SANTA CLARITA, CA - Michigan-born rapper Nathan Feuerstein, who is popularly known as NF, uses his music to talk about personal struggles. He writes and performs songs regarding these struggles and transforms them into a form of self-therapy.
The 29 year-old says his motivation to pursue a rap career began with a dark childhood. His mother lost custody of him when it was revealed that her boyfriend was abusing him.
NF has credited rap as an escape from the mistreatment he endured. He also claims to have later dedicated the song “How Could You Leave Us” to his mother after her passing from a drug overdose in 2009.
He first began making music by recording through a karaoke machine. He would record instrumentals with one microphone and would rap on the other one.
In 2010 NF independently released his first album Moments. He was soon after signed by Xist Music, and eventually made his way to Capitol Records before making his own label, NF Real Music.
One notable piece of his sound is his faith. Though he denies the label of “Christian rapper”, he has found more exposure through working with Christian hip-hop artists such as Flame and TobyMac.
He proudly wears his beliefs but says the purpose of his music is to connect to his listeners. He says, “I write about things I'm actually dealing with. You don't have to be Christian to relate to them.”
The rapper mentions a range of controversial topics in his music. His album Therapy Session discusses depression and suicide. The song titled “Leave Me Alone” discusses his diagnosis and struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
NF’s efforts in the rap world have paid off, as his 2019 album The Search hit No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 Chart. Three songs from the album also made it to the Billboard Hot 100. His name on these lists compares him to superstars such as Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator, and Chance the Rapper.
By Savanna Birchfield
Contribution from Jessica McKinney- COMPLEX
Photo by John Taylor Sweet
Video by NFrealmusic
Audio by Savanna Birchfield
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