Ever since the release of his debut album, Mansion, NF has been on a deeply personal and emotional journey. His aggressive flow has delved into themes of mental health, self-doubt, and faith. Often seen wearing all-black, he has been candid about his own battles with depression, anxiety, and OCD.
With his sixth studio album, Hope, NF ushers in a fresh message to his artistry, one that centers on the themes of closure, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The album's title track embodies this message, offering listeners a glimmer of light and a sense of embarking on a new chapter.
The rapper, born Nate Feuerstein, starts off the song by introducing the message of hope. Over twinkling piano, he talks of how after 30 years of stagnation (he celebrated his 30th birthday in March 2021) he's now on the way.
Hope
Yeah, I'm on my way, I'm comin'
Don't
Don't lose faith in meNF's 2019 single "
The Search" saw him looking for "the map to hope," and this song suggests that he's on his way to finding it. The accompanying music video appears to confirm this, as we see him wandering around a coastal landscape, examining a map. At the 2:22 mark, we see NF standing next to a representation of his dark side, holding the same map that was referenced in "The Search."
In the first verse, NF delivers a breakdown of what success truly means to him. It has nothing to do with how much money he makes. Instead, he encourages listeners to follow their hearts, stand up for what's right, be creative and brave enough to dream big, and work tirelessly until success is achieved. It's a departure from the Michigan rapper's usual somber themes of despair and hopelessness; rather he fills his bars with encouragement, hopefulness, and happiness.
In NF's 2018 single "WHY," he posed a similar question at the beginning of the first verse:
Yeah, what's your definition of success?
At the end of the first verse, NF alludes to some of the tough challenges he has faced in his life.
I spent years of my life holdin' on to things I never should've kept, full of hatred
Years of my life carryin' a lot of baggage that I should've walked away from
These challenges include being abused as a child by his mother's boyfriend and losing his mom to a drug overdose in 2009. Because of this, NF did not act or think in a way that aligned with his beliefs, but still maintained his faith throughout his journey. This steadfast commitment to his belief system ultimately played a significant role in his current success, as it is intertwined with his overall personal growth and development.
In August 2021, NF became a father when his son arrived in this world. In the second verse of his song, he shares how becoming a parent has shifted his perspective on life.
Wake up every day and pick my son up
Hold him in my arms and let him know he's loved
NF is now dedicated to being a positive role model for his son. He is determined not to repeat the mistakes of his own parents who neglected their responsibilities.
NF had been hesitant to forgive his mother for his difficult childhood. In the outro, he boldly expresses a new sense of hope.
Don't get it twisted, that wasn't a shot
Mama, I forgive you
Along with hope, closure is also a significant theme in this song.
The Patrick Tohill-directed music video portrays a conflict between NF's hopeful and dark personality traits. The clip showcases this internal struggle by depicting two versions of rapper: one dressed in black, representing his dark side, Fear, and the other dressed in white, representing his bright side, Hope.
NF co-produced "Hope" with his go-to production partner Tommee Profitt, along with Jeff Sojka and Patrick Tohill. Sojka's resumé also includes collaborations with Crowder ("
Good God Almighty") and Anne Wilson ("
Sunday Sermons"). Tohill, who is known more as a director than musician, is NF's regular visual collaborator.
