In one of hip-hop's most unexpected moves, multi-platinum rapper Toosii has officially committed to playing college football at Syracuse University, marking a dramatic shift from his rising music career. The 25-year-old artist, whose real name is Nau'Jour Lazier Grainger, accepted the Division I football offer on December 1st, 2025, signaling his intention to pursue athletics alongside his entertainment ambitions.
This decision represents a full-circle moment for the North Carolina native, who spent his teenage years balancing both passions before ultimately choosing music. Now, after achieving significant success in the rap industry—including a viral hit with "Favorite Song" and collaborations with major artists—Toosii is making headlines by returning to his athletic roots at the collegiate level.
The Unexpected Announcement
Toosii's football journey gained public attention in August 2025 when he first revealed he was training to play college football. The rapper posted images of himself catching passes at the NC State practice facility, declaring his ambitious goal:
"I'm chasing history. First multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football."Initially, he had accepted an offer from Sacramento State University in September 2025, posting photos in a Sac State uniform and expressing gratitude to coaches Marion and Pollard. However, his commitment has now shifted to Syracuse, his hometown university, creating a compelling narrative of homecoming and reinvention.
Balancing Two Worlds
What makes Toosii's decision particularly intriguing is that he's not abandoning music entirely. The rapper has hinted at an impending return to the music industry while pursuing his football dreams. Recently, he unveiled a dramatic grooming change—sporting a clean-shaven face with a lone mustache—signaling what many interpret as a strategic rebranding effort as he navigates this transitional phase.
The timing of this pivot comes as Toosii has been focusing on
fatherhood, welcoming his second child, a daughter, last month with his longtime partner Samaria. In interviews, he's emphasized how personal growth and family have influenced his life decisions, suggesting this football commitment reflects deeper values beyond career calculations.
From Rising Rap Star to Gridiron Hopeful
Toosii's music career has been nothing short of impressive. He rose to mainstream prominence following his 2023 single "Favorite Song," which went viral on TikTok and established him as one of rap's most promising young talents. His melodic delivery and emotionally charged lyrics earned him a spot on
XXL's Freshman Class in 2021, and he's collaborated with major artists including DaBaby, Rod Wave, and NBA YoungBoy.
Despite critics claiming he was being "forced" onto audiences, Toosii responded with receipts, sharing videos of packed crowds singing along to his hits and proving his legitimate place in the rap game. He's toured extensively, opening for major acts and currently performing on NBA YoungBoy's 'MASA Tour.'
What This Means for Hip-Hop
Toosii's decision challenges conventional wisdom in the entertainment industry. While athletes occasionally pursue music careers, a successful recording artist stepping away to play college football is virtually unprecedented. His commitment raises questions about authenticity, ambition, and whether this represents a genuine passion for football or a calculated career move.
In his own words, the moment "don't even feel real" for the rapper, who views the opportunity as more than a publicity stunt—it's another arena to test himself and prove he's not confined to one lane. Whether Toosii becomes a legitimate college football player or eventually returns full-time to music remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:
he's writing a unique chapter in both sports and entertainment history.
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Toosii Reveals New Look Ahead Of The Release Of New Song - HotNewHipHop
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