NAV

Navraj Singh Goraya, widely recognized by his stage name NAV, is a prominent Canadian rapper, singer, and record producer who has made a significant impact on the music industry. Born on November 3, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario. NAV was raised in the Rexdale neighborhood by immigrant Punjabi parents from India. His early exposure to music came through his mother, who bought him a boombox in third grade, and his uncle, a popular Punjabi singer, who introduced him to a recording studio. These influences sparked NAV’s passion for music, and he began creating mash-ups and producing beats during his high school years, using Sony’s ACID Pro software.

NAV’s journey into the music industry began with his work as a producer, where he initially made a name for himself by co-producing Drake’s 2015 hit single, “Back to Back.” This success provided NAV with the foundation he needed to pursue a career as an artist. In 2016, he gained widespread recognition when his song “Myself” went viral on SoundCloud, showcasing his unique melodic rap style and introspective lyrics. The song’s success led to his signing with XO Records, the label founded by fellow Canadian artist The Weeknd, and its parent company, Republic Records.

In 2017, NAV released his self-titled debut mixtape, which featured a blend of dark, atmospheric beats and emotionally charged lyrics. The mixtape was well-received and paved the way for his collaborative project with producer Metro Boomin, titled Perfect Timing, later that year. The mixtape solidified Nav’s presence in the rap scene and featured collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti. His growing influence in the industry was further demonstrated with the release of his debut studio album, Reckless, in 2018, which included notable collaborations with artists such as Travis Scott and Gunna.

NAV’s career continued to ascend with the release of his second studio album, Bad Habits, in 2019. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking a significant milestone in his career. The following year, NAV achieved his highest-charting single as a lead artist with “Turks,” a collaboration with Gunna and Travis Scott, which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track served as the lead single for his third studio album, Good Intentions, released in 2020, which also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

In addition to his solo work, NAV’s collaborations with other artists have been a major factor in his success. His feature on the 2020 single “Lemonade” by Internet Money, alongside Gunna and Don Toliver, became his highest-charting song, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. NAV’s consistent output and collaborations have kept him at the forefront of the rap scene, leading to the release of his fourth studio album, Demons Protected by Angels, in 2022.

NAV’s journey from a young producer in Toronto to a global rap star is a testament to his talent and determination. With several projects in the works, including sequels to his earlier mixtapes and a fifth studio album, NAV continues to evolve as an artist, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.