HOPE

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 me NF'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?