NF - HOPE (Anthony Fantano DEBATE)

[@Elmo14567]

I don’t understand how people say NF sounds like Eminem when their styles are completely different. They do not sound the same. Sure NF will rap fast every now and then but he never sounds like Eminem, he sounds like himself. I’ll also add this HOPE does not sound exactly like The Search, The Search does not sound exactly like Perception, Perception does not sound exactly like Therapy Session, and Therapy Session does not sound exactly like Mansion. They are all different.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Absolutely agreed!! I love NF and Eminem but for wildly different reasons, it’s like not even easy to listen to the two mixed in a playlist. Totally different vibes If you like NF though, you should check out my NF Album Tier List, let me know what you think NF Tier List - Album Ranking kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmSzYYScesaVgsU

[@cameronhaddock6779]

Did bro not listen to Running? It’s SO different than anything he’s ever done before

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Right?!???

[@jmbeats3308]

You made very great counterpoints and summarized my overall perspective, but after Fantano reviewed his new album, I feel like I can say my opinion on Fantano with more confidence when it comes to him talking about NF. The fact that he called The Search "corny" because he's just rapping fast about being sad proves that he isn't really paying attention to NF's music, arguably intentionally. To add, he has no interest in trying to delve into his discography or music, which is fine, but then why is he still trying to pretend like he cares? He's only ever listened to The Search (which I doubt), Clouds, and HOPE, and as you said, he complements him, but then says his stuff isn't good, which is it? A part of me believes that he puts NF in the stigma box of white rappers. To conclude, I understand NF isn't for everyone, but at least have genuine and logical reasons for why you don't like the music and not just somewhat random and overreaching conclusions. Don't waste your time, your audience's time, etc, just focus on stuff you actually care about if your opinion won't change or you don't care to.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Yeah in one of his let’s argue videos, he basically explains that the “Not Good” series are basically albums that he knows he’s not gonna like but basically “HAS TO” review, for views of course Lmao But thank you for such a thorough response! I’m a big NF fan and I think he has a lot to offer. Maybe more than his fellow white rappers honestly. NF has it all figured out that is for sure.

[@jmbeats3308]

@@YourLocalMelomaniac Agreed.

[@fernandothedrummer1005]

Thanks for making this video! A lot of Anthony’s fans agree with him, so someone’s gotta put their disagreement out there! I feel like Anthony was so hung up on the songs where NF talks about the industry and how good he is. He was also throwing unnecessary comparisons with other artists left and right. None of that is why the album is called Hope! So many people including myself needed to hear this album as a push of inspiration to get ourselves in a mentally better place. People could argue that other rappers do the same thing, but that doesn’t invalidate NF’s right to put himself out there. But anyway those are just my thoughts, everyone who completely disagrees with me is allowed to think what they think. And to be fair, the ‘not good’ doesn’t bother me that much because it’s simply just a part of Anthony’s rating system.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Thanks for that!! I appreciate it, I feel like this is a fair way to engage in discussion about the music. Especially going up against someone as intelligent as Anthony, he really does make you pause and evaluate what you like and why. But sometimes and on some artists I just so heavily disagree with him that I can’t help but want to defend and get out my piece too lmao. And yes NFs growth and quality in writing and production was almost totally dismissed and overlooked. Just by the concept of like a couple songs or so. I usually don’t mind Anthony’s rating system, I understand it and I’m totally cool with it. But the not good thing is fairly new and I just don’t think it’s necessary. I just feel like you should review the record or don’t basically lmao. He could’ve just like given it a 3 or 4 and been like, there’s quality here but I don’t like it and it’s not for me. Anyway, thanks for watching and for the thoughtful response!! 😁😁

[@YodaSama0]

I hate Anthony Fantano so much💀💀 he hates o

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

It’s crazy how I have like polar opposite opinions than him. But I don’t hate him, he can be harsh and obnoxious sometimes. But he’s a smart dude and knows what he’s talking about for the most part lol

[@StickKavod]

It's not because NF's is white they do so sound the same

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Nah they have more differences than similarities. Especially when you look through their individual catalogs as a whole. The instrumentals couldn’t be more different. The content of the music couldn’t be more different. NF uses wildly different flows. The singing Just cause he’s white, from the same area, and is inspired by Em. Doesn’t make him a clone. NF brings SO much to the table as an artist

[@StickKavod]

@@YourLocalMelomaniac I genuinely appreciate your work, and I'm not looking to start an argument, but I used to believe NF and Eminem had distinct styles. However, their shared aggressive, fast-paced rap approach became apparent to me over time. NF himself acknowledged listening to Eminem extensively for four years, and naturally, such prolonged influence can shape an artist's sound. While I recognize NF's talent, dedication, and effort, I've observed a lack of experimentation in his sound and a persistent focus on familiar topics in his recent works. My concern is that he appears to be hesitant to take risks and evolve. Feel free to explore opinions on platforms like Album of the Year or Rate Your Music for additional perspectives.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

I appreciate that. 🙏🏼 I’m here for a respectful conversation for sure 💯💯 And I do hear what you’re saying, but I just disagree. I’ve seen a lot of these perspectives and I just cannot get behind them. Eminem is a huge artist and has been for decades now. The same way we hear any artists influence, it’s gonna happen with Eminem too. NF has given his flowers to the guy and didn’t even respond to his uncalled for jab on Kamikaze. I think NF has grown and evolved, further and further away from anything like Eminem honestly. And as far as experimenting, I can agree that he has been subtle over the years about evolving his style and sound. But especially this last project. If you’re looking for the man to try new things and experiment then this really should be your favorite albums. He included some very interesting flows that I’d definitely consider experimental. Same with some wild instrumentals, while sticking to the NF aesthetic still is very different. Also the content that NF talks about is just himself. His life. His past. Present. Future. His content has grown in maturity, by a lot. A direct reflection of himself. Once again especially on this latest project. Also also also lol, I truly think NFs lyrical abilities are on par with Eminem level talent. He is extremely talented is SO MANY ways. I’m sorry man, NF is one of greatest imo

[@facemaster368]

I love you dissecting all this guy’s flawed argumentation and points being made about why NF isn’t good. It’s so good lol. Cuz I 💯 am an NF fan but that doesn’t mean I have a bias. I am merely able to recognize that it is really good rather than just see a white boy from Michigan rapping about his life. Those are the only similarities to Eminem.

[@therealErzinho7]

Exactly. Especially that most of his arguments are based on comparisons to songs and artists that have done something similar, even if so, it doesn't take away the fact that it's well made and sounds good. Of course if there was some things about the songs itself he didn't like, he couldve pointed that out but he doesn't go that deep to justify his opinion. Its also funny how he dives in into the content of the songs on an album where the lyrics are meaningful and personal when a large portion of main stream rappers don't care and rap about money and self praise and women, even if it's not the focus I still find it unfair he does this to only an artist who comes out with songs that are meaningful and personal to him

[@StickKavod]

While acknowledging the subjective nature of musical taste, I've been a dedicated NF fan for quite some time(Ngl there was even a time when NF was my favourite rapper). Anticipating this album with great excitement, I must admit that it fell short of my expectations, reaching only a mediocre level at best.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

I’m sorry it wasn’t it for you. I do put a couple albums above it, but I thought it really demonstrated some much needed growth from NF as a person. His ability and concepts were strong, the instrumentals were new and exciting. One of his most cohesive albums imo

[@StickKavod]

@@YourLocalMelomaniac ever?

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

One of his most cohesive projects ever?? Yes I truly believe that. As far as cohesiveness in NFs catalog it’d go CLOUDS HOPE The Search Perception Therapy Session Mansion In my opinion of course lol Thanks for commenting btw

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

I did a NF Album Tier List. Don’t know if you saw that or would be interested in watching that. But thats on my channel. I kind of explain my thought behind each record.

[@rogamer8665]

No hate but I feel like that when you say fantano is a nf hater you’re disregarding the fact that’s the review is completely is completely subjective and I disagree that he was complimenting it for most of the video because when you listen to the review it’s clear that just didn’t really care for most of what nf say about in the album.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

Yeah he just obviously doesn’t like NF enough to even give his content the time of day. He very clearly acknowledges the talent and effort. And then proceeds to undermine to totality of the project and/or relentlessly compare him to Eminem. It’s like why even make the review at that point, the not good system is lame. Review it or don’t. Don’t just come into it being like, “yeah I basically knew I wasn’t gonna like this. Cause I don’t like NF. So it’s not good.” Like he’s better than that lmao

[@rogamer8665]

​@@YourLocalMelomaniacFantanos is a music critic so he has to give his honest feelings in a review. And he's had reviews where he didn't like pieces of work that were considered perfect. Also just because he acknowledges someone's skills doesn't mean he likes their music. it's like how Kanye is a skilled producer but he has some badly produced songs or J Cole is a skilled lyricist but he does have songs where his lyricism is bad, NF is no different he has skills Fantano just didn't think he used them well. I do agree with the comparison to Eminem being stupid especially because one of NF's inspirations is Eminem so it makes sense when you see NF use his style but that gets rarer as he evolves as an artist. The not good system is just a system that lets everyone know from the jump he thinks the album's a 0. I get you're an NF fan but I feel like you weren't really trying to see it from Fantano's pov at points of your video.

[@YourLocalMelomaniac]

@@rogamer8665 I feel like Fantano didn’t give it a chance. NF was slapped with the corny label and the Eminem comparisons. So nobody takes him seriously. Fantano will still evaluate their music thoroughly. Based on Fantano’s review it seems like he didn’t want to give the record a chance at all. Which is why it’s hard to “see” his point. There was no real point or critique to most of his statements. The main issue he has with the actual music is NF acting like he’s somehow an outcast or having to fight the “industry” But it’s like that wasn’t a heavy topic on the record. And it’s kind of exactly that reaction that makes NF feel that way. People don’t want to treat him like a real artist and it’s insulting. Even compared to Eminem, NF has a lot to offer and in a lot of ways more so than Eminem in current form.