Reviewed by Steve Hayes

NF is 23 year-old Gladwin, Michigan native, Nate Feuerstein. On this, his full length debut album, he draws from his real life struggles, including being abused as a kid, anger issues and losing his mother to a drug overdose to produce an album which is unquestionably one of the finest ever to emerge from the gospel hip-hop scene. 'Mansion' is absolutely overflowing with killer lines ("The least I can do if I murder a beat is take off time to go to its funeral" off the ferocious "Intro"), wide open instrumentals ("Face It") and a fire for God. Nate delivers lyrics with a raw and passionate energy. The pumping "Turn The Music" and the "Intro" show the double-timing and explosive delivery that NF is able to effortlessly deliver. He is up-front about the struggles of his life and the challenges, evidenced in every track like the worshipful "I'll Keep On" with Jeremiah Carlson. Tracks vary in production from the more minimalist sounds of "Notepad" to the powerful title track featuring Fleurie. The singer/rapper equally channels his emotion into powerful sung hooks like "Paralyzed" but still leaves the listener breathless with a final riposte "Can You Hold Me" with CCM star Britt Nicole.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.