Syracuse-born rapper Nau’Jour Grainger, professionally known as Toosii, revealed Monday that he is stepping away from music to pursue Division I football at Syracuse University. The rapper made the announcement on social media, posting photos from his recruiting visit and sharing an emotional message about returning to his hometown.
With more than 4.5 million Instagram followers, Toosii’s decision quickly went viral.
“Cuse I’m Coming Home” — Toosii Shares Emotional Message
In his announcement on X, Toosii wrote: “COMMITTED For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality. God’s will is the way and no one can stop it not even the devil. I wanna thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for even giving me the strength to chase what I believed when so many people told me I couldn’t. Thank you to the people who supported me as well, it never go unnoticed. To be born in Syracuse and move to North Carolina at age 12 and haven’t been back since. When Coach Fran called, I knew it was a sign from God. So with that being said, Cuse I’m coming home.”
Toosii Aims to Make History as a Division I Athlete
Toosii, 25, confirmed he is temporarily shifting away from his music career to join the Syracuse Orange under Coach Fran Brown. Earlier in August, he posted that he was “chasing history” and hoped to become the: “first multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football.”
He also shared videos of himself training as a wide receiver, signaling his commitment to the sport.
Toosii’s Football Background Before Fame
Long before his chart-topping music career, Toosii played football in high school. Records show he was a wide receiver at Rolesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, and occasionally served as a kick returner and punt returner.
Football was his first passion before he began pursuing music seriously at age 16.
A Look Back at Toosii’s Music Success
Even as he makes the switch back to athletics, Toosii’s accomplishments in music remain significant:
- Poetic Pain (2020) — Reached #17 on the Billboard 200
- Favorite Song (2023) — Peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100; Double Platinum
- Naujour (2023) — Reached #19 on the Billboard 200
His success has made him one of the most recognizable young artists in hip-hop.
Toosii Returns to His Syracuse Roots
Grainger was born in Syracuse, New York, and lived there until age 12 before moving with his family to North Carolina. His decision to return and play for Syracuse comes as a full-circle moment.
More updates on his football journey are expected as the season approaches.
