I’ve written about movies, TV shows, and books — all the usual corners of pop culture. But I’ve never written about music. The truth is, music has never really clicked with me. It doesn’t hold the same place in my life that films or novels do. Even as a kid sitting in church, I remember hoping the music would be over soon so we could sit down. To this day, as much as I hate being late to anything, I don’t mind showing up to church a few minutes after the music starts.

Why is that? I’m not sure. My grandpa was incredibly talented musically, my dad could play piano by ear and sang in a trio for years, and my mom has sung in the church choir her entire life. Somehow, all that musical talent and passion skipped right over me.

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My oldest son got it, though — he plays guitar beautifully and loves all kinds of music. Growing up, my parents didn’t let me listen to much pop radio, and that probably shaped how I viewed music. I liked “Weird Al” Yankovic because he made me laugh, and I listened to DC Talk and TobyMac because they had a message. But I had a passion for music or other artists.

Until NF. He has a new EP, Fear, out today, so I wanted to talk about his music.

NF: The Storyteller Who Raps About Real Life

Nathan Feuerstein — NF — doesn’t just rap; he tells stories. Honest, raw, vulnerable stories. His songs sound like journal entries set to orchestral beats. You don’t have to love rap to appreciate what he’s doing — you just have to love truth. His tagline is “Real Music,” and much of his music is about his personal struggles with OCD and dealing with the death of his mom.

He started out as a Christian rapper. He made the transition to mainstream music and hit it big with his hit, “Let You Down,” from his Perception album. He’s still a rapper who happens to be a Christian.

What pulls me in is the same thing that makes me love great movies and books: story and emotion. NF’s music is full of both. He’s not chasing trends, not flexing wealth or fame — he’s wrestling with himself, with God, with pain and purpose.

He doesn’t use explicit lyrics, but his songs hit harder than most “edgy” artists out there. He’s open about anxiety, faith, fame, doubt, and mental health — all wrapped in a cinematic soundscape.

Six Music Videos That Tell a Story

If you want to see how NF’s storytelling unfolds, watch these six videos in order. I love the stories these songs and videos tell, but except for Outro, they aren’t really my favorites. They don’t have replay value for me because I can’t really relate to his story. But I appreciate and enjoy them as art — and I understand how powerful they are to many people.

Each one has a beginning, middle, and end — together they create a deeply personal narrative arc:

🎥 Mansion (from the album Mansion) — This defines NF’s universe. It introduces the “house” that represents his mind and the rooms that hold his pain, anger, and memories. It’s where his story begins.

🎬 Outro (from Perception) — A powerful visual summary of where he’s been and where he’s headed. You can feel him closing one chapter and preparing for what’s next.

🔍 The Search (from The Search) — A visual metaphor for wandering through life’s confusion, carrying burdens (represented by balloons) and questions, looking for peace.

🚫 Leave Me Alone (also from The Search) — Ties directly to The Search. It shows NF battling the voices in his head and the weight of fame.

💡 Hope (from Hope) — A shift toward light. NF confronts his past self and begins to find freedom, faith, and purpose.

⚡ Fear (from the new Fear EP, November 14)* — The newest chapter. It feels like all the progress NF made in Hope was lost in Fear. He admits as much in this beautiful but haunting song. This is the true nature of mental illness, I guess. While I liked the song, it isn’t one I’ll have on replay — but it continues the story told through his videos. I have a feeling the story is far from over.

Together, these six tracks tell a complete story — from trauma to healing, to regression. It’s like watching a movie.

My Top 10 NF Songs (Personal Favorites)

This list isn’t based on the popularity of the songs or the artistry of the videos — it’s simply about what connects with me the most. These are the NF tracks I listen to over and over.

Running – Honest and reflective, a quiet confession that feels like closure. NF at his most vulnerable.

Clouds – Confident, sharp, and full of clever wordplay. A reminder that he can mix humility with swagger when he needs to. A great video.

Trust (feat. Tech N9ne) – A technical masterpiece. The flow and precision here are incredible. Evidently, Tech N9ne is a master of the craft.

Outro – A perfect summary of where NF had been and where he was headed next — intense, determined, and self-aware.

Paralyzed – Haunting and emotional. It captures that numb feeling when you’re trapped inside your own mind. I related to this one a lot.

Lost in the Moment – Cinematic and tense, like a movie scene set to music. NF wrestling with time, regret, and purpose.

Just Like You – One of his most relatable songs. It’s encouraging, honest, and grounded — a message that everyone struggles. Great vocals by Andreas Moss.

I Miss the Days – Nostalgic and heartfelt. It’s about longing for simpler times before the pressure and fame. Great gospel choir feel.

Remember This – Feels like life advice wrapped in a beat. Every line hits with conviction.

I’ll Keep On – A raw statement of perseverance and faith. Humble, prayerful, and powerful — the perfect closer.

Closing Thoughts

I’m not a music “person” or expert, but NF is definitely my favorite. His videos are like movies — epic and powerful. As he has transformed from a “Christian rapper” to a rapper who is a Christian, the message of his music has remained powerful and relevant.

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