If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and found yourself humming the melody to "Favorite Song," you already know Toosii. He’s that guy. But for a long time, fans have been caught in a bit of a tug-of-war over his "hometown" status. Is he a New York rapper? Is he a North Carolina artist?
Honestly, it’s both. And neither.
Toosii, born Nau'Jour Lazier Grainger, has a story that bridges two very different worlds. Most people assume he’s a pure product of the South because of his breakout success in the North Carolina rap scene, but his roots go way back to the snowy streets of Syracuse, New York.
Syracuse: The Early Years
Toosii was born on January 9, 2000, in Syracuse. He didn't just "visit" there; he spent the first 13 years of his life in Central New York. When he talks about his childhood, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Syracuse can be a tough place. He’s described it as a "small town" where everyone knows everyone, but also a place where "fast living" and a lack of local role models made things difficult.
It was a household of five. He was the youngest. Imagine that—trying to find your voice as the baby of the family in a city that’s often overlooked by the rest of the world.
Music wasn't some corporate plan. It was basically a family tradition. His dad and his big brother were the ones who really got him into it. They’d have rap battles in the house, just going back and forth over whatever beat they could find. That was the training ground. Syracuse gave him the grit, but a massive change was coming that would redefine his entire life.
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The Big Move to Raleigh
When he was 13, his family packed up and headed south to Raleigh, North Carolina.
This wasn't an easy transition. Moving from New York to the South at that age is a culture shock. He’s talked before about how he had to defend himself in school because he was the "out of town" kid. It was a slower pace of life, sure, but the streets were still the streets.
In Raleigh, Toosii became more than just a kid who could rap. He became an athlete. He played football at Rolesville High School as a wide receiver and kick returner. In fact, if you look up his high school highlights on YouTube, the kid was actually a beast on the field.
But life wasn't just football and music. There was a period where things got incredibly dark. He’s been open about experiencing homelessness, at one point even sleeping in a car. That kind of struggle stays with you. It’s why his music feels so heavy and "melodic trap"—it's the sound of someone who has actually felt the floor.
Why Everyone Thinks He’s From North Carolina
It makes sense why Raleigh gets the credit. This is where he actually became Toosii.
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He was discovered by South Coast Music Group, the same label that launched DaBaby. Raleigh is where he recorded the tracks that eventually led to his 2023 mega-hit "Favorite Song" and his album Naujour. When he blew up, he was representing the 919.
Even his stage name has a sports-related origin story from his time in North Carolina. His childhood nickname was "Toota," but his teammates started calling him Toosii. He added the two "i's" because, as he puts it, "You need two eyes to see the vision."
The 2026 Return to New York (The Football Twist)
Here is the part that most casual fans are just now finding out. In a move that absolutely nobody saw coming, Toosii decided to take a break from the music industry to pursue his "lifelong dream."
He’s going back to Syracuse.
As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, Toosii (Nau'Jour Grainger) has officially committed to play college football for the Syracuse University Orange. After years of being a multi-platinum artist, he’s suiting up as a 25-year-old wide receiver.
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When he announced the move on social media, he said: "To be born in Syracuse and move to North Carolina at age 12 and haven't been back since... Cuse, I’m coming home."
It’s a full-circle moment. He left New York as a kid trying to find his way and is returning as a superstar athlete-artist.
Summary of Toosii's Roots
To keep it simple, here is the breakdown of the geography that made him who he is:
- Birthplace: Syracuse, New York (The 315).
- Formative Years: Raleigh/Rolesville, North Carolina (The 919).
- Career Launchpad: North Carolina (South Coast Music Group).
- Current Location (2026): Syracuse University (Playing football).
What We Can Learn From His Journey
Toosii’s story isn't just about geography. It’s about the fact that you don't have to be "from" just one place. He took the lyricism and hardness of New York and mixed it with the melodic, soulful bounce of the South.
If you're a fan trying to follow in his footsteps or just interested in how he made it, here are the real-world takeaways:
- Embrace the move: He used the "outsider" status in North Carolina to fuel his drive.
- Multitask your talents: He never let go of his love for football, even when he was topping the Billboard charts.
- Authenticity over everything: He writes about the homelessness and the pain of his youth, which is why people connect with him.
Next Steps for Toosii Fans:
If you want to see the "New York" side of him, go back and listen to his early project Label Me Diverse. If you want to see his "North Carolina" evolution, watch his live performances from the Thank You for Believing tour. And if you're in Central New York, keep an eye on the Syracuse football roster—you might just see a multi-platinum rapper catching touchdowns this season.