Use NF’s music as a coping mechanism

NF conducts a sound check before a concert in 2021. (Photo by Walkster Z via Wikimedia Commons)

Today, many people use music as a coping mechanism, especially when they can relate to the lyrics. NF sings and writes as a way to cope and vent about his issues without using swear words or crime. He is a relatable artist, especially for teenagers. His lyrics are unique and deep, specifically when he talks about his mental illness or how he feels. It lets people see that they are not alone and that there is someone out there who understands what they are going through. 

Nathan Feuerstein was born in Michigan in the early 1990s. Growing up, Feuerstein had a tough childhood. His parents divorced after he was born, and so Feuerstein ended up living with a mother who was addicted to opioids. He was also physically abused by his mother’s boyfriend. Feuerstein and his sisters eventually moved in with Feuerstein’s father, and during high school, Feuerstein shut off communication with his mother when a court- ordered social worker to required their conversations to be monitored. At age 17, Feuerstein received a call from his grandmother informing him that his mother died of an overdose. Using his music to cope, Feuerstein wrote the song “How Could You Leave Us” on his 2016 album Therapy Session. In the song, he discusses his mother’s drug addiction, how he felt about her death, and how the situation impacted him and his sisters emotionally.

In NF’s song, “Therapy Session”, he writes, “When I feel something, whether it’s anger / Um, it’s a passion about something—or frustration / Like, this is where I go / This is—this is—that’s the whole ‘NF Real Music’ thing, man / This is real for me—I need this /This is a therapy for me.”

Famous rap god Eminem was NF’s inspiration to start writing and singing. Around the age of 12, Feuerstein began writing rap music and recording himself with a karaoke machine. In 2008, Feuerstein performed at the Fine Arts Festival in Canton, Michigan and earned second place; a year later he won first place. 

Feuerstein’s career as NF started in 2010 when he independently released his own album, Moments. He was noticed by the record label, Xist Music, and while they announced an extended play, due to a dispute, it was never released. After the dispute, Feuerstein did not sign with another record label for two years, but he still collaborated with a local producer, Tommee Profitt.

In 2014, Feuerstein signed with Capital CMG and finally released his extended play, which ended up being a hit, reaching number 12 on Billboard’s Christian Album, number 4 on Top Gospel Albums, and number 15 on Top Rap Albums.

Mansion was the first studio-released album (2015). In total, NF has released 2 EPs, including 1 self-titled EP with Capital CMG, 5 studio albums, and 1 mixtape. NF’s music is often referred to as “Christian rap”, but he denies the label.

In an interview, NF said, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t make Christian music. You’re not going to reach everyone with just one point of view. I write about things I’m actually dealing with. You don’t have to be Christian to relate to them.”

When you look at and compare your current situation to NF’s songs, you will see that you are not alone. Knowing what you are experiencing, and hearing it expressed through someone else’s words, provides you with a clearer perspective. NF’s music makes you feel heard and understood in various ways. Anything you are going through, he has a song for. Using music as a coping mechanism can really open your eyes if you pay close attention to the lyrics.

According to Will Lavin, reporter for NME, “NF’s music speaks loudest to the misunderstood youth who feel like no one is listening. Offering them a voice and a form of refuge, the former electrician’s music tackles a wide range of topics, including broken relationships (‘Time’), mental health (‘Nate’) and being okay with being different (‘Outcast’). But while his music helps others and gives him an opportunity to vent his frustrations and scream at the world during the creative process, there was a period Feuerstein found himself dealing with issues so deep that he had to seek out a therapist.”

There are many underground artists who are just starting to come out and gaining popularity: NF is one of them. His music can help you get through the challenging times, and find relief.

Give different artists and genres a chance; you never know when you will come across a gem like NF.