NF, also known as Nathan Feuerstein, has made a name for himself in the world of hip-hop by blending raw emotion, deep lyrics, and catchy beats. His music reflects his struggles, faith, and inner battles, making him one of the most relatable artists in the rap scene today. Throughout his career, NF has dropped several albums filled with thought-provoking tracks that have resonated with millions. Whether you’re new to NF’s music or a long-time fan, here’s a detailed look at some of his most recommended songs.
NF’s Top 13 Rap Songs to Add to Your Playlist
1. The Search
The Search is one of NF’s most well-known tracks and a fan favorite. It’s the title track of his 2019 album, which saw NF grappling with fame, anxiety, and his personal demons. The song begins with a chilling melody that quickly picks up pace as NF delves into a whirlwind of emotions. He raps about searching for meaning and peace while battling his mental health. The energy in the song is intense, and the lyrics are deeply introspective, reflecting NF’s signature style of vulnerability.
2. Let You Down
One of NF’s most commercially successful songs, Let You Down, from the album Perception, brings out the rapper’s softer side. The track explores themes of regret, disappointment, and frustration in relationships, likely drawing from personal experiences with his family. The powerful chorus and mellow beats contrast with the emotional depth of the lyrics, making it an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they let someone down. It’s a perfect example of how NF masterfully blends emotion and melody to create a song that sticks with the listener long after it ends.
3. Lie
In Lie, NF deals with deceit and broken trust. This track is from his Perception album and brings out his storytelling prowess. NF paints a picture of a relationship filled with lies and betrayal, conveying the pain of being taken advantage of by someone he trusted. The beat has a haunting vibe, and NF’s delivery is passionate and filled with conviction. The song showcases how NF taps into real emotions, giving voice to feelings many of his fans have experienced.
4. Why
Why is a perfect example of NF’s ability to question everything, from society to his own thoughts. Released as a single in 2018, the track sees the rapper contemplating his fame, his success, and the pressures that come with it. The fast-paced rap and complex rhyme schemes demonstrate NF’s lyrical prowess. It’s a song filled with frustration and confusion, reflecting NF’s ongoing battle with himself and the world around him. Fans love it for its honesty and the way it captures NF’s internal struggles.
5. Time
Time is a heartfelt song from the The Search album that deals with patience and understanding in relationships. The track is more mellow and slower-paced than many of NF’s other songs, but the emotion is just as raw. He raps about needing time to work on himself while reassuring a loved one that the process will be worth it in the end. It’s a vulnerable and honest track that many listeners can relate to, especially those who have experienced the ups and downs of personal growth and relationships.
6. Paid My Dues
In Paid My Dues, NF confronts his critics head-on. Released as a single in 2019, this track is NF standing tall and reclaiming his place in the rap game. The beat is sharp, and NF’s delivery is aggressive and unapologetic. He tackles the negativity he’s faced in the industry, from being overlooked to being criticized for his emotional lyrics. NF reminds everyone that he’s earned his success through hard work and dedication. It’s a defiant anthem that motivates listeners to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles they face.
7. If You Want Love
If You Want Love is a powerful song that delves into the complexities of love and relationships. From his Perception album, this track sees NF reflecting on the challenges that come with giving and receiving love. The song’s slower tempo and melancholic tone allow NF’s lyrics to take center stage. He speaks candidly about the difficulties of being vulnerable and the pain that often accompanies love. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of relationships.
8. When I Grow Up
When I Grow Up is an anthem for dreamers. In this track, NF raps about his childhood dreams of becoming a rapper and the obstacles he faced along the way. The song is filled with motivation and determination as NF recounts his journey from being an aspiring artist to one of the most successful rappers in the game. The playful yet serious tone makes it a relatable track for anyone chasing a dream. The gritty production and relentless flow showcase NF’s hunger and passion for his craft.
9. Real
Real is one of NF’s earlier songs from his Therapy Session album, and it’s all about authenticity. NF doesn’t shy away from declaring his frustrations with the music industry and the superficiality that often surrounds it. The track is raw and unfiltered, with NF rapping about staying true to himself and not conforming to industry standards. The beat is intense, and NF’s flow is rapid-fire, making it one of his more hard-hitting tracks. Fans appreciate the honesty and realness that NF brings to this song, cementing it as a standout in his catalog.
10. Therapy Session
The title track from his second studio album, Therapy Session, is a raw and emotional deep dive into NF’s struggles with his mental health. In the song, NF opens up about using music as his therapy, rapping about the pain, anger, and confusion he experiences. The song touches on themes of trauma, fame, and the pressures that come with both. The intensity of the track and NF’s honesty about his personal struggles make it a favorite for fans who use music as an outlet for their own emotions.
11. How Could You Leave Us
One of the most emotional songs in NF’s discography, How Could You Leave Us addresses the pain of losing a loved one to addiction. The track is deeply personal, as NF speaks about the loss of his mother and the impact it had on his life. His raw emotion is palpable in every word, and the song’s haunting piano melody only adds to the weight of the subject matter. It’s a song that has resonated with countless fans who have experienced loss, making it one of NF’s most powerful and heartfelt songs.
12. Leave Me Alone
In Leave Me Alone, from The Search album, NF talks about the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and the pressure of being in the spotlight. The track features a dark, atmospheric beat that complements NF’s introspective lyrics. The song is a mix of frustration and vulnerability, with NF expressing his need for space while battling the conflicting emotions that come with fame. It’s a song that captures the complexity of NF’s mental state and his ongoing struggle with fame and isolation.
13. Paralyzed
Paralyzed is a hauntingly beautiful track from NF’s Mansion album. The song deals with the feeling of being emotionally numb and disconnected from the world. NF’s soft delivery and the slow, melodic beat create a sense of despair, perfectly capturing the song’s theme. The lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting NF’s struggles with depression and emotional paralysis. It’s a song that resonates with listeners who have felt lost or stuck in their emotions, making it one of NF’s most relatable tracks.
See Also: What is Cadence in Rap Music?
Conclusion
NF has built a career on his ability to express raw emotion and connect with his audience on a deep, personal level. His music tackles themes of pain, mental health, love, and determination, all while delivering a message of hope and resilience. The songs listed above represent some of NF’s best work and are essential listening for anyone looking to dive into his discography. Each track brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a heart-wrenching ballad like How Could You Leave Us or an empowering anthem like No Excuses. No matter where you are in life, there’s an NF song that speaks to your emotions.
