The Search (song)


"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. It was written and produced by the lead artist and 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" was produced and written by NF and Tommee Profitt and lasts for a duration of 4 minutes and 11 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."

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

Appearances in media

The song is featured in the trailer of season three of the video game Apex Legends.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.

Certifications