Paid My Dues (NF song)
"Paid My Dues" is a song by American rapper NF, released on December 3, 2019. It was written and produced by the lead artist and Tommee Profitt, as well as Cole Walowac, a.k.a. Saint X, having songwriting and producing credits, respectively. The song discusses NF's critics and their hypocrisy, showing how he made his path to success and overcoming obstacles that he faced along the way. A music video was released the same day as the song. Composition and lyrics. In the song, NF raps about the audacity for critics to have an opinion  on his music and the criticism he receives, before criticizing them himself, stating "I read your article, it kinda hurt me / I don't know who hired you or what your friends say in your circle / But the fact that you released it tells me two things are for certain: / They get paid for trashin' people, I get paid 'cause I stay workin'". He then continues by going into the topic of facing his battles, overcoming them, and working to produce the content that made him successful. It has a similar theme to his previous album, "The Search", showing how  he is lost and finding his way out. Critical reception. A contributor from "Billboard" says that he "kick[ed] the song into an even higher gear with his trademark rapid-fire delivery", with Jonathan Currinn from "CelebMix" stating that "he certainly doesn't disappoint." Personnel. Credits adapted from Tidal.