Let Eminem tell it, Michigan rapper NF is nothing more than a “Recovery clone,” as he quipped on “The Ringer” from last year’s shockwave, Kamikaze. In reality, NF has more in common stylistically with Hopsin. His knack for personal lyricism over melodramatic production makes his latest album, The Search, an impactful listening experience and validation for the aforementioned comparison.
NF’s journey finds him heaving things off his chest and slamming them onto tracks, leaving no stone unturned in his self-examination. At its best, this creates for intimate portrayals of a self-aware man, such as on the message to his younger self, “Nate.” The cut bleeds with regret and rumination as NF forewarns his mini about the dangers that lay ahead. Elsewhere, he laments self-disgust on “Hate Myself,” an eye-opening track that pushes the bounds of what rappers who are Christians can rap about. Songs like these have the power to stop listeners in their tracks and push The Search beyond the bounds of a therapy session.
Throughout, NF displays an uncanny ability to conversationally drop deep gems like they’ve fallen out of the sky, such as “You don’t know what love is until you’re holding onto that you can’t lose,” on the ghostly “Change.” This conversational tone comes in handy when he’s enlightening listeners about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: “That means I might take a normal thought and think it’s so profound (leave me alone)/Ruminating, fill balloons up full of doubt/Do the same things, if I don’t, I’m overwhelmed/Thoughts are pacing, they go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round,” he educates on “Leave Me Alone.” That NF is able to fearlessly educate and convey strong emotion about such a misunderstood disorder is not only admirable for its intent but remarkable for its precise execution.
The production of The Search succeeds in underscoring NF’s emotions. The dark basslines, wistful piano keys and hard-knock drums consistently serve, but seldom overshadow, NF’s honesty and vulnerability. The beats retain a consistent tone throughout, and though there are only a few showstoppers – the haunting keys on “Trauma” among them – steadiness serves The Search well.
The only heavy knock on this project is its length. While NF’s conviction should never be in question, the album loses some of its luster as it wears on. For instance, the contemplative “Thinking” would have been much more impactful had it been placed earlier in the album, instead of at track No. 18 of 19. The project’s duration is surely welcome to Nate’s core fanbase, but a tighter listening experience would have made The Search more gripping and powerful.
That said, the album’s closer – digital bonus track “Time (edit)” notwithstanding – is its shining moment. The aforementioned “Trauma” is a beautifully melancholy plea for love and acceptance that displays NF’s grace as an artist. Without giving anything away, the cut also betrays that Nathan Feuerstein hasn’t been the only one searching for this entire time.
Wherever NF’s quest leads him, he can go forth knowing he released a well-crafted album branded by solid sonics and naked honesty. The Search is a worthy foray into an artist’s soul.
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NF IS GREAT!!
Solid asf
My god everything on Genius is not fact eminem never dissed NF.
Album bangs and is not about nothing.
Yea he did. “An Effing Recovery clone of me” You can tell in the way he says it he’s referring to NF. Subliminal but still a diss
Eminem clearly stated every diss that was a diss on kamikaze was not subliminal. In an interview with sway he says he called everyone he dissed by name
“NF-ing Recovery clone of me”
Dude it makes no sense that in the line before this one, he would swear and say the full F word, and then immediately after say “an effing.” I’m an NF fan and can 100% say that Eminem dissed him.
Y’all crazy. this dude and album are very bad
Clearly you have no clue what good music is.
You’re crazy. This dude and opinion are very bad.
Wasn’t a fan of his earlier records, which I found too juvenile at times — this one is a classic. Mature lyrics, legendary flow, grandiose production. No need for sex, drugs, profanity, or violence. One of those few albums where you don’t feel the need to skip any tracks: that’s very hard to achieve on a 76-minute long album.
Album is a classic … the commenter Wow … has to be a straight clown ass Lil Pump fan …. and Em did diss NF …. because …. Em has always been a petty fluck … he called him a clone … there are many similarities …. except that 99% of Em songs … while technically incredible … have not one drop of substance :…can’t say that about NF …. one is an aggressive bragger … the other has depth
I’ve listened to this album all the way through at least 34 times (no exaggeration) and I never get bored. He’s gotten better each album. Him and Tommee Profitt are a match made in heaven.
Nice album really..
.
Great album
BEST ALBUM EVER
This is the best album he has ever made
Fantastic album all the way through
“The Search” is the best album I’ve heard this year so far! NF is amazing, he’s honestly making a movie nor series of some sort, no exeggeration, he said it in his video: “I don’t know if I’m making movies or music videos” . It almost feels like we’re in season4(The search, 4th album) of his life. The best story teller!
Nf is a goat!! Don’t @ me!!! People will be haters!!! NF is on top and will always be there!!! We love you Nate❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ve heard of NF but was never interested to hear his music for some reason. Decided to give this album a shot after he surprisingly got the number 1 spot over Chance’s album which was pure garbage btw… the album is slick! Eminem’s influence is clear but nothing wrong with that… this dude is proving that you can still make solid rap albums that’s hot selling as well without having to talk about violence, drugs, money and not even curse! Dope album and the best I’ve heard this year.
Definitely a 5 by the music nowadays standards. Lyrics, flow and production were spot on. Just wanted to comment on people saying that he’s copying Eminem, you’re only saying this because he’s white! Eminem’s influence is clearly present in many rappers music now and they admit it… Kendrick, Cole, Shaun, Hopsin, and Joyner just to name a few.
His songs are not bad but he sounds too much like em I ain’t buying it too emotional? Not enough bullshit gangster shit!!
5/5
Growing up an Eminem fan I loved his music. Having children you can’t listen to Eminem because of the profanity and stuff he raps about. I have been listening to NF for the past 3 years and can’t get enough. His lyrics are relatable. I haven’t heard a song by him I didn’t like. I can listen to him with my family. My 12 yr old daughter is a huge fan. This album is great. The lyrics are deep and hit home in every song. 5/5 for me.
as soon as I read the word “christian” I stay well away LOL. This music is way too popcorn for me. Don’t call this hip-hop, call this pop. Thanks
So because someone has certain believes they can’t be in the rap category…that’s the dumbest thing ever.
Yeah keep your mouth shut if you haven’t actually listened to the artist.
You’re going to form an opinion without actually listening to the music first? Wow, great plan dingusaurus rex
Album’s really damn good. Has its bad moments too, but majority of it is really, really good. 4.5/5
NF is amazing. All his music i relate to.
NF is amazing. The album is really great. I really can relate to all his music. Love you Nate
Therapy Session felt a lot more impactful than Search. The Search I’m still giving 5/5 because it’s a great album overall. It has a lot of fantastic songs with great sound design and mixing. The beats are dope and, when need be, dark or melancholic. It was a more self-centered album, which I didn’t mind because it’s his music it should be what he wants to put out; however there was a little less room to relate to some of the lines than older albums. Still a ridiculously great album.
Sj
All his music is insanely good! 5 out of 5. I can’t stop listening. I’ve been playing it since the day it came out, either on its own or in a mix with other stuff. Seeing him live in a month for the 3rd time.
So creative, so versatile, and kills every song which no other rapper can do. 5 out of 5 for sure. No one can beat NF right now and he still doesn’t get the acknowledgement he deserves.
Straight garbage! Nf is just another over rated white kid. I like white artists but they must be dope. This is not hip hop music. If u like watered down music, this is a perfect fit. Write articles about hype white kids.
What is your definition of “dope?” Mine is music that has meaning and emotion. If this ain’t Real Hip Hop, nothing is.
Criticism is a two sided coin. If you can say something negative but can’t at least come up with something positive to say too, then your opinion doesn’t matter.
Nf deserves more respect
A beautiful, deep album. Millions of tears were shed because of it.
This shit is absolute garbage. Fuck outta here.
Sounds like someone relates too hard to the lyrics.
Keep this kind of worthless trash on the Disney channel.
What do you wanna hear him rap about? How he is on a roll getting side chicks? You can get the fuck outta here, done with you simple minded people.
Honestly I woulda put this man down if you didn’t
The man does say on his album: “Think I’m trash? Put a bag on your face, and I’ll put you on the road, like ‘Look, we’re the same.'”
I might be a little bias since I’ve been a fan of NF for a long time but I think this is his best album barely beating therapy session
Nf gave us some good music
a solid album
The best album I have ever heard! Huge fan of NF
Nf makes you feel valid with an album, but raps dirty even though it’s clean all at the same time. No other rapper can get close to what he does
Best album by far.
One of the deepest albums in a while. No surprise it’s been the “surprise” of the year for most.
it an album that makes you think about life
This album is outstanding. I’ve listened to it over and over. NF and his songs are DEEP, passionate, and exhibit raw emotion in a brilliant and beautiful way that NO OTHER rap artist does today. The song “Nate” is brilliant on so many levels. Talk about an amazing multi-faceted memoir! I haven’t heard many rap songs that are so dimensional on an emotional and introspective way. Straight up, genius. This kid is genius. If only the media would give him some attention. Best artist out there right now.
I’ve personally listened to NF since “Mansion” and while “Perception” definitely had an impact on my life. The search has had a lot of songs that help me with stuff that I struggle with. Thank you NF for releasing such an amazing album that brought many things out into the light.
I can’t take this man seriously.
HECK YEAH
One of the deepest albums i have ever heard
Deep, emotional, honest, open and just real. Pure talent, lyrically he’s a God. His flow is fire and his beats match his lyrics
Absolute banger nothing else to say each song bangs in its own style and structure.
5/5
This man never disappoints, album 5 coming fast after this
Never disappoints
Agreed Completly.