"The Search" is a song by American rapper NF, released through

Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...

on May 30, 2019, as the second single from the album of the same name. 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.

Composition and lyrics

"The Search" lasts for a duration of 4 minutes and 8 seconds, with NF rapping 777 words throughout the track. 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."

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.”

Critical reception

Danielle Chelosky of ''Substream Magazine'' described "The Search" as "introspective and unapologetic," while Tyler Schmitt of '' Variance Magazine'' called it "blistering."

Jon Caramanica Jon Caramanica (born 1975) is an American journalist and pop music critic who writes for ''The New York Times''. He is also known for writing about hip hop music. Biography Born in Brooklyn, New York (state), New York, Caramanica received his ba ...

, writing for '' The New York Times'', commended NF's delivery, writing that he "raps tartly and with compelling angst." Andrew Unterberger of ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' 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."

Appearances in media

The song is featured in the trailer of season three of the video game Apex Legends. From October 19, 2020 to February 2022, the song was featured as the opening theme song for WWE's Monday Night Raw.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. * Nate Feurstein – composer, lyricist, producer * Tommee Profitt – composer, lyricist, producer, mastering engineer, mixer, studio personnel

Charts

Certifications

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Search, The 2019 singles 2019 songs NF (rapper) songs Songs written by Tommee Profitt Songs written by NF (rapper) Capitol Records singles