In a move that has left the music and sports worlds equally stunned, chart-topping rapper Toosii has announced a dramatic career pivot. The artist, famous for his global viral hit "Favorite Song," is putting his music career on hold to chase an old dream: playing college football.
From Chart-Topping Success to the Gridiron
The news broke in August 2025, revealing that the rapper, whose real name is Nau'Jour Lazier Grainger, would take a break from recording and performing. His motivation is not a fleeting hobby but a return to a passion that predates his fame. Toosii's 2023 single, "Favorite Song," became a cultural phenomenon, going viral on TikTok and achieving double-platinum status as certified by the RIAA. The track boasts over 330 million views on YouTube and more than 262 million streams on Spotify, cementing his place in the music industry.
Coming Home to Syracuse
Despite his monumental success, the lure of the football field remained strong. Toosii, who grew up in Syracuse, New York, before moving to North Carolina for high school football, began visiting college programs. He explored options at Maryland, USC, and Duke, and even received an offer from Sacramento State. However, the call of home was strongest.
In the end, Toosii chose Syracuse University, stating he felt "at home" in the city where he was born and raised. He plans to join the Syracuse Orange football team as a wide receiver during the early signing period, the same position he played in high school.
Defying Age and Expectations
What makes this transition even more remarkable is Toosii's age. At 25 years old, and set to turn 26 before the next college football season begins, he will be significantly older than a typical freshman athlete. This fact, however, does not deter him. He has publicly expressed his determination to fully chase this dream, showcasing a level of commitment that has surprised and intrigued fans and analysts alike.
Adding to the intrigue, the rapper has shared his physical stats online, posting in 2021 that he stands at 5-foot-8. The sports world is now abuzz with curiosity, eagerly waiting to see how a double-platinum recording artist will fare on the college football field. This unique story blends the worlds of entertainment and athletics in an unprecedented way, proving that some dreams are worth pursuing at any stage of life.
