When I Grow Up (NF song)

"When I Grow Up" is a song by American rapper NF, released on June 27, 2019 as the third single from his fourth studio album The Search. Written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt, it peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"When I Grow Up"
Single by NF
from the album The Search
ReleasedJune 27, 2019
GenreHip hop
Length3:16
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Feuerstein
  • Profitt
NF singles chronology
"The Search"
(2019)
"When I Grow Up"
(2019)
"Time"
(2019)
Music video
"When I Grow Up" on YouTube

Composition edit

On the track NF narrates from his perspective when he was a child. He recounts his childhood dream of becoming a professional rapper, and his strong determination to pursue his career despite the extreme difficulty to do so and how the events in his life turn out.[1][2]

Music video edit

The music video was directed by NF and Patrick Tohill.[2] It begins with several kids, including a young NF, saying what they want to be when they grow up. NF says that he is going to be a rapper. The scene then shifts to his back-to-back jobs working as a garbage disposal man, a janitor, and working at a fast food restaurant, until finally he follows his dream.[3]

Charts edit

Chart performance for "When I Grow Up"
Chart (2019) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[4] 55
Ireland (IRMA)[5] 63
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[6] 10
UK Singles (OCC)[7] 98
US Billboard Hot 100[8] 78
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[9] 28
US Rolling Stone Top 100[10] 88

Certifications edit

Certifications for "When I Grow Up"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[11] Platinum 70,000
Canada (Music Canada)[12] Platinum 80,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[13] Silver 200,000
United States (RIAA)[14] 2× Platinum 2,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References edit

  1. ^ Martin, Connor "Bearcat" (2019-06-28). "NF's "When I Grow Up" Reminds Us to Believe in Our Dreams". Medium. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
  2. ^ a b Shoemaker, Whitney (2019-06-27). "NF refuses to give up on childhood dream in "When I Grow Up" video". Alternative Press. Retrieved 2020-08-25.
  3. ^ "NF's Grind Won't Stop in 'When I Grow Up' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
  4. ^ "NF Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  5. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography NF". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  6. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 8, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  7. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  8. ^ "NF Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  9. ^ "NF Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  10. ^ "Top 100 Songs". Rolling Stone. June 28, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  11. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  12. ^ "Canadian single certifications – NF – When I Grow Up". Music Canada. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "British single certifications – NF – When I Grow Up". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  14. ^ "American single certifications – NF – When I Grow Up". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 31, 2023.