Intro
Yeah, real music
(Yeah)
Yo, ya just get in that, you get in that head space, ya know
Verse
Somebody get the body bags, working with beats and
Put the MC's in 'em, season 'em, put 'em on a beat with me, then I'm eating 'em
Get away from the table, you rappers ain't hungry enough, you rappers ain't hungry like ah
They talk about me like I'm here, they talk about you like you was
That nurse came into my room, she told me I'm sick in the head
I'm in hip-hop's hospital bed with a pad and a pin and a brace on my neck
They told me that I'm never leaving. Why? I am as ill as it gets
Any rapper that say that they runnin' the game, I'mma come in they session and cut off they legs, woo
Strap a grenade to my head, pull out the pin
My music is mind blowin', ain't nobody do it like I do it
You ain't never been on my level, I gotta part 'em out the way
To keep 'em talking and acting like everybody gonna get up in a sleep with your eyes open
You wanna know what I noticed?
I look around and my fanbase and they ready
That last album was heavy, that last album was gritty
How you gon' match that? Just let me
Do what I do best
You're better off playing Russian roulette
Then comin' in a booth with me cause I get
A little bit intense, I'm like, "Who's next?"
Y'all better watch it, take a look at where the clock is
It's my time, this ladder of music that I climbed, I took the machete, the game isn't ready
Them rappers, they coming up on me, I cut off the ladder, and I told 'em, "bye-bye"
What? Were you lookin' for a high-five? Nice try
Do not believe everything that you read on the Internet
I do not know who your dentist is, but he should clean out your mouth
Don't call me a sellout, that's something I've never been
I've been through hell all my life though
But I know where heaven is
Father forgive me, for I am a sinner
But you gave me music as medicine
And nobody want a problem when they get in my zone better leave me be
I'm a mean MC, better feed me rappers or feed me beats, ah, feed me both of 'em
They like "Nate, what's it like to be famous?"
Um, I'll let you know if I make it
I wonder what life will be like if I didn't stick out my neck
200 dollars inside of my bank account, woo, I was living on that
I need some money to pay for my rent, I need some money to pay for my gas
I'm not complaining, I'm just being honest, I promise that I will not beg for respect
I get so frustrated, take a look at what I created
Time is wasting and I ain't waiting
I'm a doctor with no job
Me, I don't have no patients
I keep pacing back and forth, I keep racing
You ain't never been in my book and I got a problem with it, why? Cause you acting like you read my pages
I wreck these stages, real talk, better give me space cause I am chasing
Something they told me that I won't make it, I'm not famous, I'm just Nathan
And I wonder how the world gon' take this
They might hate it, but you don't know anything about me, you know I'll leave 'em changing
Cause you know I'm real with it, don't care if you feeling it
I'm feeling it, you don't like it then deal with it, and if God ain't real, real isn't
You still wonder why I existed, I exist in the world that's real different
And what you gon' be when you grow up Nate? I doubt they will get it
My life is a mess, better watch your step when you step in it
Some of this brain is off limits I'm off in a world that you don't get cause you ain't ever been in it
In 10 minutes, I still couldn't explain what's inside my brain, don't mess with it
I've invested a lot of me inside these lines, I'm just protecting 'em
Everybody wanna hear the real version of life then don't get so sensitive
When I say something a little bit raw
I jot my thoughts and they call it negative
You wanna know where my heart is? I stand out cause I wear my garbage
I work my hardest and every time I look into the mirror, don't forget about where I started
Hook
Tell me what am I doing?
Tell me what am I doing?
Tell me what am I, what am I doing?
Mmm
Tell me what am I doing?
I say what am I doing?
Tell me what am I doing here?
If I'm not being real, mmm
Real
Real Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Real" by NF (Nate Feuerstein) is a raw, introspective declaration that immediately establishes the artist's identity and purpose. The intro's simple spoken lines set a reflective tone, inviting listeners into a specific "head space" – one of unfiltered honesty and intense self-examination. From the outset, NF positions himself against the perceived artificiality of the music industry, using vivid, aggressive metaphors like "body bags" and "eating 'em" to portray his dominance and hunger compared to other MCs he sees as lacking authenticity or drive. This critique isn't just bravado; it underscores his core message: his art is born from a deep, unyielding necessity, a stark contrast to what he suggests is prevalent among his peers.
Beyond the industry commentary, the song delves deeply into NF's personal struggles, painting a picture of mental turmoil and past hardship. Lines like being "sick in the head," in "hip-hop's hospital bed," and his brain being "off limits" powerfully convey his battles with his own thoughts and mental health. He openly discusses his past financial struggles, recounting living on minimal funds and the pressure to pay rent and gas. This vulnerability is central to the song's title; he presents these difficulties not for pity but as the genuine, unvarnished reality of his life and journey, contrasting starkly with the often-glamorized narratives found in music.
The narrative also highlights NF's fierce ambition and resilience. He describes his rise in the music industry as climbing a dangerous ladder, willing to cut off anyone who tries to impede his progress. This imagery, along with references to "Russian roulette" and questioning "Who's next?", emphasizes the intense, high-stakes nature of his artistic pursuit. He acknowledges the doubts and skepticism he faced ("Something they told me that I won't make it") but asserts his determination to succeed on his own terms, focusing on his craft and rejecting labels like "sellout" that contradict his commitment to authenticity. His frustration with those who comment on his life without understanding it ("You ain't never been in my book") fuels his drive to prove them wrong simply by continuing to create and exist genuinely.
A significant element woven into the song is NF's faith. The line "Father forgive me, for I am a sinner, But you gave me music as medicine" reveals a spiritual dimension to his artistry. He sees music not just as a career but as a God-given tool for healing and expression, a form of therapy that helps him navigate his internal "mess." This connection between his faith, his struggles, and his music reinforces the idea that his pursuit of "realness" is tied to a deeper purpose, suggesting that his art is a path toward redemption and understanding, both for himself and potentially for his listeners who relate to his candidness. The question of existence itself, "if God ain't real, real isn't," grounds his concept of authenticity in a spiritual foundation, adding layers to his identity as Nate rather than just the persona of NF.
The recurring hook, "Tell me what am I doing here? If I'm not being real," serves as the song's central anchor, questioning the very purpose of his existence and career if it isn't rooted in truth. It’s a powerful self-challenge and a direct statement to the listener about his non-negotiable artistic principle. This constant questioning underscores the deep connection between his identity and his commitment to authenticity. By laying bare his flaws, struggles, and intensity, NF makes it clear that his presence in the music world is contingent upon his ability to remain true to himself, no matter how uncomfortable that truth might be for others.
In essence, "Real" is a manifesto of authenticity. It's an unfiltered look into the mind of an artist grappling with internal demons, external pressures, and the complex relationship between fame and identity. The song's power lies in its raw honesty, its refusal to sugarcoat reality, and its unwavering commitment to self-expression. By sharing his "garbage" and his pain, NF creates a relatable narrative for listeners who feel misunderstood or struggle with their own authenticity. It stands as a testament to the fact that genuine art often springs from vulnerability and that facing one's reality, no matter how difficult, is ultimately the most "real" path one can take, resonating deeply with those who seek truth and meaning in music.
