NF and Inception

Tonight was a night for concert goers and music lovers. And the opening act is a name that has become extremely well known across the world. Logic has managed to move people, impact the masses, and spread the message of peace, love, and positivity. But I am not here to talk about Logic's performance. Yes, it was incredibly energetic and pumped. Yes, he is an absolute nerd and shows that side of him with a carefree ease which is almost intoxicating. And yes, Logic loves engaging with the crowd. But today, I want to show a little love to one of the opening acts.

NF is an artist that I have had the privilege to watch from the early releases to now. And of course, I feel like a proud mom and am so thrilled to see him ascend through the ranks. But something I noticed while at the show, was that there were still so many people who had no idea who NF was, and was pleasantly shocked to hear him perform. And that is why I write this blog. To elicit that reaction from people, to show others music outside of their own. NF easily falls into this category of incredible and noteworthy upcoming artists. 

One of the ways I am able to describe NF, is by likening his music to be a mix of Eminem and Linkin Park. When you think about it, that combination doesn't sound too shabby. But NF has been able to perfect the blend of aggressive delivery and sharp lyricism which can be found in Eminem's repertoire, along with the deep-rooted emotional focus and soundscape of Linkin Park. NF has developed his sound in his own right, creating a special darkness around his music which is both ominous and melancholy. There is a raw reality which can be found in his music, and while the material may be dark, there is always a spark to be found in each song to lead us towards something more. 

This track is possibly one of the most moving, heartbreaking, and eye-opening songs I have heard from a rapper. This song digs through the psyche of NF, and takes us on a journey of a man who has been through much and seen enough. This song explores the mental world that NF lives in as if it is a house he resides in. Basements with skeletons, writing on the walls, and a home full of ghosts can all be found in this extensive metaphor. The song is flooded with heartbreaking and painful memories, symbolized as rooms that are neglected, forgotten, and abandoned. Much of the power in this song comes from the vulnerability of self-conflict which we are exposed to, and that power is enough to make us hurt and feel for NF.  He admits that no one else is locking him inside the house except his house, but wishes to be free of the pain, anger, and bitterness which spatters and paints the walls. 

All of the lyrics in this song are written in order to weave a story. The story is built on the metaphor of the house, but we are able to see the stories within the story. Each room has a memory to share, a pivotal moment or event in NF's life which has shaped him into the man he is today. NF courageously tells us these stories, exploring the darker side of humanity and the desperate hunger to experience the light. This kind of subject matter is something I find even more moving considering NF began his career signed to a Christian music label. A vast majority of the time, Christian music is full of glory and love for God and His power. Sometimes the subject matter is about the state of the world and the desire to make a change and spread the love around the world. But in moments that are so rare, we get tracks like this which completely overhaul the generally accepted style of Christian music. We get an artist who digs into his own raw emotional state and tells us exactly what is on his mind and in his heart. We get introspective insight into the darker parts of a person, the true bitterness which grows from a life as difficult and gut-wrenching as NF's. And beauty comes from his understanding that the only way to be free, is to unlock the doors and let everything go. 

There is both a depth and transparency which can be found in NF's music. In his journey of being completely open and transparent with us, the listeners, there is a depth to a man who has lost so much. If this is your first experience with NF, I truly hope you take the chance to listen to his other tracks. NF is a rapper who is on his way up and is redefining rap.

Today's instrumental song is from the film Inception. This soundtrack never gets old, and this piece in particular never fails to leave you speechless. There is a gentleness to be found in this track, but that gentleness is surrounded by something deeper and profound. There is a sense of hope heard in the midst of loss, a light which can emerge from the shadows. Hans Zimmer gives us a taste of his genius in this track, and it remains to be one of my favourite compositions by him. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!