NF’s new album “HOPE” explores psychological well being, religion and household, revealing the rapper’s most uncooked feelings.

Rapper Nate Feuerstein, identified on-stage as NF, launched his album “HOPE” April 7, bringing refreshing authenticity and uncooked vulnerability to his music. 

That is NF’s fifth studio album, having gained recognition via his tune “Let You Down” which got here out in 2017 and now has over 235 million views on YouTube. 

NF launched 13 new songs along with his Eminem-esque model of rap to “HOPE.” Though he doesn’t describe his music as Christian rap, his songs have appeared on Christian music charts. In his newest album, a number of songs together with “LET ‘EM PRAY” and “HOPE” reference his religion. 

Just like “The Search” from his 2019 album, “HOPE” exposes NF’s struggles with psychological well being, together with nervousness and self-hatred.

“I used to be having a psychological breakdown,” NF stated in an interview with NME. “I used to be questioning my life. I used to be questioning all the pieces.”

NF launched the titular observe “HOPE” Feb. 16. It’s a mirrored image of the 32-year-old rapper’s previous and a declaration of the teachings he has realized.

“If I’d have by no means hit all-time low / Would I be the person who I’m at the moment? I don’t imagine so,” NF displays.

In “MOTTO,” NF contemplates the alternatives all through his music profession, particularly discussing his success from specializing in authenticity relatively than fame, and it’s simply one of many catchiest songs in his album.

“No nominations, but it surely’s cool although,” he raps.

His long-awaited album options rapper Cordae who makes an look in “CAREFUL” and the duo’s voices pair completely to make one among NF’s finest collaborations. The third observe talks about NF’s journey gaining wealth together with fame.

“Sharin’ the wealth, ain’t no level in me keepin’ this all to myself / I ain’t takin’ this cash with me to my grave / Yeah, I’d as nicely bless all of the individuals I like,” NF raps.

The album’s fourth observe “MAMA” is NF talking on to his mom, who died from an overdose when the rapper was 18. Regardless of the ache she put him and his siblings via, NF admits he loves her and hopes she was lastly capable of finding peace.

Past his lyrics, NF’s inventive decisions are intentional. Within the tune “Nate” from his 2019 album “The Search,” NF raps, “skip to trace quantity 4, now that’s a very unhappy one.” NF’s 2016 tune “How May You Go away Us,” like “MAMA,” addresses his mom’s loss of life. Each songs are the fourth tracks of their respective albums, highlighting NF’s enduring emotional ache from his mom’s loss of life.

Standout tune “HAPPY” offers listeners with a tune wealthy in that means and emotion, reminding followers they aren’t alone of their psychological well being battles.

“Been this manner so lengthy it appears like one thing’s off after I’m not depressed,” NF confesses.

“HAPPY” clearly had its supposed impact on followers, as YouTube feedback on the tune’s music video reward NF for his positivity with some listeners even claiming his music has been life-changing.

“PANDEMONIUM” and “SUFFICE” deliver a extra upbeat power to the album. Slightly than specializing in uncooked feelings, these songs deal with his haters. With a lately found sense of confidence, NF claims he received’t enable the individuals who don’t like him to have any energy over him.

“The one particular person I enable to push me round is myself,” he declares within the sixth observe of “HOPE.”

The tracks function revenge for many who haven’t supported him, displaying them that his music profession is flourishing.

“GONE,” which options singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, is among the slower songs on his album and one of many solely songs to speak about romantic relationships, reminiscing a couple of relationship from his youth. 

Whereas NF’s voice shines via in “GONE,” awkward pauses inside the tune disrupt its circulation. Regardless of this, “GONE” can simply be performed on repeat due to NF and Michaels’ stunning vocals.

The album’s subsequent tune “BULLET” continues the rapper’s romantic temper. He addresses his spouse, Bridgette, saying he’d sacrifice his life for her. The couple received married in 2018 and welcomed their first youngster in 2021.

The next observe “TURN MY BACK” addresses NF’s nonconformity within the music business. As a substitute of getting a label respiration down his again and listeners telling him to change his model, NF says they will fear about themselves relatively than criticizing him.

“I don’t want the label breathin’ down my neck / I don’t want the venue tellin’ me it’s loud,” he cries within the tenth observe of “HOPE.”

Sadly, the subsequent observe button is a should for this tune as a result of the repetitive beat of the tenth observe turns into jaded earlier than hitting two minutes.

As one among his slowest songs within the album, “MISTAKE” reveals NF’s darkest ideas about himself. He admits some days he appears like he doesn’t deserve love, pleading for others to not view him as a mistake.

“RUNNING,” the album’s closing observe, begins with gradual guitar strumming. On this tune, he poetically ties his album collectively, incorporating parts of heartbreak, fame and psychological well being into one tune.

As one among NF’s finest albums, “HOPE” exhibits his progress as an artist and particular person. Older albums together with “Remedy Session” and “Notion” deliver listeners right into a darkish time of NF’s life, however because the title signifies, “HOPE” brings far more confidence and positivity to his music.

NF’s world “HOPE” tour begins July 12 and the artist can be coming to Rosemont, Illinois July 14 for a live performance on the Allstate Enviornment.
“HOPE” is out there to stream on all main platforms.

Featured picture courtesy of NF Actual Music LLC.