Why (NF song)

"Why"
Single by NF
from the album The Search
ReleasedJune 18, 2018
GenreHip hop
Length3:08
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • NF
  • Profitt
  • Saint X
NF singles chronology
"Lie"
(2018) 		"Why"
(2018) 		"If You Want Love"
(2019)
Music video
"Why" on YouTube

"Why" is a song by American rapper NF, released on June 18, 2018 as the lead single from his fourth studio album The Search (2019). It was written and produced by NF himself, Tommee Profitt, and Saint X of Capital Kings.

Composition

The song has been described as similar in style to rapper Hopsin's "Ill Mind" saga, particularly due to its use of "dark, carnival-esque instrumental and the emotional yet violently charged lyrical nature." It finds NF pondering difficult questions, beginning with "what's your definition of success?"[1] He reflects on how he has been questioning his talents since his "Let You Down" was certified triple platinum,[2] as well as his insecurities and feelings of angst.[1] In the end, he admits people do not know him well.[2]

Music video

The music video was released alongside the single. It sees NF holding black balloons[1] and in a dark, abandoned storefront, where he rides in a shopping cart. He can also be seen wearing "Joker-esque" makeup. The video ends with him sitting alone before the screen fades to black.[2]

Charts

Chart (2018) Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[3] 16
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[4] 9
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[5] 44

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[6] Platinum 80,000‡
United States (RIAA)[7] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ a b c Findlay, Mitch (June 18, 2018). "NF Ponders The Tough Questions On The Eerie "Why"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Coe, Kairi (June 25, 2018). "NF Questions Everything in Haunting Why Video". XXL. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  3. ^ "NF Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  4. ^ "NF - Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  5. ^ "NF Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  6. ^ "Canadian single certifications – NF – Why". Music Canada.
  7. ^ "American single certifications – NF – Why". Recording Industry Association of America.