Rapper NF brought his Hope Tour to Toronto with a stop at Scotiabank Arena. Here’s SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne with his NF concert review.
Friday night, NF brought his Hope Tour to Toronto as the Michigan rapper performed in front of a capacity crowd at Scotiabank Arena.
Opening for NF was lyricist and soon-to-be father, Cordae, who performed tracks like “Chronicles” and “RNP”. Known for having a gift with the bars, he also brought the party vibes, performing his new single “Make Up Your Mind”, one of his first times performing the song live.
Over his set, Cordae showed that he has evolved from simply being the young lyricist who some hoped would keep real hip-hop alive, to a well-rounded artist who can sing catchy hooks with consistent and strong vocals, while still giving us bars. On stage, he’s like a young J. Cole when it comes to his versatility and style.
Then, with energy and anticipation in the air, NF took to the stage, performing tracks like “MOTTO”, “Leave”, “My Stress”, “Time”, “Paid My Dues”, “Why”, “Hate Myself”, and “Careful”, where he was joined by Cordae.
Then came a wardrobe change as he switched from dark earth tones to head-to-toe white as the mood switched from dark and angsty to hopeful.
After showing home movies of himself as a baby and his late mother, who died from a drug overdose, he performed his song “MAMA” as an emotional tribute to her. Just when he teased that the show was over, NF unexpectedly moved to a smaller and more intimate stage at back of the arena to get closer to fans. From there, he performed “Let You Down”, “Gone”, and “Running” before closing out the show on the big stage with “When I Grow Up”, “Returns”, and “Clouds”.
While his music may not be for everyone, NF stands out for a number of reasons.
First, he’s almost counterculture when it comes to hip-hop with his lyricism, sound and messaging. When it comes to his delivery, he’s like a young Eminem with a message. Where other rappers are still talking about drugs and violence, NF uses his platform to create meaningful, impactful and passionate music that people of all ages can enjoy, with young people, families and the occasional grandparent wearing an NF t-shirt, to prove it.
What also stands out about NF is that he isn’t mainstream. You don’t hear his songs on the radio, but he can pack out arenas and have thousands of fans singing his songs word for word, showing the power of an artist’s relationship with his fans. He even took time during his show to sign autographs letting his fans know they matter. In a time where labels try to manufacture microwave stars, NF has built an organic and loyal fanbase that will keep him relevant for a long time.
But most importantly, NF makes honest music for the soul that people, especially younger crowds, can relate to. It’s likes therapy for people who feel lost and misunderstood. NF lets them know that he sees them and they aren’t alone. Looking around at the thousands of people mouthing his lyrics, you can’t help but respect and applaud how he’s able to reach people.
You also can’t deny his abilities as a performer. He puts so much effort and thought into his show that you almost feel like other rappers are lazy. From the first song, you feel like you’re at a theatre production. The lighting, video package and video effects were amazing as you’d expect; his visuals are usually grand and cinematic. Details like him popping out of the stage, as well as his movements on stage as he’s delivering his rhymes added energy and stage presence. Even if his music isn’t for you, a good show is a good show, and NF knows how to put on a good show.
SHIFTER editor, Kevin Bourne, is a Toronto-based entertainment journalist focusing on music and film & TV. He was named one of 310 international voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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