The Healing Power of Music - The NF Journey Part Two

The Map to Hope

Welcome back to the second part of this series, delving deeper into the world of rapper Nathan Feuerstein, popularly known as NF. A 32-year-old musician hailing from Gladwin, Michigan, NF has quietly become a powerful force in the music industry.

Billboard recently recognized NF as “one of the world’s biggest rappers,” with his music accumulating over five billion streams worldwide. Despite being considered a “hip-hop icon,” with 14 Platinum records and five multi-Platinum hits, he remains somewhat unknown to the general public. Surprisingly, his 2017 song “Let You Down,” which achieved 8x platinum status, is the only one to receive significant radio play.

The Art of Storytelling in NF's Music

NF's music stands out for his raw, emotional storytelling into personal mental health struggles and self-reflection. Using his own experiences, he brings a sense of honesty to his lyrics, resonating with millions of listeners worldwide. His lyrical ability, blend of rap, hip-hop, and singing create a unique, “NF” sound.

As a master of gritty, raw poetry, NF's music consistently explores themes of mental health, personal struggles, and inspiration about overcoming adversity. Listening to his musical catalog, known as "The NF Journey," takes listeners on an emotional ride, normalizing and destigmatizing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, inadequacy, and the feeling of being "othered." NF's music is a therapeutic outlet - a form of therapy, really for millions of people navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, OCD, and feeling like they don’t belong.

The Map To Hope through Therapy

NF’s fifth studio album, "Hope," released in 2023, takes us on another introspective therapy journey—this time toward hope. In the music video for “Hope,” NF dons all white, a departure from his usual all-black attire, bringing a more positive and upbeat feeling. According to Rapzilla, "Hope" by NF "debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning the rapper his fourth Top 10 album," selling 123,000 in its first week. The album continues to share his struggles with mental illness, normalizing the difficulty of emerging from depression. In the song “Happy,” he writes:

“Been this way so long it feels like something’s off when I’m not depressed.” (NF Happy)

Finding Hope and Facing Demons

In the visually beautiful "Hope" video, NF takes us on a journey where he finally finds what he calls “the map to hope.” Dressed in all white, the symbolism evident—a shift from other videos, into a brighter, more hopeful space.

As he reflects on his journey, NF's words tell the story, “Some would say having a mental breakdown is a negative thing. Which on one hand, I agree with. On the other hand, it was the push I needed to get help and start the healing process: “If I'd never hit rock bottom, would I be the person that I am today? I don't believe so. I'm a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons.” (NF Hope)

His demons of OCD, anxiety, depression, and have self-loathing separated him from happiness much of his life.

Empowerment and Confidence in "RUNNING"

In his final song, "RUNNING," NF’s voice sounds confident and resolute. He addresses his negative thought patterns, talking back to his inner Judge, stating, "I’m tired of holding on to you; it's time to let my pride go and learn to love myself again.” It's as if he's flipping the script, setting boundaries on his negative thoughts and taking charge of his narrative: “I'm not interested In giving you more of my life, I've already given you too much.” (NF Running.)

NF's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is a narrative that resonates not only with the general population but also the LGBTQIA+ community, where mental health challenges are high. With more and more laws passed targeting queer people - in particular transgender individuals, maintaining a hopeful outlook is essential.

Therapy Session

'The NF Journey' is a narrative of authenticity, speaking to the profound, transformative, and healing power of music. In 'Therapy Session,' NF articulates the powerful role of music as an outlet for emotion and healing. He writes "When I feel something, whether it's anger, passion about something, or frustration, this is where I go. This is the whole 'NF Real Music' thing, man. This is real for me—I need this. This is therapy for me." (Therapy Session)

NF's music not only resonates with audiences but also creates essential conversations about mental health, addressing themes like anxiety, childhood trauma, isolation, and the importance of vocalizing one's struggles — finding an outlet for expression. Therapy becomes a place to discover hope within this journey.

Conclusion: The Healing Power of Music

NF offers more than music; he brings connection, support, and a sense of solidarity, in particular for those of us struggling with mental health issues. His raw, authentic storytelling resonates deeply, providing a lifeline and fostering a community that values authenticity and healing.

By addressing mental health and resilience, NF's work underscores the healing power of music and the transformative effect of confronting personal challenges.

#NF Real Music. #HopeTour 2024

-Tori Corbett, LCSW

Part 1 of the NF Journey: The Healing Power of Music: The NF Journey

Read: Embracing the Anxious Mind: Are There Positives to Anxiety?

All rights reserved: Tori Corbett Counseling. 2024