The Search (song)

Last updated
"The Search"
Single by NF
from the album The Search
ReleasedMay 30, 2019 (2019-05-30)
Genre
Length4:08 (album version)
3:17 (edit)
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Feuerstein
  • Profitt
NF singles chronology
"If You Want Love"
(2019)		"The Search"
(2019)		"When I Grow Up"
(2019)
Music video
"The Search" on YouTube

"The Search" is a song by American rapper NF, released through Capitol Records on May 30, 2019, as the second single from the album of the same name. [1] [2] It was written and produced by NF alongside Tommee Profitt, and lyrically discusses the negative impact of fame and commercial success on NF's mental and physical health. A music video was released the same day as the song. It debuted at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

Composition and lyrics

"The Search" lasts for a duration of 4 minutes and 8 seconds, with NF rapping 777 words throughout the track. [3] [4] The song's production features "prickly strings, choral backing chants and an unforgiving beat drop" and its structure contains a 30 second intro and lacks a chorus. Lyrically, it discusses the impact on NF's mental health as a consequence of his mainstream success. While the rapper initially understates the negative impact of fame on his life, he soon escalates his criticisms of commercial accomplishments, stating that "The sales can rise/ Doesn't mean much though when your health declines." [5] [6]

Meaning

The main message in this song is one of doing well. He starts off his song by “honestly answering the casual and frequent question, “How’s life?” NF continues to answer the greeting throughout the track by discussing recent changes in life, depression and the world itself.”[ citation needed ]

Critical reception

Danielle Chelosky of Substream Magazine described "The Search" as "introspective and unapologetic," [7] while Tyler Schmitt of Variance Magazine called it "blistering." [2] Jon Caramanica, writing for The New York Times , commended NF's delivery, writing that he "raps tartly and with compelling angst." [6] Andrew Unterberger of Billboard wrote that the track "proves that fame is one long anxiety attack" and added that its production gives "the meltdown overtaking his mind operatic grandeur.". [5]

Appearances in media

The song is featured in the trailer of season three of the video game Apex Legends. [8] From October 19, 2020 to February 2022, the song was featured as the opening theme song for WWE's Monday Night Raw.[ citation needed ]. The song also appeared in Fortnite in the Fortnite Festival mode and as a "Jam Track" emote for "Battle Royale" mode.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [4]

Charts

Chart (2019)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [9] 59
Ireland (IRMA) [10] 69
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [11] 12
UK Singles (OCC) [12] 88
US Billboard Hot 100 [13] 70
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [14] 27

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [15] 2× Platinum140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [16] Platinum40,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [17] 3× Platinum240,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [18] Gold45,000‡
France (SNEP) [19] Gold100,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [20] Gold50,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [21] Platinum50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [22] Gold400,000‡
United States (RIAA) [23] 2× Platinum2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NF (rapper)</span> American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer (born 1991)

Nathan John Feuerstein, known by his initials NF, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has released two EPs, I'm Free (2012), and a self-titled EP in 2014 with Capitol CMG. His second and first major-label studio album, Mansion, was released on March 31, 2015. His third studio album, Therapy Session, was released on April 22, 2016, and peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard 200. His albums have earned several accolades, some of which include the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year in 2016 and the Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bodak Yellow</span> 2017 single by Cardi B

"Bodak Yellow" (alternatively titled "Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)") is the major-label debut single by American rapper Cardi B. It was written alongside Pardison Fontaine, Klenord Raphael, and producers J. White Did It and Laquan Green, with an additional writing credit going to Kodak Black for the interpolation of his song "No Flockin". It was released on June 16, 2017, by Atlantic Records as the lead single from her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardi B discography</span>

American rapper Cardi B has released one studio album, three mixtapes, 38 singles, and 17 music videos. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she has sold 100 million equivalent units in the United States across albums, singles, and mixtapes, making her the 6th best-selling female digital artist in the country. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy was the best selling female rap album of the 2010s according to The Recording Academy. It also became the most streamed female rap album on Spotify history. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), "Girls Like You" was the 5th best-selling single of 2018 worldwide, selling 11.9 million units that year alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Limit (G-Eazy song)</span> 2017 single by G-Eazy featuring ASAP Rocky and Cardi B

"No Limit" is a song by American rapper G-Eazy featuring fellow American rappers A$AP Rocky and Cardi B. It was written by the artists, Edgar Machuca, Klenord Raphael, Earlly Mac, Pardison Fontaine, and producers Allen Ritter and Boi-1da. The song was released through RCA Records on September 8, 2017, as the lead single from G-Eazy's third studio album, The Beautiful & Damned (2017).

<i>Perception</i> (NF album) 2017 studio album by NF

Perception is the third studio album by American rapper NF. It was released on October 6, 2017, through Capitol Records alongside Caroline Records and NF's newly launched label NF Real Music. The album was entirely produced by American producers Tommee Profitt and David Garcia, and features a guest performance from American singer Ruelle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let You Down (NF song)</span> 2017 single by NF

"Let You Down" is a song performed by American rapper and songwriter NF and is his most successful song to date. It serves as the third single from his third studio album, Perception, released on September 14, 2017. Available for digital download and streaming, it also includes an audio video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommee Profitt</span> American songwriter and producer (born 1984)

Tommee James Profitt is an American songwriter and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bartier Cardi</span> 2017 single by Cardi B featuring 21 Savage

"Bartier Cardi" is a song by American rapper Cardi B featuring British-American rapper 21 Savage, from the former's debut studio album Invasion of Privacy (2018). It was released on December 22, 2017, as the second single from the album. The song was written by the two performers and its producers 30 Roc and Cheeze Beatz. Its official music video received a nomination for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

"Lie" is a song by American rapper NF. It serves as the fourth single from his third studio album, Perception (2017), and was released on April 17, 2018, for digital download and streaming. It was written by NF alongside Mike Elizondo, Jr. and producer Tommee Profitt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why (NF song)</span> 2018 single by NF

"Why" is a song by American rapper NF, released on June 18, 2018 as the lead single from his fourth studio album The Search (2019). It was written and produced by NF himself, Tommee Profitt, and Saint X of Capital Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NF discography</span>

American rapper NF has released five studio albums and two EPs. His first major-label album, Mansion, was released on March 31, 2015. His second studio album, Therapy Session, was released on April 22, 2016, and peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thotiana</span> 2018 single by Blueface

"Thotiana" is a song by American rapper Blueface. Its music video premiered on WorldStarHipHop's YouTube channel on July 5, 2018. It was released as a single from Blueface's debut mixtape, Famous Cryp (2018), on February 2, 2018. The song was written by Blueface and produced by Scum Beatz. Cardi B and YG feature on the official remixes of the song, each with a music video; a third and final remix with both artists would later be released. Billboard magazine ranked "Thotiana" as the 26th best song of 2019, calling it "one of the catchiest songs of the year".

<i>The Search</i> (NF album) 2019 studio album by NF

The Search is the fourth studio album by American rapper NF. It was released on July 26, 2019, through NF Real Music and Caroline, and was preceded by the singles "Why", "The Search", "When I Grow Up" and "Time". It features a sole collaboration with Sasha Sloan. NF embarked on a North American tour in September and October 2019 in support of the album. Despite receiving mixed reviews from music critics, the album debuted atop the Billboard 200, becoming NF's second US No. 1 album. It serves as a follow-up to his 2017 album Perception (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I Grow Up (NF song)</span> 2019 single by NF

"When I Grow Up" is a song by American rapper NF, released on June 27, 2019 as the third single from his fourth studio album The Search. Written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt, it peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Leave Me Alone" is a song by American rapper NF from his fourth studio album The Search (2019). It was written and produced alongside Tommee Profitt and Cole "Saint X" Walowac of Capital Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paid My Dues (NF song)</span> 2019 single by NF

"Paid My Dues" is a song by American rapper NF. It was released on December 3, 2019 as the lead single from his first mixtape Clouds (2021). Written and produced alongside Tommee Profitt and Saint X of Capital Kings, the song discusses NF's critics and their hypocrisy, showing how he made his path to success and overcoming obstacles that he faced along the way. A music video was released the same day as the song

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WAP (song)</span> 2020 single by Cardi B

"WAP" is a song by American rapper Cardi B, featuring fellow American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. It was written by Cardi B, Frank Rodriguez, Ayo The Producer, Megan Thee Stallion, Pardison Fontaine, KEYZBABY and Matt Allen, and released on August 7, 2020, through Atlantic as the lead single from Cardi B's upcoming second studio album. Musically, it is a hip hop song driven by heavy bass, drum beats, and a sample of Frank Ski's single "Whores in This House" (1993). With sexually explicit lyrics which made it gain popularity, the song reached the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Clouds" is a song by American rapper NF, released on February 18, 2021 along with a music video. It is the second single from his mixtape of the same name, and was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song has peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Lost" is a song by American rapper NF featuring fellow American rapper Hopsin, released on March 11, 2021 as the third and final single from the former's mixtape Clouds. The song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt, Saint X of Capital Kings, and Hopsin, while being produced by the former three. The latter's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it is lyrically about feeling lost and finding oneself.

"Hope" is a song by American rapper NF, released on February 16, 2023, as the lead single from his fifth studio album of the same name. Written with Tommee Profitt, the two produced it with Jeff Sojka.

References

  1. ↑ "The Search – Single by NF". Apple Music . Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Schmitt, Tyler (May 30, 2019). "NF teases album, opens up about struggles in new song 'The Search'". Variance Magazine. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  3. ↑ Shoemake, Whitney (May 30, 2019). "NF explores the dark corners of his mind in "The Search" video". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
  4. 1 2 "The Search / NF – Tidal". Tidal . Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  5. 1 2 Unterberger, Andrew (May 31, 2019). "First Stream: New Music From Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Cardi B and More". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Pareles, Jon; Caramanica, Jon; Ganz, Caryn; Russonello, Giovanni (May 30, 2019). "The Playlist: Cardi B Is Stressed, and 13 More New Songs". The New York Times. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  7. ↑ Chelosky, Danielle (May 30, 2019). "NF announces new album and North American tour, releases lead single". Substream Magazine. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  8. ↑ Good, Owen S. (2019-09-28). "Apex Legends season 3 gameplay trailer gives us a song, ice, and fire". Polygon. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  9. ↑ "NF Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography NF". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  11. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  13. ↑ "NF Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  14. ↑ "NF Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  15. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – NF – The Search" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – NF – The Search". Music Canada . Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Danish single certifications – NF – The Search". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  19. ↑ "French single certifications – NF – The Search" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Italian single certifications – NF – The Search" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  21. ↑ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved August 23, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter The Search in the search box.
  22. ↑ "British single certifications – NF – The Search". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  23. ↑ "American single certifications – NF – The Search". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 31, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.