5/5 Stars
Nathan Feuerstein, known as the rapper NF, released “CLOUDS” Feb. 18, a brand-new single for the first time since 2019. Fans have long awaited new music from the rapper, and “CLOUDS” definitely does not disappoint.
With the release of his new song, NF also announced his new project, a mixtape titled “CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE)” that he will release on March 26. The mixtape will have 10 songs total. Song titles include “CLOUDS,” THAT’S A JOKE,” “JUST LIKE YOU,” “STORY,” “PRIDEFUL,” “LOST (FEAT. HOPSIN),” “LAYERS,” “DRIFTING,” “TRUST (FEAT. TECH N9NE)” and “PAID MY DUES.”
Since NF has waited longer than usual to release new music, his lyrics in his new song shed light on his fans who have been anxiously waiting. In the beginning of verse one, he acknowledges the extended wait for new music.
“Been stalling, I hear applauding, they’re calling / Mixtapes aren’t my thing, but it’s been awfully exhausting / Hanging onto songs this long is daunting (Yeah) / Which caused me to have to make a call I thought was ballsy / Resulting in what you see today, proceed indulging,” NF sings.
The lyrics of “CLOUDS” also shed light on the artist’s detractors who believe his commercial success has changed him too much. NF addresses this in the first verse of his new single: “Change my style, they told me / Now they come around like, “Homie” / Man, y’all better back up slowly, back up slowly / Woo, who are you kidding? / How could you doubt me? I’ve always delivered.”
NF’s previous albums, “The Search” (2019), “Perception” (2017), “Therapy Session” (2016), “Mansion” (2015), “NF” (2014) and “Moments” (2010), were emotional, raw and filled with lessons and pain he experienced in his past. Growing up in Gladwin, Michigan, his parents divorced, causing him to live with his mother at a young age; however, shortly after, he went to live with his father due to his mother’s boyfriend’s abuse. Then, at the age of 18, his mother passed away from a drug overdose which led him to write the song “How Could You Leave Us” from the album “Therapy Session” (2016). Rap was an escape for him as a child.
Today, NF is extremely successful thanks to his inspiring songs about the struggles he went through growing up. He has been on four tours in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, alongside artists Kyle and Logic in 2018 and 2019. NF is not currently signed with a record label, as he creates his music with his own brand, “NF Real Music.” In his personal life, NF married Bridgette Doremus in 2018 and the couple is currently expecting a baby boy due in Aug. 2021.
There is no doubt NF will release a mixtape that is just as good as his previous albums. He always delivers with real, raw lyrics that don’t hide the truth and embrace self-growth from healing old wounds.
