Canadian Rapper NVA92 Discusses Lo-Fi Hip-Hop, Creativity & Building a Career in Canada

Name: NVA92

Location: Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

Talent Name: NVA92

Category: Musician

Instagram: @IAmNVA92

💬 INTRODUCTION

I’m a lo-fi hip-hop artist focused on making honest, relatable music that speaks to the truth of the human experience. My art is about stripping back the layers — both sonically and philosophically.

I’ve been writing and recording music under various pseudonyms for over twenty years, ever since I was just a kid.

🔥 THE PASSION

I’ve always been drawn to the rawness and realness of rap music since I was young, and I’ve always wanted to contribute to the culture — even in a small way. I’ve been rapping and rhyming since elementary school, and I’ve always aimed to create art that reflects my reality while respecting the artform and the cultures it comes from. It’s been an incredibly positive outlet for me, and I just want to keep building that and inspiring others to do the same. I want to show people that this can be bigger than yourself.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

Being a Canadian creative means you have to love the craft and the grind first and foremost.

We don’t have the same entertainment infrastructure as the U.S., so to get noticed here, you really have to hustle. It weeds out a lot of opportunists — many leave to chase bigger opportunities elsewhere — but the ones who stay are building something real.

The independent scene here is about community, collaboration, and creating art for the love of it.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

I’m proud to have worked with — and received recognition from — artists I genuinely respect. At the end of the day, if the people I look up to connect with what I create, that’s all I really need.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

If you’re talented at what you do and passionate about pushing boundaries, I’m open to building. I’m focused on growing my local scene and building community, so if you want to work and grow together, I’m all in.

Reach out in the DMs.

🧠 COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: What does hip-hop mean to you personally — beyond just the music?

NVA92: Hip-hop means so much to me. The music and the culture have shaped who I am and who I’ve become.

I was an anxious kid working through trauma, and the music I listened to inspired me to keep moving forward. I owe a lot of my resilience and tenacity to the art I consumed during pivotal moments in my life.

That influence comes from artists like Atmosphere, Nas, 2Pac, Aesop Rock, MF DOOM, and A Tribe Called Quest — just to name a few.

COMET: What’s the story behind the first track you ever recorded, and how do you feel when you listen to it now?

NVA92: I honestly can’t remember the very first track I recorded at home — I was rapping into cheap computer mics and using whatever software I could find at the time.

But the first song I recorded in a real studio was called Sick of Love Songs. It was over a Ne-Yo beat, and I had a girl I was dating sing the chorus.

Listening back now, it makes me laugh. It’s simple and raw, but also kind of sweet and innocent. I still write love songs, but now they reflect a lot more depth and maturity in how I understand relationships.

COMET: How has your creative process evolved from when you started to where you are today?

NVA92: It’s a mix of old and new — the same foundation, just refined.

I’m a much stronger engineer now, which helps because I record, mix, and master everything myself. My writing has also evolved beyond just my own experiences.

That’s where the NVA92 persona comes in — Nova isn’t just me. It represents anyone and everyone. It’s a way to express the full spectrum of the human experience, not just my own.

COMET: What’s something about your writing or recording routine that might surprise people?

NVA92: Most of it is spontaneous and unscripted.

A lot of my songs start from one line that quickly builds into something bigger — like capturing lightning in a bottle. Then I come back later with intention and discipline to finish shaping it. If it doesn’t come naturally, I leave it. I don’t force songs. Not everything needs to follow a formula — it just needs to serve the piece.

COMET: What role has your city or community played in shaping your sound and identity as an artist?

NVA92: The local Saskatchewan lo-fi scene has been incredibly supportive. There’s a lot of love here.

I’ve got collaborations coming up with artists at different levels, and I’m focused on helping grow the scene. I want to help build something strong enough that bigger artists touring through actually want to stop here and perform.

COMET: How do you handle the pressure to always drop something new while staying true to yourself?

NVA92: I used to stress about it, but now I don’t even think about it.

I just focus on making honest music that reflects real life — mine and the people around me. That authenticity connects more than anything else. Life is hard. Relationships are hard. Creating meaningful art is hard. I’m just grateful I have the awareness to stay true to that.

COMET: What’s been the most challenging part of turning your passion into a career?

NVA92: Trying to monetize something that’s rooted in authenticity.

The further I get from creating purely for expression, the more uncomfortable it can feel. Balancing art and business is a constant challenge — especially when you still have real-life responsibilities.

COMET: What’s a moment that made you think, “Yeah… this is why I do this”?

NVA92: Getting recognition from artists I respect. When someone who inspires you connects with your work, it hits differently. It pushes me to keep improving and reach that next level.

COMET: What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about being a hip-hop artist today?

NVA92: That not everyone is chasing trends or money.

The underground scene is alive and thriving — it’s just harder to find because of how social media works. A lot of the most authentic artists are out there grinding in real life, not going viral.

COMET: What kind of legacy do you want your music to leave behind?

NVA92: If I can build real connections and positively impact my community and the culture, that’s enough for me. I’m not chasing validation anymore — I just want to create something meaningful and connect with people on a real level.

🔒 CLOSING

A lot is coming! I’ve got a new album “Nostalgic Nihilist” dropping in May. After that, I’ll take a short reset before rolling into bi-weekly releases again.

I’m also performing consistently throughout the year — I’m always live in my city.

Follow along to stay tapped in.