Rapper NF has amassed a huge fan base since his 2010 debut. With over 3.2 million followers on Instagram, more eyes are on him than ever. With six albums to his discography, he holds two RIAA-certified platinum albums. Curious about his past two albums' success and the hype around his latest album, many are starting to wonder more about the Michigan artist. Here’s what you need to know about enigmatic star.
Background
Nathan John Feuerstein, professionally known as NF, was born in 1991 and grew up in Gladwin, Michigan. His childhood was not always easy. Growing up, he and his two sisters were raised by his mother, who was addicted to opioids, until his father took him away. Unfortunately, his mother passed away from an overdose in 2009. This sparked NF to write the heartfelt song "How Could You Leave Us" as a dedication to her.
Using rap music as an escape as a child, he would record using a karaoke machine. Growing up, his grandfather was a pastor at the local church, sparking an early interest in Christian music. Shortly after graduating high school, NF began his career at the Fine Arts Festival organized by Connection Church in Canton, Michigan. Afterward, NF independently released his debut album, Moments. Before seeing success as an artist, he paid the bills by working as an electrician.
Career
Rapper NF got his first breakthrough in 2014 after signing with Capital Christian Music Group. Afterward, he released his debut EP, NF. The album is what brought him his first taste of the Billboard charts. The EP charted at No. 12 on the Christian Albums and No. 4 on the Top Gospel Albums charts. NF received his first No. 1 spot with his third album, Perception. It eventually went on to become certified platinum.
NF released The Search and its single of the same name in the summer of 2019 to critical acclaim. The album managed to peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums and US Independent Albums charts. The record was also certified platinum by the RIAA. The album’s single, “The Search,” was the opening song for WWE’s Monday Night Raw from 2020 to 2022. NF’s music has also been seen in video games, including UFC 4, EA Sports Madden 2016, and Apex Legends.
Style & Artistry
The heavy intensity and his ability to make songs about tough topics have garnered rapper NF a loyal following. Although he began his musical career in Christian Hip Hop, the rapper does not like being pinned down to the label of “Christian rapper.” NF once said in an interview, “I'm a Christian, but I don't make Christian music. You're not going to reach everyone with just one point of view. I write about things I'm actually dealing with. You don't have to be Christian to relate to them."
In an interview, NF admitted that fellow rapper, Eminem, was one of his biggest musical influences. According to NF, listening to the fellow Michigan native helped his sound become more mature. “My sound started to mature more because all I listened to for like, four years straight was Eminem and that was it. He was a huge influence, so you could hear it in my music too much. And then once I started listening to different kinds of music, it kind of changed the kind of music I did into something that was more unique.”
What’s next for NF?
Still gaining momentum from his two previous chart-stomping albums, NF recently dropped a new album, Hope, was released on April 7, 2023, which debuted at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200. The album peaked at No. 1 on the Top R&B/ Hip Hop Albums chart. The three singles from the album, “Happy,” “Hope,” and “Careful,” featuring Cordae, are all currently on the Billboard Hot 100. In its debut week, Hope sold over 154,000 units.
With two certified platinum albums to his name and a new album already sparking the charts, NF is here to stay. With his electrifying style and motivating lyrics, his fan base continues to be hungry for more music. A true grassroots success, NF's rags to platinum story is an inspiration. With the buzz behind him growing stronger with time, fans can hope to hear even more.