Toosii
Toosii, born Nau'Jour Lazier Grainger on January 9, 2000, in Syracuse, New York, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and college football player known for his melodic blend of hip-hop and R&B.[1][2][3] Raised initially in Syracuse before relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, at age 13, he began releasing music independently in 2017, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and family influences.[4][5][6] Toosii's career gained momentum after signing with South Coast Music Group in 2019, the same label that propelled DaBaby to stardom, leading to his breakthrough mixtape Poetic Pain in 2020, which debuted and peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200.[6][7][2] His style, characterized by introspective lyrics about love, heartbreak, and resilience delivered over emotive production, resonated widely, culminating in mainstream success with subsequent projects like Thank You for Believing (2021) and Boys Don't Cry: Men Do (2022).[3][8][9] In 2023, Toosii achieved his biggest commercial hit with the single "Favorite Song," which debuted at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100, later peaking at No. 5 and topping the Hot Rap Songs chart, driven by viral TikTok usage and over 1 billion global streams.[10][11][12] He followed this with the album NAUJOUR later that year and JADED in 2024, solidifying his position as a rising figure in contemporary hip-hop. In 2025, following releases of singles including "Please Don't Go," Toosii announced a hiatus from music to pursue a college football career, accepting a scholarship offer from Sacramento State University.[8][13][14][15]Early life
Childhood and upbringing
Nau'Jour Lazier Grainger, professionally known as Toosii, was born on January 9, 2000, in Syracuse, New York.[9] He was raised primarily by his mother alongside his older brother and sister in a single-parent household after his father left the family during his early years, creating emotional and financial hardships—including periods of homelessness—that defined much of his childhood; he also helped raise his nephew and two nieces.[16] [17] [18] This family dynamic, marked by the absence of a father figure, instilled a sense of resilience while contributing to themes of loss and longing that would later permeate his songwriting.[19] Toosii's formative years in Syracuse were spent navigating a tough urban environment characterized by poverty, limited opportunities, and exposure to street life, which he has described as a lifestyle he ultimately sought to escape for future generations.[20] The city's vibrant yet gritty local hip-hop scene provided early musical influences, exposing him to artists and sounds that resonated with his experiences and helped him process the challenges around him.[21] Music emerged as a key outlet and coping mechanism amid these difficulties, allowing him to channel personal struggles into creative expression from a young age.[22] In 2013, at the age of 13, Toosii and his family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, motivated by the desire for a safer and more stable life away from Syracuse's hardships.[23] However, tragedy struck in 2015 when his grandfather was fatally stabbed during a home robbery committed by three of Toosii's best friends, an event that deeply affected him and inspired elements of his music, such as the song "Red Lights."[23] [24]Education and early interests
Toosii attended local public schools in Syracuse, New York, during his early years, including Huntington PreK-8.[25] After relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, as a teenager, he enrolled at Rolesville High School, where he ultimately dropped out to focus on his burgeoning music career.[26][27] During high school, Toosii showed early promise in athletics, particularly football, playing as a wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner on the Rolesville team.[28][29] However, he gradually shifted his focus away from sports toward music, viewing rap as an escape from personal challenges during his youth.[30] He began freestyling and writing songs around age 13, initially as a way to process his experiences growing up in Syracuse.[7] By age 16, while still navigating high school and football, Toosii started recording music more seriously and sharing it on platforms like SoundCloud during the mid-2010s era that popularized independent rap uploads.[30][31] This early experimentation laid the groundwork for his creative pursuits, blending rapping with emerging singing influences that developed later in his teens.[32]Music career
2017–2020: Beginnings, Who Dat and Poetic Pain
Toosii launched his music career in 2017 at the age of 17, while attending high school in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he began uploading original tracks to SoundCloud to share his freestyles and self-produced songs. Drawing from personal experiences of hardship and emotional turmoil during his youth, his early work emphasized raw, introspective lyrics that resonated with listeners facing similar challenges. That year, he independently released his initial mixtapes, including Hell on Earth in July and Why Not Now in December, which showcased a blend of melodic rap and heartfelt storytelling without widespread promotion.[33][7] In 2019, Toosii signed with South Coast Music Group (SCMG), an independent label based in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for launching DaBaby's career, marking a pivotal shift from grassroots efforts to professional support. His first project under the label, the mixtape Who Dat, arrived on April 30, 2019, and featured 10 tracks delving deeper into themes of resilience and vulnerability, solidifying his emerging style of poetic, pain-infused hip-hop. The release helped build a dedicated local following in the Southeast, bolstered by performances at regional venues and an opening slot on Summer Walker's tour later that year, where he connected with audiences through intimate, high-energy sets.[6][7] Toosii's breakthrough came in 2020 with the mixtape Poetic Pain, released on September 18 via SCMG, which debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart and amassed over 20 million streams in its first week. The project highlighted his growth as a songwriter, with standout singles like "Love Cycle" featuring Summer Walker, which went viral on TikTok through user-generated content and emotional lip-sync videos, propelling the track to over 100 million streams and introducing Toosii to a broader audience. In September 2020, SCMG secured a distribution deal with Capitol Records for Toosii, enabling wider release and marketing for his music while he continued to gain momentum on Instagram through fan interactions and behind-the-scenes posts. These early years established Toosii's reputation for authentic, relatable content, setting the stage for his rising profile in R&B-rap fusion.[34][10][35]2021–2022: Breakthrough with Thank You for Believing, Pretty Girls Love Toosii and Boys Don't Cry
In 2021, Toosii achieved a significant breakthrough with the release of his debut studio album Thank You for Believing on May 7 via South Coast Music Group and Capitol Records.[36] The project, which built on the emotional introspection of his prior mixtapes, debuted and peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 24,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[36] Featuring collaborations with artists like Latto on the single "5'5" and DaBaby on "shop," the album marked Toosii's evolution toward more polished R&B-infused trap sounds, emphasizing themes of relationships and personal growth while securing his first top-25 Billboard entry.[37] This release also propelled him into broader media spotlight, including his selection as part of XXL's 2021 Freshman Class, where he delivered a freestyle highlighting his come-up and dedication to his mother.[38] The album's success fueled Toosii's first headline tour, the Thank You for Believing Tour, which wrapped in late 2021 and showcased his rising live performance appeal alongside surprise guests like Stunna 4 Vegas and Lakeyah.[39] Meanwhile, tracks from his earlier mixtape Poetic Pain (2020), such as the Summer Walker-assisted "Love Cycle," continued to gain viral traction on streaming platforms, amassing millions of additional streams and contributing to Toosii's growing monthly listeners exceeding 10 million by mid-2021.[40] Toosii sustained his momentum into 2022 with the three-track EP Pretty Girls Love Toosii, released on December 3, 2021, which catered to romantic and heartbreak narratives through smooth, melodic tracks like the titular "Pretty Girls" and "Never Leave Her" featuring Jacquees.[41] This project highlighted his stylistic shift toward more seductive, female-empowering R&B elements, reinforcing his appeal in the genre while bridging his trap roots with contemporary love anthems.[42] Later that year, on October 7, Toosii released the six-track EP Boys Don't Cry via the same labels, delving deeper into vulnerability with songs addressing mental health struggles, such as "Love is..." and new cuts exploring emotional pain and resilience.[43] The EP's introspective themes, inspired by Toosii's personal experiences with fame and inner turmoil, challenged traditional notions of masculinity in hip-hop and R&B, earning praise for its raw honesty.[44] To promote these releases, Toosii joined Rod Wave as a supporting act on the Beautiful Mind Tour throughout late 2022, performing to packed arenas and further solidifying his commercial ascent with sold-out shows across major U.S. markets.[45]2023–2024: Mainstream success via Naujour and Jaded
In 2023, Toosii achieved significant mainstream breakthrough with the release of his sophomore studio album Naujour on June 2 via South Coast Music Group and Capitol Records. The project debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his highest-charting album to date and solidifying his rising presence in R&B and hip-hop.[46] The lead single, "Favorite Song," propelled much of this success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning 5× Platinum certification from the RIAA for over five million units sold in the United States.[47][48] Other standout tracks from Naujour, such as "Another Love Song" and "Rich Ridin'," highlighted Toosii's melodic style and emotional depth, contributing to the album's overall reception as a cohesive exploration of romance and personal growth. To promote the album, Toosii embarked on the NAUJOUR Tour, a headlining North American run produced by Live Nation, which kicked off on July 26 in San Francisco and included stops in major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York through early September.[49] Building on this momentum, Toosii's music continued to evolve thematically toward greater introspection, with lyrics delving into the complexities of relationships, heartbreak, and self-reflection—evident in Naujour's narratives of love's highs and lows, as seen in lines from "This Is Love" pondering emotional vulnerability. This shift was further showcased in media appearances, including a 2023 EBONY interview where he discussed his authentic approach to songwriting and the personal inspirations behind his growing success.[14] His profile received additional boosts from high-profile collaborations, such as remixes of "Favorite Song" featuring Khalid and Future, which expanded his reach across streaming platforms and radio. Awards recognition followed, with "Favorite Song" earning nominations for Best R&B at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Top Rap Song at the Billboard Music Awards, and Song of the Year at the Soul Train Awards.[50][51] By 2024, Toosii released his third studio album Jaded on October 4, which peaked at number 50 on the Billboard 200 despite generating buzz through its raw emotional content.[52] The album featured singles like "Fuk You Mean," a candid track addressing betrayal and frustration in relationships, and "Champs Élysées" with Gunna, blending luxurious imagery with introspective verses on fleeting connections.[53] These releases underscored Toosii's maturation as an artist, maintaining his focus on relational themes while incorporating more polished production and guest features to broaden his appeal in the competitive rap landscape.2025: Career hiatus and final music releases
In early 2025, Toosii released the motivational single "168 Hours," marking his return after the success of his 2024 album Jaded and emphasizing themes of perseverance and time management in his music.[54] Later that year, on July 18, he dropped the country-inspired track "Even Then," a heartfelt reflection on enduring relationships, which showcased his evolving sound blending R&B with genre influences.[55] Following these releases, Toosii announced on August 28 that he was pausing his music career to pursue college football full-time, citing a desire to chase a long-held athletic dream at age 25.[56] Despite the announcement, he continued with final projects, including the collaborative single "Please Don't Go" featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on September 26 as an emotional alternative hip-hop track exploring loss and plea.[57] In November, he shared "Call Me," a hip-hop single released on November 4, serving as one of his last original outputs before fully shifting focus.[58] Toosii engaged in final promotional activities through social media, where he reflected on his music journey, highlighting his growth from early mixtapes to platinum success.[59] These posts underscored his gratitude toward fans while signaling closure on his musical chapter. No major archival content was released post-announcement, though the timing of "Please Don't Go" and "Call Me" appeared to tie up ongoing collaborations. The hiatus announcement elicited mixed reactions from his fanbase and the industry, with supporters praising his bold pivot as inspirational for artists seeking diverse paths, while some expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to his rising momentum.[56] Industry observers noted it as part of a broader trend of rappers stepping away from music amid shifting economic realities, amplifying discussions on career sustainability in hip-hop.[60] Fans rallied online, sharing tributes to hits like "Favorite Song" and voicing hopes for a future return, underscoring Toosii's enduring emotional connection with his audience.[59]Sports career
Transition to football
Toosii, born Nau'Jour Grainger, harbored a long-standing passion for football during his high school years at Rolesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he played as a wide receiver and kick/punt returner.[26] However, at age 17, he dropped out to pursue a music career, deferring his athletic ambitions as his rap success took precedence, including multi-platinum hits that propelled him to prominence.[61] This choice was influenced by early doubts from his football coach, who laughed at his decision to prioritize music over sports.[62] In August 2025, following the release of his album Jaded in October 2024, Toosii announced his decision to shift focus toward football, citing a desire for personal fulfillment by pursuing what he described as his "first love."[63][64] He expressed intentions to become the "first multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play Division I football," marking a pivotal career pivot after achieving significant success in music.[26] This announcement came amid a career hiatus, allowing him to dedicate time to athletic preparation without the demands of touring or recording.[65] Post-hiatus, Toosii initiated a rigorous training regimen in August 2025, primarily at North Carolina State's football facilities in Raleigh, where he focused on receiver-specific drills such as running routes and catching passes while wearing a helmet.[66] He shared frequent updates on social media, emphasizing daily workouts to build endurance and skills, with captions like "I’m pushing myself everyday" and commitments to improve incrementally.[66] Skill evaluations were informal but evident through his documented progress, including videos of high-intensity sessions aimed at Division I readiness after years away from organized play.[63] In public statements, Toosii addressed balancing his identities as an artist and athlete, declaring on social media, "next year I’m gonna be on somebody’s team mark my words!" while putting his music career on hold to avoid divided focus.[26] He engaged fans by asking, "Y’all gonna buy my jersey when I go D1 next year?" highlighting his dual ambitions without specifying long-term plans to resume music simultaneously.[65] Toosii maintained a clean lifestyle to support this transition, as noted in interviews, underscoring his commitment to proving skeptics wrong.[26] Early media coverage of Toosii's pivot emerged in August 2025, with outlets like HotNewHipHop and On3 reporting on his training and ambitions, drawing praise from NFL figures such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and former player DeSean Jackson for his work ethic.[63][65] Interviews, including one with NewsNation, highlighted the risks involved, such as the physical toll of returning to competitive sports at age 25 and the uncertainty of securing a roster spot after a music-focused hiatus, yet Toosii expressed determination to "chase history" despite mixed fan reactions questioning his speed and viability.[26][66]College football at Sacramento State
Toosii committed to Sacramento State University in September 2025, accepting a scholarship offer to play as a wide receiver for the Hornets football team starting with the 2026 season. The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Nau'Jour Grainger, announced the decision shortly after an official visit to the campus during the team's home opener against Mercyhurst University on September 13, 2025, where head coach Brennan Marion extended the offer following a review of his athletic potential.[15][67][68] His recruitment gained traction through archived high school footage from Rolesville High School in North Carolina, where he excelled as a wide receiver in 2015 and 2016 before prioritizing his music career, combined with the widespread visibility from his multi-platinum recording success that attracted interest from Division I programs.[69][65] As of late 2025, Toosii has begun off-season preparations to integrate with the team, focusing on conditioning and skill development to adapt from the flexible world of entertainment to the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics. This shift is supported by his 2025 music career hiatus, enabling full dedication to football. While debut season statistics remain pending, his commitment positions him for potential NFL aspirations through strong performance in the Big Sky Conference.[70]Discography
Studio albums
Toosii's discography includes three studio albums, all released under South Coast Music Group and Capitol Records, showcasing his evolution from introspective R&B-infused rap to more polished trap and melodic explorations of relationships and personal struggles. His debut studio album, Thank You for Believing, arrived on May 7, 2021, and debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking his first major label project with 24,000 album-equivalent units in its opening week. The 18-track effort delves into themes of romantic vulnerability, fear versus success, and gratitude toward supporters, blending melodic trap with raw lyricism that highlights Toosii's hopeless-romantic persona amid real-life pains. Critics noted its emotional consistency but critiqued occasional repetitiveness in production and delivery, though it solidified his rising profile in contemporary R&B-rap circles.[71][72][73] NAUJOUR, Toosii's sophomore studio album and first under the full major label umbrella, was released on June 2, 2023, debuting at number 19 on the Billboard 200 with 28,000 units sold in its first week, becoming his highest-charting release at the time. The 19 tracks emphasize confessional introspection, raw emotional narratives about teenage hardships, and growth through adversity, featuring standout singles like the platinum-certified "Favorite Song" that propelled its commercial momentum. Reception praised its heartfelt storytelling and genre-blending production but found some tracks formulaic, with AllMusic highlighting the album's inward-looking pattern as both a strength and limitation in variety.[74][75][76] Toosii's third studio album, JADED, dropped on October 4, 2024, entering the Billboard 200 at number 50 with 16,000 equivalent units, reflecting a more mature blend of R&B sensuality and trap energy amid a competitive release landscape. Spanning 13 songs with guest features from Gunna, Kehlani, and Muni Long, it explores lust-driven relationships, personal reflection, and physical intimacy, stripping back to core strengths in melodic rap and storytelling for a concise, vibe-focused listen. Early reviews commended its charismatic delivery and bedroom-ready slow jams like "Clock Work," though some noted uneven pacing; Toosii himself described it as his career-best work to date, emphasizing risks in production and vulnerability.[52][77][78]Mixtapes and extended plays
Toosii's mixtapes and extended plays represent foundational releases in his career, allowing him to hone his signature blend of melodic trap and introspective R&B before achieving wider commercial success. These projects, often self-released or issued through independent labels like South Coast Music Group, emphasized raw storytelling about love, heartbreak, and personal growth, building a dedicated fanbase via streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.[8][6] His debut mixtape, Why Not Now, arrived on December 16, 2017, as a self-released effort comprising 7 tracks that introduced his singsong flow and themes of street life and ambition. Key cuts like "For the Family" and "Pain" highlighted his early vulnerability, distributed initially through digital platforms and helping establish his presence in the North Carolina rap scene.[79] Platinum Heart, released February 7, 2020, via South Coast Music Group, was a 13-track mixtape featuring introspective tracks on personal struggles and relationships, including the original version of "Love Cycle." A deluxe edition followed on May 29, 2020, adding new songs and remixes, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and broadened his streaming audience.[80][81] In 2019, Toosii released the independent mixtape Who Dat on April 30, featuring 10 tracks that expanded on his emotional depth with production from collaborators like Quay Global. Standout songs including the title track "Who Dat" and "Leah" explored relationships and turmoil, gaining traction on streaming services and leading to tour opportunities with artists like Summer Walker. This project marked a step toward professionalization, released via South Coast Music Group.[82][83][6] Poetic Pain, released on September 18, 2020, via South Coast Music Group, was a 17-track mixtape that propelled Toosii into the mainstream, debuting at No. 17 on the Billboard 200. The project went viral largely due to the single "Love Cycle" featuring Summer Walker, which amassed millions of streams and showcased his poetic lyricism on love's complexities; other notable tracks included "Sinners Prayer" and "Sapiosexual." Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, it solidified his role as a rising voice in melodic rap.[10][84][85][86] The EP Pretty Girls Love Toosii followed on December 3, 2021, as a concise 3-track release under South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records, focusing on romantic introspection with features like Jacquees on "Never Leave Her." The lead "Pretty Girls" captured his charm in relationships, streamed widely on Apple Music and Spotify to bridge his mixtape era into fuller projects.[87][88][89] In 2022, Toosii issued the 6-track EP Boys Don't Cry on October 7, via South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records, delving into male vulnerability with songs like "Heartaches" and "Date Night." A deluxe edition, Boys Don't Cry: Men Do, expanded to 11 tracks on November 11, adding cuts such as "Frozen Below Zero," and was distributed across streaming platforms, reinforcing his thematic consistency.[90][91][92]Singles as lead artist
Toosii's career as a lead artist began gaining traction with the release of "Love Cycle" featuring Summer Walker on August 28, 2020, as the remix single included on his mixtape Poetic Pain. The track, which explores themes of emotional vulnerability in relationships, received significant radio airplay, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in March 2021.[93] It was accompanied by an official music video directed by David Camarena, emphasizing intimate visuals that aligned with the song's heartfelt lyrics. The single earned a Platinum certification from the RIAA on August 24, 2021, marking Toosii's first major accolade and helping propel Poetic Pain to wider recognition.[94] In 2023, Toosii achieved his biggest commercial breakthrough with "Favorite Song," released on February 17, 2023, as the lead single from his debut studio album Naujour. The introspective track, produced by Adelso and Tatiana Manaois, debuted at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaked at number 5, becoming his highest-charting single to date.[10] It dominated radio, reaching number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and accumulating over 112 million global streams in its initial months.[12] An official music video, released shortly after, featured cinematic storytelling of romance and reflection, further boosting its promotion. The song received a 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA, underscoring its impact on Toosii's transition to mainstream success. Following the momentum from Naujour, Toosii released "Suffice" on November 3, 2023, as the lead single for his mixtape Jaded. Produced by Yozo, C7actus, and Kevin Varol, the raw, emotional song addressed personal struggles and received moderate radio play but did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100.[95] No music video was released for the track, though it served as a promotional teaser for the project amid Toosii's evolving sound. It has not received RIAA certification as of November 2025. In 2024, Toosii continued building his catalog with "Fuk You Mean," released on August 9, 2024, ahead of Jaded's full rollout. The aggressive, heartbreak-driven single gained traction through social media teasers and streaming platforms but did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, focusing instead on urban radio rotation.[96] An accompanying music video highlighted confrontational themes, aligning with the song's promotional context for the mixtape. No RIAA certification has been awarded. "Champs Elysées," featuring Gunna and released on September 9, 2024, also promoted Jaded with its luxurious, fashion-inspired narrative. The collaboration, directed by Chris Moreno in a music video showcasing high-end visuals, earned playlist placements but did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100.[97] It received limited radio airplay, emphasizing streaming growth over traditional charts, and remains uncertified by the RIAA.[98] Toosii's most recent lead single, "Please Don't Go" featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, arrived on September 26, 2025, as a non-album release during his career hiatus. Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, the pop-infused plea for reconciliation debuted with strong streaming numbers and received airplay on R&B formats.[99] An official video enhanced its emotional delivery. As of November 2025, it has not received RIAA certification.[100]| Title | Release Date | Album/Mixtape | Peak on Billboard Hot 100 | RIAA Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Love Cycle" (feat. Summer Walker) | August 28, 2020 | Poetic Pain | #7 Bubbling Under | Platinum (2021) | Peaked #13 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay; official video by David Camarena.[93][94] |
| "Favorite Song" | February 17, 2023 | Naujour | #5 | 2× Platinum | #1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay; official video released.[12][101] |
| "Suffice" | November 3, 2023 | Jaded | — | None | Lead single; no video.[95] |
| "Fuk You Mean" | August 9, 2024 | Jaded | — | None | Pre-release single; music video available.[96] |
| "Champs Elysées" (feat. Gunna) | September 9, 2024 | Jaded | — | None | Video directed by Chris Moreno.[98] |
| "Please Don't Go" (feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again) | September 26, 2025 | Non-album single | — | None | Pop-influenced; official video.[99][100] |