Prize | Work/Recipient | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | South African Hip Hop Awards 2015 | Best Freshman [85] | Himself | Won |
2016 | South African Hip Hop Awards 2016 | Lyricist of the Year [86] | Nominated | |
2017 | 16th Metro FM Music Awards | Best New Artist [87] | Bad Hair Extensions | Won |
Best Male Album [87] | Won | |||
Song of the Year [87] | "Hell Naw" | Won | ||
BET Awards | Best International Act: Africa [88] | Himself | Nominated | |
2021 | SAMAs 27 | Best Hip Hop Album | Zulu Man with Some Power | Won [89] [90] |
MTV Africa Music Awards 2021 | Best Hip Hop Artist | Himself | Won [91] | |
2023 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best Collaboration [92] | "Lemons (Lemonade)" | Won |
2023 | African Entertainment USA Awards | Best Hip Hop/Rap | Himself | Nominated [93] |
2024 | Pending [94] |
Michael Owusu Addo, known professionally as Sarkodie, is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema. He started rapping at a young age and has since become a household name in the Ghanaian and Global music industry. His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including TGMA then Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA) for "Artiste of the Decade". He was announced the first winner of BET's Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards. He is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance and as the most successful African rapper of all time. Due to the variety of musical genres. he can perform in, Sarkodie is referred to as a "multifaceted rapper" and frequently raps in his native language, Twi.
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer and amateur boxer. Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa. In 2014, he established his own record label, Family Tree Records. Nyovest rose to fame with the release of his debut studio album, Tsholofelo (2014) which produced the hit singles "Gusheshe" and "Doc Shebeleza".
Ntokozo Mdluli, known professionally as K.O, is a South African rapper. He began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group which released its debut album, K'shubile K'bovu, in 2006, followed by Wafa Wafa (2008), Dark or Blue (2009) and Num8er Num8er (2012).
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), known professionally as AKA, was a South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, Forbes gained recognition after releasing his single "Victory Lap" from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011). He was one of the most popular South African musicians of his era and the best-selling South African hip hop artist of all-time.
Rikhado Makhado, known professionally as Riky Rick, was a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur. He was also the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records and a member of Boyz N Bucks and he's well known for his hit song Boss Zonke from his album Family Values.
Boitumelo Thulo, popularly known as Boity, is a South African television personality, rapper, actress, businesswoman and model. In 2019, Thulo was named as one of Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 for her contribution in the music and entertainment sector.
Family Tree Media is a South African independent record label established in 2014 by Cassper Nyovest who currently operates as the CEO.
Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee is a South African rapper.Regarded as one of the best and most influential figures in the South African music scene .He was born and grew up in Rockville, Soweto, where he was involved in talent shows. His career began at the age of 17, and his debut hit single, "Roll Up" was released in 2015. Emtee was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment, released his debut album Avery (2015), which was commercially successful and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs is an annual segment that has aired on MTV Base at the end of every year since 2014. The segment consists of a panel of judges who are South African hip hop performers or personalities associated with the South African hip hop genre. The finalists of the list are judged based on impact, lyrics, sales, buzz, style and intangibles.
Jabulani Hadebe, known professionally as Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, and actor. He began his acting career in 2005, starring in several drama series and films including uGugu no Andile (2009). He then rose to prominence on the drama series Zone 14, where he starred for three consecutive seasons, Isibaya and the second season of eHostela. Sjava ventured into the music industry and signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment. He gained mainstream popularity after he was featured on Miss Pru's acclaimed song "Ameni" in 2015.
South African hip hop artist and record producer AKA has released four studio albums, two collaborative albums with Anatii as well as Costa Titch respectively, one extended play (EP), 42 singles and 23 music videos. AKA's music has been released on record labels Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Vth Season and Beam Group.
South African rapper Nasty C has released four studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), 36 singles and 22 music videos. Nasty C's music has been released on record labels Venomous Production, Outy Records, Free World Music, Mabala Noise Entertainment and Universal Music. He gained major attention after the release of his second mixtape Price City, which was released in 2015. He won the Best Freshman Award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards for Price City at the age of 18, making him the youngest recipient for the award.
Nadia Nakai Kandava, is a Zimbabwean-South African rapper and television personality.
Strings and Bling is the second studio album by South African rapper Nasty C. It was released by Universal Music Group on July 6, 2018. At the 25th South African Music Awards the album won the Best Hip Hop album and Best produced album.
Zulu Man with Some Power is the third studio album by South African rapper Nasty C. It was released by Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group on August 28, 2020. The album features several American artists, Ari Lennox, T.I., Lil Keed and Lil Gotit.
Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to spotlight after releasing the single "Donsa Nkabi" in 2016.
Yanga Ntshakaza, professionally known as Yanga Chief is a South African rapper, record producer and singer-songwriter. Born in Mthatha and raised in Queenstown, Yanga studied film studies at University of Johannesburg.
Sihle Sithole, known professionally as Blxckie, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban. His debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa.
Def Jam Recordings Africa, is the African division of the international record label Def Jam Recordings. The label is owned by Universal Music Africa, a flagship of Universal Music Group. Founded in 2020, and operating in South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon. It specializes mainly in African hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap music.
B4Now is the debut studio album by South African rapper Blxckie, released on 21 May 2021 through M4 Entertainment. It debuted at number one in South Africa. The album was certified Gold in South Africa. The album features guest appearances from South African rapper, Nasty C, FLVME and Lucasraps. Production is handled by Christer, Loud Haileer, Herc, Geek Fam, 808 Sallie and others.