NF

NF is the stage name of rapper and composer Nate Feuerstein, originally from Gladwin, Michigan. Feuerstein's childhood was marked by significant hardship, including his parents' divorce and other traumatic events. Music became his primary outlet, and he began recording songs using a karaoke machine, layering his raps over instrumentals.

His early musical achievements included placing second in a nationwide Fine Arts Festival rap competition in 2008 and winning first place in Michigan the following year. He independently released his debut album, Moments, in 2010. This release caught the attention of Xist Music, leading to a recording deal in 2012, by which time Feuerstein had adopted the stage name NF. Although an EP was announced by the label that same year, it was never released, and NF subsequently parted ways with Xist.

Transition to Capitol Christian Music Group

Over the next two years, NF focused on finding a new label and collaborated with local producer Tommee Profitt. Their work together resulted in the song "Wake Up," which proved instrumental in securing a deal with Capitol Christian Music Group. The label released a self-titled EP in the late summer of 2014, featuring six tracks, including a remix of "Wake Up" by Manny Marroquin.

Commercial Success and Charting Albums

NF's debut album, Mansion, arrived in early 2015, reaching number 62 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Christian Albums chart. His 2016 follow-up, Therapy Session, also led the Christian Albums chart, recognized for its candid emotional expression and honest lyrics. The singles "Outro" and "Green Lights" were released in the summer of 2017, preceding his third studio album, Perception, which debuted that October.

Perception propelled NF to mainstream popularity in 2017, hitting number one on the U.S. charts and earning platinum certification. Its third single, "Let You Down," achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number twelve on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a top-ten hit internationally. His subsequent album, The Search (2019), continued this trend of commercial success. NF's most recent album, Hope, released on April 7, 2023, also performed well commercially, debuting at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200.