Over a decade ago, Nick Grant went up to Sway’s Universe at Shade 45 and rapped a verse so cold that it made Jeezy raise his hands and leave the room. A few albums, singles, and collaborations later, the South Carolina is still delivering showstopping verses, and his latest single, “Nothing’s Free,” is the latest in a long line of displays of lyrical excellence.
After weeks of teasing his forthcoming album, I Took It Personal, Nick Grant shared the first taste of what fans can expect. Dressed in gritty, ominous production from Sad CG and Osvma, the first 90 seconds of “Nothing’s Free” is a warning shot at the Rap landscape as he reflects on how far he’s come and how hungry he remains as he extends the prime of his career one verse at a time.
“It don’t get no colder than this. I’m the GOAT. N—a, go and admit it,” he raps.
“Nothing’s Free” is split into two halves, with the last two minutes and change offering a sharp, yet more nostalgic Nick Grant. From flashbacks to recording early songs on Anson Street in Charleston, South Carolina, to offering advice to other rappers navigating fame, Grant dabbles between a reflective and confident tone.
“[We’re] slaves to rhythm, and [we] don’t own [our] masters. [It’s gotten] to the point that fame is unattractive,” he raps.
“And I never got a Rose, but the grace is greener because I’m from a vastless region. You can’t trust nothing in this rap s—t, boy. Even your team shoots shots. Just ask Selena.”
A year and change removed from the release of Sunday Dinner, “Nothing’s Free” is the start of Grant’s next chapter. While the sound is slightly different, the tone feels similar in many ways. Much like the previous project, it feels as if Grant isn’t entirely concerned with making a “classic.” Instead, he’s rapping his a** off, dropping a few gems and pieces of advice in the music, and making something he’s proud of.
