“Returns” by NF
Whereas “Returns” marks the seventh song on the tracklist of NF’s The Search, it can be viewed somewhat as its introductory song. In other words, the rapper uses it to announce to the world that “the outcast”, which is one of his appellations if you will, has returned to drop another album. And in this song he covers all of the basics concerning his style.
Unlike many other tracks on The Search, on this particular one NF does not focus on depression or internal psychological conflicts, although those things are briefly mentioned. Rather “Returns” actually reads more like a battle track. That is to say that NF is warning other emcees not to challenge him on a lyrical level and explains the adverse metaphorical consequences of what would happen to them if such were to actually transpire. And while he does apparently reference his 2017 song “Outcast” in the aforementioned manner, the bulk of this song is not about his relation with the rap industry or even the public in general. Rather once again it primarily focuses on NF dropping dope lyrics, as in proving himself to be a master lyricist.
But he does present himself as unorthodox in other ways. For instance, he alludes to the fact that he is a spiritually-based rapper. He also brings up the idea that he is somehow deranged, as in having “screws… loose”, which is basically a colloquially term meaning a person is crazy.
Also in terms of the battle-rap aspect which dominates this song, in can be argued that he is talking about a specific individual(s), even though no names are dropped. For instance, comments like him threatening to ‘rip a cocky smile’ of off someone’s “face” sound like they are personal. But again these sections are not specific enough to identify a singular target.
So all things considered and succinctly put, this is a battle rap. Yes, NF does deviate onto other topics such, as his mental health and spirituality. But most of his lyrics are dedicated to touting his lyrical superiority directly in relation to others. And in so doing, he is announcing his ‘return’ to the rap scene.
Quick Facts about “Returns”
“Returns” is featured on NF’s fifth full-length album which goes by the title The Search. It was released by NF Real Music alongside Caroline Distribution on 26 July 2019.
This song was written and produced by the following:
- NF
- Tommee Profitt
- Cole Walowac
Was this a single from The Search?
No. Below are the tracks NF released as The Search‘s official singles:
- “The Search”
- “Time”
- “Why”
- “When I Grow Up“
You say that the phrase where he says “rip your cocky smile” blah blah blah is not specific enough to know who it’s too, but i think its for Eminem. In “The Ringer” on Eminem’s album “Kamikaze” he says “I’d me like everyone else in the [expletive] industry, just like An ‘[expletive] recovering clone of me” (say that last part slowly. An ‘[expletive]?) If you’re a clone you are copying someone. That is most likely why he said “Rip that cocky smile off your face for thinking your close to me”
i was thinking the same thing… there have been other eminem songs mentioning NF.
theres also, “There ain’t no I in team, but drop the T and A”. Team without the t and a spells “em”.
NF is way better than all these other guys who talk about drugs and women
Whether or not the conclusion of the matter is that NF dissed Eminem, he’s better than him
I gotta say, NF claims to have been inspired by Eminem, and it doesn’t sound like NF to claim that he’s better than someone who inspired him.
i personally love NF, but rap god tho. em got it.
I have got to say I really love nf.. and kind of like eminem… I think nf wrote this song to eminem because he dissed him in “the ringer”…. But the real question is “is eminem getting insecure about nf surpassing him in rap”?