HOPE cover

HOPE

NF · 2023

49 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A raw exploration of personal struggles layered over dynamic beats, combining introspective lyrics with anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    HOPE — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and optimism amidst struggle, showcasing NF's signature lyrical depth and emotional delivery.
  • →
    MAMA — This track offers a poignant tribute to NF's mother, featuring a heartfelt narrative that highlights his personal history and the emotional weight of family relationships.
  • →
    PANDEMONIUM — With its intense beat and powerful lyrics, this song reflects on chaos and the challenges of fame, illustrating NF's ability to blend aggression with introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective lyrics with dynamic beats, showcasing NF's growth while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow build, layering strings and piano before introducing the beat, creating an anticipatory atmosphere.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response structure in the choruses, enhancing their anthemic quality and engaging the listener.
  • The album includes interludes where NF speaks directly to the audience, breaking up the musical flow and adding a personal touch to the narrative.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective reflections on life
  • emotional release through storytelling
  • atmospheric soundscapes for contemplation
  • steady pacing with narrative depth
  • cathartic moments of vulnerability

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat tempos
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 7, 2023, HOPE is NF's fifth studio album, following his commercially successful album CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE) from 2021. At this point in his career, NF has solidified his place in the hip-hop landscape, known for his deeply personal and emotional storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
Logic· Hopsin· Joyner Lucas
New to NF? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • MAMA

    NF directly addresses his mother about their past struggles and wishes for reconciliation.

    This direct address breaks the fourth wall, creating an intimate connection that contrasts with the broader themes of the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 HOPE 4:24
  • 2 MOTTO 3:37
  • 3 CAREFUL 3:30
  • 4 MAMA 3:28
  • 5 HAPPY 4:03
  • 6 PANDEMONIUM 3:17
  • 7 SUFFICE 4:26
  • 8 GONE 4:06
  • 9 BULLET 3:43
  • 10 TURN MY BACK 3:36
  • 11 MISTAKE 3:35
  • 12 LET EM PRAY 3:34
  • 13 RUNNING 4:14

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata