Relatable to the extreme, and I love it. Rapper NF’s (Nathan Feuerstein) When I Grow Up talks about pressures placed on him to stop pursuing his dreams, the difficulties in making it, the odds of success, the voices of a lot of doubters, and maybe even his own self-doubt, saying that he “might not be the best in my field”. The song isn’t boasting of his now success, but of humble origins. The video further accentuating this with NF working through a series of low-skilled jobs; a garbage-man, a janitor, and a fast-food-server, and yet through all of those jobs he keeps going and didn’t give up on his dreams – which is what happens to a lot of dreamers – till finally at the end he’s not performing to an audience of two, but thousands.
Written in the perspective of being before his success, When I Grow Up expresses NF’s emotions at the time; hopes, fears and determination in pursuing his dream to be a rapper. The music video even has him handing out his debut album Moments – which he released as an independent artist in 2010. It wouldn’t be a leap to say that the video and song feel as though they’re an inspiration for others; an encouragement to pursue their dreams and keep going.
There are many things to love in this song, one is the music behind the lyrics – its opposing sweet tune being reminiscent of the music boxes we have as kids; shouting out the childhood dream that’s not extinguished. A more subtle and almost passing lyric to the song; “I know this probably isn’t really realistic/And honestly, I might not ever make a difference” is in fact one of the most powerful moments. The song alluding not only to following your dreams, but NF’s hope that he can be of help to others.
A strength of music is that it can hold a mirror to ourselves, be a source of comfort or empowerment. When NF later raps;
“Everybody in the crowd singin’ every word I wrote
Tellin’ me that I am not the only one that feels alone
Huh? You feel alone? Yeah, I kinda feel alone
Wonder if that feelin’ ever goes away when you get old”
There’s a sense of connectivity to the audience, and when combined with his signature painted-black-smile, (which he rubs off at the end of the video), it feels as though he’s forced to put on a happy front, even when things feel dark and low. Or even a bit “Jokerish” as fans put it. But who knows – well NF, does – but either way it’s impactful.
Directed by NF in joint collaboration with Patrick Tohill, the video feels personal, hopeful, and with its beat – a rap anthem to be instilled in the mind.
What makes NF stand out in today’s rap world are a multitude of things; missing profanity, respecting women, a lack of violence in the lyrics, all of which tend to be hyped up in the world of rap – in large because its somehow come to be expected. But refreshing tone aside, what makes his music so effective is an understanding of people’s day-to-day experiences – the lyrics successfully reaching out to an ever-growing audience.
Other songs by NF we love:
- JUST LIKE ME – (2021 – Clouds [The Mixtape])
- Chasing (Demo) (feat. Mikayla Sippel) (2020 – single)
- No Name (2019 – The Search)
- The Search (2019 – The Search)
- Let You Down (2017 – Perception)
- Lie (2017 – Perception)
- How Could You Leave Us (2016 – Therapy Session)
Other artists you might like:
- Ivan B
- Joyner Lucas
- Sik World
