NF, Let You Down | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 31st edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “Let You Down” performed by Christian rapper, NF. 

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 31^st edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “Let You Down”, the one-hit wonder by NF.

NF (Nathan Feuerstein) has experienced ample success. The Christian rapper has numerous certifications for albums and singles from the Recording Industry Association of America. Among those certified singles is the octuple platinum “Let You Down” from his 2017 double platinum album, Perception. A gargantuan hit, “Let You Down” peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. While Feuerstein has charted other songs on the pop charts, “Let You Down” is his sole top 40 hit.  Because of this, technically, NF is a one-hit wonder. Given his overall success, having only one pop hit hasn’t defined Nate’s career.

“Let You Down” begins with pitch-shifted, effects-laden vocals by NF. It is not a female singer, which was a common misconception when the song was released. “All these voices in my head get loud / I wish that I could shut them down,” NF sings, pitched up, in the chorus, continuing, “I’m sorry that I let you down / Le-le-let you down.” He delivers an excellent flow, showcasing his immense rap skills. In the first verse, NF raps about a difficult relationship with his family, paranoia, and his trust issues. “Very loyal? Shoulda had my back / But you put a knife in it / My hands are full.” He doesn’t feel heard in the second verse, asserting, “Yeah, you don’t wanna make this work / You just wanna make this worse / Want me to listen to you, but you don’t ever hear my words.” The emotions are high throughout the song.  You can feel and hear the rapper’s authenticity, sincerity, and intensity. The chorus, the first section of the music heard, is crucial to the song’s success.

“All these voices in my head get loud

I wish that I could shut them out

I’m sorry that I let you down

Le-le-let you down.”

Beyond Nate’s performance and songwriting, “Let You Down” features fantastic production work, particularly the hard drums, piano block chords, and use of reverb.  A welcome change of pace occurs in the third verse, where NF is accompanied by piano and strings.  All told, “Let You Down” is a fabulous, meaningful rap record.  NF should be proud of his sole pop hit.