"HOPE" by NF Music Video REACTION | Michael Knowles

[@MichaelKnowles]

Which NF song should I review next?

[@eviekolstad3768]

Outcast and LOST

[@deborah3326]

Therapy Session or How Could You Leave Us

[@jluc6791]

Michael, the NF journey is a whole series of videos from basically the beginning of his career to present day. His entire album catalog is like one continuous story told by chapters and it’s very difficult to isolate one song that you should listen to. It’s more a whole painted picture. Once you get started you’ll understand but it all leads to this point.

[@Jst.J]

Change and if you want love

[@josiahriggins3358]

Honestly “how could you leave us.” Would dispel the idea that he has struggled with drugs and alcohol throughout his life.

[@Drock1212]

If you knew NF full story this song brings it all together perfectly.

[@MC_kalCM]

ABSOLUTE TRUTH!

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

Many of his songs give me chills/goosebumps. Some artists are just especially talented

[@franciscobernardesc.2181]

Isn't it the life of us all?

[@crjaekel]

Facts!!

[@FuturePresident11]

Yes if you want to understand this more you have to look into the past few music videos it will clear it up being a long term NF fan I can attest to how confusing it is… but wow.

[@terseandtiny1746]

If you're new to NF, listen to his albums in order and watch his videos in order. It'll all make sense. He's tied everything together.

[@chase7531]

That’s one of the things I HATE that Michael does. He hasn’t reacted to Outcast, Green Lights, Let You Down, Mansion, Why, so he doesn’t get ANY of those references or call backs. It’s sad.

[@misterrickroll9428]

@@chase7531 Hate is a very strong word...

[@str8_4ward95]

yeah it’s hard to understand this video if you haven’t already listened and watched all of his music and music videos, i love NF, but some of the things michael said made me cringe because he doesn’t fully understand some of the things NF is referencing

[@nickynicks_]

I'd like to listen to them but I don't even know where to start! Think you could give me a list or tell which one to start with? Pretty please

[@str8_4ward95]

@@nickynicks_ all of them🤣 if you don’t have the time: mansion, intro, intro2, returns, the search, paid my dues, nate, change, no name, real, outcast, why, intro 3, how could you leave us, leave me alone, i can’t remember what else, but those are the main story songs, they aren’t in order but look at the release dates and play them in order from oldest to newest, and if they are in the same album it doesn’t matter the order you play it in

[@scottstots8815]

MICHAEL!!! Read the comments, there's a lot of hard-core NF fans in here. NF does not struggle with drugs or alcohol, he even speaks out against it in his songs! Do a reaction to "How could you leave us" and then after you're done crying about how real that song is, get back to us on how you feel about NF!

[@1PrayerWarrior4]

THIS!!! ^^^

[@NF4EverFan]

😤😤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🫶ty

[@shieldinhand6586]

He’s not going to read the comments. Some intern will do that for him and he’ll review whatever Jeremy tells him to. It’s why he keeps doing reactions to these NF songs basically blind with little understanding. Stop Big Con.

[@lawsb4lies674]

Okay NF #1 groupie, off your knees now

[@RVMaxtube]

Dude, not Everyone has to like YOUR favorite artist

[@mikeg1515]

Old NF: "Whats your definition of success? I don't trust this thing that beats inside my chest." New NF: "Whats my definition of success? Trusting what your heart says" Old NF: "I'm looking for the map to hope. You seen it?" New NF: finds the map to hope Old NF: hasn't forgiven his mom New NF: "This isn't a shot mamma. I've forgiven you". Truly a message of growth from NF. And these aren't even including the so many other parallels to his other albums. Love this song and I can't wait for the album drop on April 7th.

[@brigittebond9437]

Yes!!! Nice Connection on the map!! Didn’t think of that…

[@MrMultiPlatform]

Stop C&P this comment

[@MrMultiPlatform]

@@brigittebond9437 Neither did he

[@lysclare7098]

I LOVE NF SO MUCH

[@danieljohnston4960]

Thats crazy! 🔥

[@billivmAGRC]

Man if you only knew how many people saw a painting that's been worked on for 7 years and he just adds a little everytime while paying homage to the last session. No artist has ever in the history of music done what he is consistently done with his whole discography. BeaUtiful!

[@davidberry2139]

Realist shit tho

[@mugishaderrick7880]

These are the refrences 0:30 Nate's white clothes (The Search, Leave Me Alone, PAID MY DUES) 1:05 Paddle from LOST (LOST) 1:06 Fear's first line (Intro III) 1:16 ‘Hope Island’ strong opposite to LOST scenery (LOST) 1:23 Nate and Fear argue over who made the album (Intro III) 1:31 Definition of success (Why) 2:00 Feelings giving wrong directions (Just Like You) 2:20 Map to Hope (The Search) 2:54 Mansion (Mansion) 2:54 Dramatic scene change (CLOUDS) 3:19 Shopping Cart and Balloons (The Search, Leave Me Alone, Why) 3:36 Room full of regrets (Mansion) 3:44 Cell and keys (Outcast) 3:44 Old man (Let You Down) 3:58 Nate gets ‘kidnapped’ (Green Lights) 4:12 Nate forgives his mother (How Could You Leave Us) 4:16 30 Years of... (The Search, Hate Myself, Nate, Why) 4:44 Nate VS Fear (Intro III) 4:58 Nate takes the reigns (LOST)

[@lexhandley1069]

YES. this is spot on. all the songs and videos have lead to this

[@DocBree13]

Thank you!

[@JacksonCampbell]

Is this from the lyrics or is some of the symbolism only found in the videos?

[@k3boolboombam515]

You copy pasted a comment from the song’s original video

[@Delone35]

Might be a little over thought, but on the right track!

[@droogs5310]

I hope he does a lil research on NF.. hate when he thinks Nate struggles with drugs & alcohol personally.

[@David_S694]

Yup

[@Bigmanfreazies]

He needs to do a few longer segments where he covers multiple NF songs at once (not all but quite a few) in order just so he can feel the cohesion properly

[@butato1]

yeah, its annoying me too

[@shelicecrowley9782]

Agreed

[@David_S694]

He still doesn't know that NF is christian

[@veronicajiya5668]

He's a Christian. His battle has been with not forgiving, pain, and trauma from his childhood. How could you leave us puts things in perspective and Nate helps you understand him better. His struggle with abandonment, he touches on that in Nate. Just listen to some of his songs from his albums, Mansion to The search, and you'll be able to appreciate the mastery, depth, and beauty of this here song more than you already do.

[@jml5100]

He's not a Christian. The song Happy shows he thinks a good Christian is supposed to always be happy. In this song he starts out the gate by rejecting hope as something that failed to save him. His songs don't have hope in them. They don't have the gospel at all or a Christian worldview in general. Trusting his heart is success? That's a line in this song. But the Bible says the heart is deceitfully wicked above all things. The Bible says don't trust in your own understanding. Every song I've heard from him has shown he doesn't have a clue what the gospel is. And that's very sad. And I really hope he finds it one day. But he's definitely not there right now. Most Christian music refuses to acknowledge darker feelings and sadness and loneliness and terrible situations, and we are really missing that in the music. But that doesn't mean we should just jump on board any song that does acknowledge that and label it Christian because someone tells us it is. We still have to compare the lyrics to the Bible.

[@joshuathompson5312]

@@jml5100he’s just showing his struggles. To just flat out assume he’s not a Christian is crazy to me. The only one who truly knows his heart is God. He flat out is apologizing to God in happy in my opinion.

[@jml5100]

@joshuathompson5312 so you're telling me if someone says "I'm a Christian and I think Jesus is not God" then you can't know if the person is a Christian?? Come on dude, sometimes you can know because it's clear the individual doesn't believe the Bible. I'm not saying NF didn't believe Jesus is God (I haven't heard his view on that), but he has said enough other things that show he doesn't have a basic understanding of the Bible and what Christianity is. In this song "Hope" he talks about it in a way that's at odds with the biblical definition and he also rejects hope. He puts trust only in himself and his own positivity. Like if he just trusts in his own ability to pull himself out of the situation then he'll be able to make something new or good out of it. He starts the song saying he was waiting on hope to save him but things haven't panned out so he's doing his own thing now. This is the exact opposite of the gospel. Therefore he is not a Christian. I think Christian music does need a lot more of this...topic (?)... of music where people share their struggles, just like in many of the psalms, so I'm not trying to discredit him for being open about struggles. But imagine 2 scenarios. One guy says "my marriage is super difficult and I'm really struggling to stay faithful" while another says "yeah, my marriage was awful so I just left her and I'm sleeping around now and I'm really not sure which new chick to pick." Both may be honest about where they are, but one is legitimately struggling as he fights to follow the Bible. The other, even if he is struggling, has rejected what the Bible says and is far out in left field not struggling between good and evil but just wallowing around in sin. Or here's an example from an earlier NF song. He says basically his dad was terrible. Fair enough, those people exist. But then his whole response to that situation is "screw him, I hate that guy." The end. A Christian response would be "I really hate my dad for the awful things he did. I know it's wrong to hate him, but I still do. I know I should forgive him, but I'm struggling to be able to do that. I know what I'm supposed to do, but I just don't know how to get there." Admitting you struggle with sin is a very Christian thing to do. Having a "screw it" mindset or acting like it's not sin is not a Christian thing. He also gives a definition of success that is straight from a Disney princess: following his heart. But the Bible is opposed to this. It says the heart is deceitfully wicked above all. So if his goal is to follow his heart then he's plainly not a Christian because he's following what the Bible says will lead him away from God. I truly wish NF was a Christian. So many people who aren't discerning are following him as if he is and that's super dangerous.i wish this was some smaller thing like I believe in baptizing by dunking and he believes in only by sprinkling or something. But he's getting basic things in the Bible wrong and showing a complete misunderstanding of the gospel. I do pray he finds his way at some point. Or rather, God brings him there.

[@joshuathompson5312]

@@jml5100 first of all I ain’t reading all that. Secondly, the dude literally apologizes to God in the song Happy. Again, you should t go around and be so matter of fact about people’s relationship with God.

[@jml5100]

@joshuathompson5312 you shouldn't go around disagreeing with people who's arguments you haven't read. I use scripture, God's word, to support what I'm saying. I guess you use feelings or something. I can definitely judge someone's relationship with God based on if they agree with God's word, the Bible. If you don't believe the Bible, you aren't a Christian, regardless of quasi apologies.

[@mr_the_hulk_fist9220]

NF uses an INSANE amount of symbolism in both his videos and lyrics. Nearly everything you see in this video is a reference to a previous song/video or has multiple meanings themselves.

[@shadowspawn2671]

Remember, back in the search, he said I'm looking for the map to hope have you seen it? He's had it the whole time, but the dark side of nate doesn't let him follow it.

[@LordTyphon01]

NF is completely worth the deep dive. He is a Christian who has struggled with a lot over the years, and his discography perfectly captures everything he's been through. How could you leave us, and Mansion would give you a good starting insight into what he's been through. Also pay attention to the videos too, as everything he does in the videos has a separate equally deep meaning. For example, when he was pushed by his past self, and fell into the "Mansion," you heard a small snippet of the song playing in the background.

[@TheLowenstein]

The song is awesome. It shows that Nate is healing and growing from the sucky places he’s been. Happy for Nate.

[@OldJoeBlows]

We all are… growing and happy for Nate ❤

[@cabbage9412]

This song has so many call backs to his earlier music and mindsets you really need to go through all those to do this song justice

[@toolegittoquit_001]

Not interested

[@covenantzoehgirl]

@@toolegittoquit_001 what a shame

[@zimnon]

@@toolegittoquit_001 that’s not legit, and you have indeed quit

[@JaylLaf]

Outro was such a cool culmination of so many moments in the journey, and now we have this. I love it. I'm so glad that he's been blessed with a family of his own. It definitely shows how much he's healed.

[@KoDrHo]

@@toolegittoquit_001 no one cares

[@epictcg4424]

Michael would be shock to realize he is a true Christian. "He is a Christian but he is not a Christian rapper, He is simply a rapper" But his song is definitely influence by his belief. Love NF, A trust story teller... you have to watch his journey before he got here. You're 3 albums behind Michael, got to catch up and you will see the bigger picture because it builds up to the song "HOPE".

[@ShitYourself7]

He's a Christian rapper

[@epictcg4424]

@@ShitYourself7 He is not, if you're a true fan you know that on multiple occasion he has address this issue. He is a Christian that raps but not a Christian rapper. He is simply a rapper in the industry. He said in his song too.

[@ShitYourself7]

@epictcg4424 if you're a true fan you'd know he is. He is a Christian that raps, thus, literally a Christian rapper.

[@epictcg4424]

@@ShitYourself7 nope, he never said he was a Christian rapper. For example, saying you believe in Buddhism does not make you a Buddhist rapper. You're not a true fan, Im not gonna debate with you dude. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnfCZaJuncysgZY

[@Veldazandtea]

NF states himself quite clearly in the threapist talk vids that he's not one for god. He's walking his own path. He's more indifferent. Which is the best way IMO. No one respects a yes man and kiss ass after all.

[@josephschwartz9295]

I was a casual fan of NF for a few years when my friends showed me some of his work, but I never listened to the albums, maybe had 5 or 6 of his more popular songs, I got most of the references but went back and listened to 4 albums today. It made me appreciate Hope so much more. I am stunned by his artistic ability, lyrics, energy, passion, storytelling.... no good words to describe him. I hope this music video wins awards.

[@bnaedfb]

The thing with NF is that the more you listen through all of his stuff, the more references you find to his other music and videos, and the better they get. Glad you're enjoying the journey! He says he's looking for the map to Hope, not realizing that with each album he actively cartographers that map. Unfortunately, it's too late to catch SOME of his layering. For example, the first song for his album Perception that he released was the last track, Outro. Towards the end of Outro we get the line "Listen to Intro 3, trying to kill my fear, They'll get that in a minute". 2 months later we got the full album, opening with Intro 3. Another fun one with Perception is that in No Name, we get the line "Fame called me, I'm like, "How you doin'?" Hung up on him, I ain't ready for it I'll get back to that when I make album four," Which, in Leave Me Alone, song 2 of Album 4 (The Search), we get a full verse (verse 3) on this one clip. "Remember back in "NO NAME," I said fame called? Told you I hung up, it kinda felt wrong Finally called him back, we didn't talk long," ... And we still have many loose ends that he hasn't tied up yet! In "WHY", we got the line "As a kid I was afraid of heights, put that aside,". (I've heard some argue that CLOUDS was the reference here, but in Clouds NF makes no reference to the line, so I'm inclined to disbelieve that speculation.) He isn't lying in his song Layers, Lol.

[@Raptor_Redneck]

We are going to need a Michael Knowles review of all of NF's music when the "Hope" album releases in April, starting from the "Mansion" album all the way to "Hope"

[@SPNfamily_J2M]

Yes!

[@bnaedfb]

All through March he should do one album per week, make a good 1.5-2 hour video for each album. I would buy DW+ for this, lol lol

[@kerryfiddler9530]

agreed!

[@TheAster24]

@@bnaedfb For real, but I also don't want to exhaust Michael, either. Sure *I* could listen all day but that isn't the truth for everybody 😂 But overall, I agree

[@Lizzy.of.the.limberlost]

ИF journey Michael edition 🤘🏻

[@eviekolstad3768]

I usually hate rap, but NF is the exception 🔥 been a fan since Mansion

[@ohifonlyx33]

Honeatly the biggest problem with rap has always been the content being violent or debased. NF tho... he spits facts and makes you feel it for real. His backing tqcks are good too. I can't name another rapper I like listening to regularly, but NF... man.

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

Yeah it’s because rap is usually “singing” about violence and hatred. Or drugs or whatever else kind of evil. This is different

[@calebevans3690]

I'm a metal head, but I was introduced to NF only weeks after Mansion came out, and it's been amazing to watch him grow and come to where he is now with Hope

[@bnaedfb]

@@ohifonlyx33 "Even with a mouth full of soap, I still say what I want to," Big agree. Some rap used to be guilty pleasures for me. I love the way triplets sound to the ear, but have hated the messaging for a long time. So glad NF has stuck to "Yeah, I guess I don't fit the mold of rap 'Cause I'm respectin' women. I heard your record, I was laughin' at it. Maybe they would like me more if I got a little graphic with it, Nah, I don't wanna blend in with you little rappin' idiots, I'd rather be the outcast I ain't never puttin' out trash"

[@brandondrake4609]

@@ohifonlyx33 You just ain’t listening to the same genre I am then. Sure there are the street rappers but there are tons of rappers who don’t speak about those topics. JID, Denzel curry, cole, Kendrick, yelawolf, and plenty more. Listen to the forever story and tell me it isn’t a beautiful project

[@teeniemclane3930]

He forgave his mom 😊🙏👏👏🔥

[@emilyphillips6835]

His music is his story. He has evolved. There were so many Easter eggs that touch back to previous “chapters” It is beautiful. He is a believer. I hope you listen to his other stuff, it’s poetic.

[@TheBassquatchHunter]

This track references his journey. From therapy to “mansions”. The dark balloons and himself wearing black is a reference to him in the past and him in white now is significant because he is out of his darkness. Showing his darker last trying to pull his happier self down. When he falls into the house, the song “mansions” plays to reference that his burdens or “black balloons” that were in his old home are gone and in the past. 30 years of struggling to get to the point that he has hope. Nate is brilliant at putting lyrics into everyone’s soul and transforming his feelings into those lyrics and videos. I highly suggest watching each video in order and listening to each album. As a fellow Michigander, he is very inspiring.

[@kenanOW]

Yep

[@fork6057]

I really hope (no pun intended) he takes the journey because it makes this song and other recent ones that much better.

[@AMS116Productions]

Hey Mr. Knowles! The part where he falls into the house and you start to hear the music echoing, it's from a song he has in the first album of his name NF , called 'Mansion', and it talks about (just as you said) "My mind is a home I'm trapped in" It's one of his most famous songs and it really does get into the psychological mindset that I'm sure you would love to review! I know everybody loves these NF reviews. It would help you understand that part because it's basically the most important part of that song. Love your videos and how you look at it from a Christian perspective! It's nice to see a platform with an agreeable lens.

[@faithwalkerstudio7450]

Thanks for doing this Michael! It would be so cool to see you do the whole NF journey, it really connects all the dots and makes a lot more sense that way!

[@shekhar9402]

A list of all the references from previous songs and videos: 0:30 Nate's white clothes (The Search, Leave Me Alone, PAID MY DUES) 1:05 Paddle from LOST (LOST) 1:06 Fear's first line (Intro Ill) 1:16 'Hope Island' strong opposite to LOST scenery (LOST) 1:23 Nate and Fear argue over who made the album (Intro Ill) 1:31 Defnition of success (Why) 2:00 Feelings giving wrong directions (Just Like You) 2:20 Map to Hope (The Search) 2:54 Mansion (Mansion) 2:54 Dramatic scene change (CLOUDS) 3:19 Shopping Cart and Balloons (The Search, Leave Me Alone, Why) 3:36 Room full of regrets (Mansion) 3:44 Cell and keys (Outcast) 3:44 Old man (Let You Down) 3:58 Nate gets kidnapped' (Green Lights) 4:12 Nate forgives his mother (How Could You Leave Us) 4:16 30 Years of.. (The Search, Hate Myself, Nate, Why) 4:44 Nate VS Fear (Intro Ill) 4:58 Nate takes the reigns (LOST) Credits (Stratumn) the Real ones already know this but tying it all together just proves this dude is an absolute legend

[@nickcashjones]

“You don’t have to know my album names or all my music but at least try and find out who you’re in the room with” -NF Prime example of this lyric

[@ShitYourself7]

He knows who nf is lol

[@David_S694]

I doubt that Michael will be able to understand all the references the song makes. Fear, old versions of him, mansion etc.

[@stephenreshetar4198]

He's just grifting the NF fans. He does't read comments and doesn't take time to understand Nates story. Doesn't care if his reaction or analysis is wrong. Just gets his clicks and gets paid. #knowlesisagrifter

[@Crick1952]

One thing with many of NF's songs is that he personifies his emotions and several of his songs are structured like dialogues between himself and these emotions. Fear and Pride have been featured in the past (and try to get through here) and this song has introduced us to Hope.

[@jar2head007]

NF’s story is absolutely incredible and redeeming. I’ve been listening to him for years. Such a talented, inspiring artist! React to “search”

[@davidsirota4761]

He did already

[@jeradstone7303]

The impact from his music is how he has put all of his albums together to continue the story. He’s a story teller, and the best musician for this reason. He’s an absolute genius.

[@dallasandfriends9273]

I love how into it Michael gets! All of the “uh huh!” and “ok!” and “alright!” The head bobbing and arms all over the place. He was getting so emotional! Totally not stoic like he usually is! I LOVE to see this side of Knowles! So different. So beautiful. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@distanceismyplastercast]

Micheal.gets nothing of NFs story to find himself. Remember Micheal thinks others following similar journeys to find their true selves should be "eliminated from society" for not fixing into his allowable list of stereotypes. Hitler had similar views.

[@sikox209]

@@distanceismyplastercastwow, this was the swiftest implementation of “godwins law” / “godwins rule”😂 that’s incredible

[@sarahslovely08]

❤Oh my goodness, a song that leaves me gasping. What a way to highlight the importance of faith and hope. God knew people needed this song ❤

[@melissacalderon1515]

God place him in the rap music industry to help many people! I’m so happy that he’s reaching hope, I pray For God to that he continues to use him because he has a gift and I love that even though he talks about the real crap that we go through, he’s always showing that Christianity is much more then just sitting at church but os about being real and that’s what God needs in this world, it’s people like NF who are not afraid To speak what they feel because all will transform to real healing💕🙏🏼

[@austinbarrick1128]

Knowing that you haven gone through the entire discography of NF, I’m actually really impressed by how well you broke this down.

[@Lookalike02]

This video is for the true NF fans! If you haven’t followed him from the beginning you wouldn’t understand the full meaning and how dope this truly was!!!

[@MaryRose1]

Yes, bruh. It's kind of frustrating when people interpret him wrong.

[@destinbourgeois632]

This is like watching infinity War in the MCU without watching anything else before it. Gotta watch the NFCU (NF Cinematic Universe). He's talking to his coping mechanisms in the beginning (fear, anger, depression, anxiety).

[@johnm3661]

All of NF’s music is about his internal struggles. There really is a chronological order from song to song and album to album. Then he hits you with the chorus of “mansion” which is the best song to understand the mindset to his music.

[@eviekolstad3768]

This song is 🔥🔥

[@GamsVB]

He's speaking to himself, this man has been through so much. Losing his mom to addiction. I give him props for keep going and being 110% real.

[@Mimi-dq5bv]

just taking a break from listening to "HOPE" on replay to watch Michael's reaction to it.

[@BrysonSappingtonMusic]

Same

[@danielmack7366]

this is like watching someone watch the newest season show without watching the rest!

[@RomanTheRapper]

He’s talking to himself in the song. His other albums go into the concept of multiple personalities.

[@Matt10124]

To understand NF's music, you really need to have the context provided by his previous songs. The biographical nature of his music in combination with his storytelling allows the listener to go on a journey with NF.

[@anniewiggins718]

Michael needs to react to “How Could You Leave Us” and “Mansion” ASAP

[@phyllisjenks3446]

You have to understand NF's life story to really get it. NF never says bad words either 🙌🙏🧡

[@NLAProductions]

Are you sure?

[@Passive_Observer]

@@NLAProductions Even featured artists that normally swear don't on his songs

[@Randall_beatley]

I wish more research went into nf before this was made. This is hope fighting fear. Once you understand all the references this song literally made me cry when I first heard it. Nate finally got over what was holding him back. It’s a beautiful story that gives hope (pun intended) to his listeners that you can make it through the darkness.

[@bnaedfb]

I'm not sure if it's Fear, because he killed Fear in Intro 3 and specifically says "I wish I was buryin' Anger, But both of us know I'ma need him for that song (that song), He still lives in the basement," I half expect this is Anger, based on the vocal edits, the messaging that 'alter' uses, and the fact that Nate revisits the Mansion in this song. Of course, it could just still be Fear. In Intro 3, Fear is shown to be aggressive and demeaning, like we see here at the end of Hope.

[@stephenreshetar4198]

@@bnaedfb He buried Fear but didn't kill him. He has made other references of Fear wanting his room back or something like that.

[@alecdawg11]

I loved the song "The Search," but I have to say, there were some lines I wasn't crazy about, like, "I'm looking for the map to hope, you seen it?" I thought it seemed a little corny... But here, he's actually showing the map to hope (5:26), and now I think that line was genius, and I was just the dumb one for not realizing NF puts out some of the most well-written, thoroughly thought-out music/lyrics/videos. I'll never doubt him again.

[@titusvignery9555]

NF- Beautiful Addiction

[@duxbellorum2772]

I like how Michael opens his eyes up quickly and rapidly gets them back to normal as he struggles to restrain his pure intellect.

[@covenantzoehgirl]

groupie

[@duxbellorum2772]

@@covenantzoehgirl 🤣

[@covenantzoehgirl]

@@duxbellorum2772 meant with love 😍

[@duxbellorum2772]

@@covenantzoehgirl Haha, loved it!

[@Glaedr11]

This song brings many of the main concepts of his music into the song and resolves them. He has always spoken about different emotions both using metaphor and also as a personification of that emotion. Hes switching between himself and Hope back and forth in the beginning. The layered voices are his burdens and other emotions pulling at him. Some other notes: -"what's your definition of success?" is the opening line of a previous song that he doesn't meaningfully answer before -the map he has is from the search where he says hes looking for the map to hope. Hes found the map at least -when one of the old NFs pushes him and he falls into a house, the song Mansion plays which is what you could call the first song that gave him traction, and is about how he views his mind as a Mansion with many rooms of emotions that he locks away, and hes referred to this concept in songs for years -he references his mom, and that's because his mom died of an overdose and it has caused him to struggle to feel loved and accepted even by his close relationships -NF has said he was a Christian before and has done music explicitly mentioning Jesus, but for the last few albums hes been in a dark place, and has only referenced praying and Gods will in a general sense. As a Christian myself, I hope he has come to the realization of the power of Christ to defeat Sin in his life and will use his platform to speak about it

[@mommamck]

When Dark Nate pushes Light Nate back into the dark rooms of his mind, this is the best representation of what it feels like to go through mental struggles. You start to feel like you’re getting somewhere, you’re feeling positive, and BAM. Somehow the weight of everything you have shut away comes back to haunt you in a millisecond. This whole visual representation he gives of constantly battling yourself speaks so much to me.

[@abdulrahman-xv3hn]

proof michael knowles is a robot : 1- 7:22 😮 2- he never shown emotion or feelings ( especially in this masterpiece dramatic song).

[@Martin42944]

He’s literally a Christian rapper, he’s not saying this by accident. He knows the value and importance of hope and faith in God.

[@patrickwheeler4943]

NFs pain really comes from his childhood abuse and loss of his mother. His music is incredible

[@terrimobley6067]

Love is what he found with his son He's talking to himself. He's had thirty years to find his way... But the former NF was burdened with anger and pain. New NF is taking over cuz he's found hope in love and hopefully a renewed faith

[@TwentyTwoOhTwo]

An NF journey would be really cool, especially multiple songs in one video. I'd recommend starting off with mansion before any other song, then how could you leave us, Why, outcast, let you down, therapy session, The search, and leave me alone. I know I probably missed a few but these are definitely good "lore building" songs. Adding intro 3 as well, arguably the most important

[@sey9034]

and trauma and let me go

[@joshconnell8797]

Intro 3 fits the mold

[@TwentyTwoOhTwo]

@@joshconnell8797 yea I definitely should of added into 3 originally, that's probably the biggest tie in to this song given it's Nate vs his fear

[@josiahpeterson3527]

This song is a battle between himself his older way of writing the balloons are like the burdens he’s carried. But through Christ he’s set free he has hope in tomorrow he doesn’t want the same future for his kid and it shows in his writing

[@mddg8000]

Michael Knowles he is a Christian and does not curse in his music. He lets it be known in many of his songs. He doesn’t struggle with drugs or alcohol, etc. you might want to look up more of his stuff.

[@TheAtomicYT]

This is great, can’t wait to see if you do the whole album

[@tortugaman8696]

1st to comment! I knew that Micheal would review it as soon as it came out. The music video is AMAZING. I wonder if he’s going to get the references to other songs.

[@robbhays8077]

Beautiful song about taking ownership of your life and refusing to be a victim of circumstance.

[@robbhays8077]

And NF is a Christian, so he's definitely coming at this from a similar lens as what you describe.

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

Well, rather than taking ownership of your life, you give it to God. Everything to God, the glory and the pain

[@hitherehemmingway5463]

New to NF? This is basically "The Infinity War" equivalent for NF Fans. To really understand all the references you NEED to know his previous songs and music videos.

[@Ari-ru6rf]

NF is real artist, an amazing one. His music personally helped me during a very difficult time in my life when I was teenager. The video ties all of his music together. I can’t wait for the album.

[@justinwebb2214]

For only reacting to a few of NF's songs Michael does a decent job picking up on the core concepts of the song, but there was soo much missed. Im glad NF has reached the point that Michael is reacting to him, but man i wish he did the whole NF journey from the beginning. Not that Michael wiill ever read these comments, but for anyone else like Michael who hasnt done the NF journey, this song has sooo many tie-ins to Nates older songs and shows his character growth. The house scene is a reference to a song called mansion where his mind traps all his inner demons, and NF often uses personas of himself ins songs to translate his thoughts (pride, anger, etc). NF does have faith (protestant not catholic from what i remember), and he's gone through mental disorders, depression, and loss. Music has been his way to cope and work through it all but as this song emphasizes he lived on hate, fear and sadness for so long without change, and now hes turning a corner. Since his last album he got married, and had a kid which is probably a big spark for the "new" NF. His music and storytelling (though is real life experience for him) is sooo good! He's an artist that's not in it for the fame and money, you can see his transparency and heart he puts into each song. He's worth looking into all his older stuff!

[@cmartin5809]

NF is one of the few rappers that makes a non rap fan to be obsessed with rap music..👑👑👑👑👑

[@elvisanthony6817]

True

[@garbi01]

As a DW subscriber and daily listener to Ben, Knowles and Klavan, I was really excited to one of my political mentors venture into an NF reaction. After Michael's Leave me Alone reaction, where he misinterpreted NF's life, I kept thinking what would be the best song to introduce him to the real NF? Therapy Session? How could you leave us? Remember this? Or, maybe Hope! Can't wait.

[@thedavidjscott_]

I'm not a huge rap guy, but NF is freaking amazing. So deep, so personal, so good.

[@yeah_real_good]

This reaction reminds me of the time I was not at all prepared but still taught Sunday school

[@devonwortman4508]

This song is a masterpiece in my opinion. Lyrically spiracular.

[@MrPoachie1]

It’s been said a million times in the comment already but yeah, this song is a culmination of a long journey years in the making. All of the references to past albums aka stages in his life. Him finally finding “the map to hope” and hearing his say that he forgives his mom is inspiring. It’s encouraging to see this new side of NF. Can’t wait for what’s next.

[@scottstots8815]

He's not saying he gave Hope a chance to deliver, he gave Nate (his darker side) a chance to deliver. Bro, get caught up on NF so you actually understand where he's coming from 🤦‍♂️

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

So funny how many people are getting mad at Michael for not being an expert on NF 🤦‍♂️

[@annebodee]

The guy in black is NF in the past. So much of his music before this was about what he went through. Abusive dad, mom died from an OD. In this album he's talking about where he is now after getting help, healing from the trauma, etc. You should react to more of the album. My 21 year old son and i saw him in concert last month. He has an absolute anointing that is reaching young people. It's beautiful and I loved seeing him live.

[@DianaWebb-h9r]

Im 63 yrs old & i have been listening to NF For over Yrs !! Come on people!! He is telling stories about real life!! Things that people deal with !! He brings his songs out the ways he feels On each word !! Love Listening To Him✌️

[@HaraQuinn]

This track was def made for him. HIS ALBUM HIS ALBUM. 30 years of torment and fight. This was also for the genuine #Outcasts whove pushed #NFRealMusic through every single room of that Mansion and its creatures dwelling in each room. This just isnt a song to swell you up unless youve been through his Journey to Hope. Im Sorry. This ones ours. ❤

[@bnaedfb]

Haha, I'm pretty sure "My album, My album!" is a reference to the Twitter and Reddit fanbase that are CONSTANTLY hounding him for a new plate of music.

[@HaraQuinn]

@@bnaedfb i see it as Fear, Nate, etc all trying to take credit.. considering rest of the track, or HIS album. Non conformed.

[@HaraQuinn]

@@bnaedfb not to mention.. nate holds his outcasts tighter than any other artist ive EVER seen. He shouts us out in near 98% of his songs and even had full songs homaged to us “Warm Up”.. Clouds came out bc of his support base, and he took that on the chin with a million easter eggs to poke back like the number on the burning house. So no.. what? Nate take a shot at his support base? Not in a million years. Its clear its the 30 years of voices hes personified and dealt with.

[@bnaedfb]

Don't forget Outro! But we have seen him comment on the stress put upon him by some of the more rabid fans, as well. Largely on Twitter and Reddit he gets a lot of folks HOUNDING him for new music, we know he's gotten at least some shady DMs. In options we get "Threaten my wife, keep digging that grave", and "Don't Google my name tryna find my crib". The entirety of Therapy session talks about the stress of the dark side of the fanbase. Not saying he doesn't also love the fan base, he writes to the majority far more than the minority, of course.

[@HaraQuinn]

@@bnaedfb i agree with Therapy Session and used to argue people in comments saying exactly the crap like hes the reason they are here today nonsense… but thats 1 song out of over 80.. and for someone who kicked the crap out of the Rolling Stone.. i just doubt he’d do the same to even rabid fans… though i see VERY few id consider rabid. Im in his discord and its nothing but respect. Not to mention, we were his PR making him whom he is. He didnt promote himself ever… we did. And ive been in numerous hours long IG streams with him just quietly listening to us.. i just do not see his new intro called freakin Hope being a diss. Thats insane.

[@chichiibegbu6223]

I m speechless after watching Hope for the first time. NF is on a different level and his new album Hope is going to be fire

[@tarawillis5450]

NF is just as talented as Eminem, and his story is so inspiring. He’s overcome so many things. He’s an amazing man 🙏🏻♥️

[@mistypedhi]

His songs connect to his other songs, Michael. In his song WHY he asks what's your definition of success and then continues to not answer it and talk about not trusting his own thoughts or heart..and in HOPE he asks the same question but this time with certainty and an answer to how he defines it. Another thing you can see here is he is wandering around with a map to hope which he referenced back in his song THE SEARCH. He says he is looking for the map to hope, have you seen it ? Now he is holding it, implying that he has found it now. He also says am I making movies or music videos in THE SEARCH and talks about this in an interview about how he likes his stories to connect like a movie. You have to really pay attention and connect the dots and Easter eggs with his stories. I love it. He is certainly an interesting, unique and talented person.♡ Oh also, NF IS Christian !! So you should look at it through your Christian views because he has those views too.

[@Galaxion.]

Great reaction Michael ! 💪💪💯💯🙏🙏

[@StickWithAWit]

This song is beyond amazing I’m so hyped for the new album 😩 (I just came to this video while listening to it 👀)

[@Sh33pl3kill3r]

He suffered from a lot of self induced depression. His faith has helped him move forward but has faltered. His previous albums document his pains. Take the journey.

[@avelocampo4819]

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[@distanceismyplastercast]

Micheal only preaches hatred of others. People that don't fit his stereotypes of what they should be, should be "eliminated from society", as he puts it. Not much Christian virtue or simple humanity in that statement.

[@nlkkole]

First time I heard this song I got chills and tears started forming because he went through so many traumatic things and I believe his previous albums were him talking them through in song basically we were his “therapist” he would write songs about his depression and his struggles and we listened and encouraged him. Now seeing this new album after his son was born it feels like he is wanting to fight more than ever before to make sure nothing happens like what he’d been through for his son and it was the biggest happiest moment to see him pushing so hard I relate so much to NF and him being so open about his struggles really helped me heal as well. NF is saying the depressing stuff out loud that would otherwise be shunned or put in a box his music is raw… and it is the definition of Real music. NF can bring you to your knees in tears but it also helps know you’re not alone and you CAN get up and fight. NF deserves so much praise for being so authentic.

[@haley560]

Its really incredible that Michael doesn't read any of the comments and no one at DW who does read the comments has considered informing him that NF is a christian rapper

[@laiyfd]

Timestamps (to the actual music video) of references - taken from a different video 0:30 Nate's white clothes (The Search, Leave Me Alone, PAID MY DUES) 0:30 Just drifting, not using his paddle (DRIFTING) 1:05 Paddle from LOST (LOST) 1:06 Fear's first line (Intro III) 1:13 Root of music is no longer pain (Outro) 1:16 'Hope Island' strong opposite to LOST scenery (LOST) 1:23 Nate and Fear argue over who made the album (Intro III) 1:31 Nate's definition of success, not Fear's (Why) 2:00 Feelings giving wrong directions (Just Like You) 2:20 Map to Hope (The Search) 2:54 Mansion (Mansion) 2:54 Dramatic scene change (CLOUDS) 2:54 Falling from Attic to Mansion (Destiny) 3:19 Shopping cart and balloons (The Search, Leave Me Alone, Why) 3:31 Mannequin in the background (Returns) 3:33 Nate's mental breakdown pushed him forward (- Interlude-) 3:36 Room full of regrets (Mansion) 3:44 Cell and keys (Outcast) 3:44 Old man (Let You Down) 3:58 Nate gets 'kidnapped' (Green Lights) 4:12 Nate forgives his mother (How Could You Leave Us) 4:16 30 Years of... (The Search, Hate Myself, Nate, Why) 4:44 Nate VS Fear (Intro I|I) 4:44 Never evolve (CLOUDS) 4:51 Not running away (Chasing_(Demo)) 4:58 Nate takes the reigns (LOST)

[@tracyking4201]

Poor Michael has no idea what a masterpiece he just watched 😢

[@brigittebond9437]

😂😂😂🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ right??!! hopefully he reads the comment!

[@coreys.3978]

If you're not a fan you don't understand the masterpiece this actually is. I can see how this looks from an outside perspective and it would seem strange and odd. I would suggest starting the discography and coming back to it

[@robynloaf4014]

Are you saying to listen to NF’s music in order from oldest to newest? I don’t know his music well at all.

[@PodzPlanet]

@@robynloaf4014 not necessarily but there are key songs that you should know in order to piece together his more recent work like this one called Hope.If you are interseted here is a playlist you can use to familiarize yourself with. kzbin.info/aero/PLYoB7_wG5NZn40MmcwAc5niKQvLcCEy78

[@coreys.3978]

@@PodzPlanet 100%. Not every song pertains to his story, but off the top of my head he references seven different songs and this one track, you will see the significance of those other songs and will almost bring tears to your face listening to this

[@coreys.3978]

@@PodzPlanet The best part about becoming a fan now is you get to hear everything for the first time. You only get to do that once, becoming a fan 6 years ago was really hard because you had to wait years to get follow-up tracks

[@PodzPlanet]

@@coreys.3978 oh i was full on crying from the moment he pulled out the "map" and just ended up crying throught the whole mv😅 i never actually took the journey in order i just watched random mvs but gladly i was able to piece the timelines together bc i was really intrigued (i knew NF in 2018 but didnt really pay attention until 2020 lol) and watching Hope and immediatly getting the references feels ethereal his growth is insane😭🙌🏻

[@rachelp3388]

I really like your context, Michael. I didn’t think I’d ever see a reaction video of NF Real Music!!

[@ItsssMeRico]

I went to HS with him! If this song confuses anyone and parts of the video you have to go back to his old music! It’s a whole story

[@nasanoir310]

You really, really need to react to Hi Ren by Ren. You won't be disappointed. It tackles some really timely and interesting matters. His Jenny's Tale, Screetch's Tale, and Violet's Tale trilogy is also super amazing. But seriously, if you like great guitar work, you need to check out Hi Ren.

[@anwylhsm954]

I think Ren is superior to NF. "Hi Ren" is genius. And to think I almost turned it off at first because it was "creepy" and "off putting". "Chalk Outlines" is phenomenal, too, but having a history of depression and facing my own demons, especially in that internal monologue with that ever judgmental voice in the back of your head - like so many of us have - "Hi Ren" is one of the only songs (if you can call that a "song", really) that's ever actually brought me to tears.

[@fork6057]

Who else wants Michael to react to Outcast?

[@Ben1010101010]

Based

[@micahnewsom4116]

Another song that he references that hasn’t been talked about as much is story at 7:00. The rhyme scheme is almost the identical in that section.

[@carbon273]

Michael, funny that you say that love is not shown explicitly in the beginning. If NF in white is HOPE and NF in black is Fear. Love comes into play when he talks about his legacy for his kid. I think this scripture covers the theme of the song itself. “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬ NF is trying to cast out fear in his life. Fear carried too much burden for him (30 years). Personally, I’m praying for him to rest in hope, that is Jesus.

[@liesareparadox1892]

He fought with himself, despair, and hopelessness. He was his own worst enemy. An enemy created by the traumas of his past. Hope kept him fighting, faith gave him purpose. Now he is integrated and refuses to repeat past mistakes. That is what I interpreted. This song hit me hard.

[@abbym8206]

Knowing NFs story and where his music has been, really makes you appreciate this song more. I recommend looking into it, and listening to How Could You Leave Us. His new song is SO, SO different.

[@huntrcook.gta91]

NF has always preached faith and overcoming adversity for as long as i can remember. i met him back in 2013 after one of his several local concerts i went to and he seemed like such a genuine guy. he was so willing to talk about positivity and God both on and off stage

[@Music-xy7ro]

The reason Christianity works in analyzing western culture is because the bible and what it teaches is engrained in all truth and reality and still exist even if someone does not believe

[@elsaszuts2225]

Found you by watching the Hope video. I have subscribed now. I like NF from the “how could you leave us” song. It was so touching that I just follow his new songs. I can relate to some like “If You Want Love.” I say all this to say that I’ve often wondered if his songs were edifying me or not. In reality we all deal with these struggles in levels . So I like the moody music bc we don’t always feel out best. So thank you for putting things into perspective for me 😊

[@salsafeynix]

NF is incredible. His discography is a story of how he's climbing out of a dark past into the light of hope, becoming closer to God. For all of us with darker pasts, especially Christians, it's inspiring. I also really respect that he keeps it clean.

[@faw91]

That was my first listen to this song, and I started crying without realising. It completely took me aback. Beautiful!

[@togsana]

I’m kind of shocked how even though NF is a rapper he is able to keep all his lyrics clean

[@kalebmayes2918]

"Mansion" and "How Could You Leave Us". The fact that he used Mansion in this song was insanely clever to link the song to his career and life in general.

[@ColinMiller6]

The white represents the new nf and the black represents the old nf