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.[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.

"The Search"
Single by NF
from the album The Search
ReleasedMay 30, 2019 (2019-05-30)
Genre
Length4:08 (album version)
3:17 (edit)
LabelCapitol
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

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.”

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.

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
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[15] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[16] 3× Platinum 240,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[17] Platinum 50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[18] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[19] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. "The Search – Single by NF". Apple Music. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  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. "The Search / NF – Tidal". Tidal. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  5. Unterberger, Andrew (May 31, 2019). "First Stream: New Music From Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Cardi B and More". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  6. 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. "Canadian single certifications – NF – The Search". Music Canada. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  17. "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.
  18. "British single certifications – NF – The Search". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  19. "American single certifications – NF – The Search". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
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