Canadian rapper and producer NAV is officially back, and this time, he’s bringing the mood, the memories, and Metro Boomin. On March 28, 2025, NAV dropped his fifth studio album, OMW2 Rexdale, a project that doesn’t sound like a homecoming but feels like one. Sonically and thematically, he’s tapping into the hustle and grit of his roots in Rexdale, a neighborhood in Toronto’s Etobicoke district that shaped his worldview and work ethic. And with Metro Boomin in the mix, the atmospheric beats are dialed up to 11, matching NAV’s introspective bars beat for beat.
Going Back to Where It All Started: The Heart Behind OMW2 Rexdale
The title says it all, OMW2 Rexdale is NAV’s way of circling back to where it all began. It’s more than just nostalgia; it’s a statement. This album feels like a spiritual sequel to his 2022 project Demons Protected by Angels, digging deep into the same emotional trenches but with a sharper, more reflective lens. Tracks like “Sinking” are heavy with loneliness and internal battles, while “Burbs” flips the script, celebrating the escape from those same surroundings into a life of suburban success.
Metro Boomin and NAV: A Duo That Works
Metro Boomin isn’t just a featured producer, he’s NAV’s partner-in-vibe on this record. Their chemistry is crystal clear on the lead single “Real Me,” which dropped right before the album and instantly set the tone. It’s moody, melodic, and emotionally raw, the kind of track that lingers. And if their synergy feels familiar, it’s probably because you’ve already heard them cook on “Calling” from the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, which, by the way, pulled in over half a billion streams. No big deal.
Who Else Pulled Up on OMW2 Rexdale?
NAV didn’t come alone. The album features verses from Don Toliver, Playboi Carti, and even some vocal sauce from The Weeknd. It’s a stacked lineup. Behind the boards, it’s equally impressive: Wheezy, Mike Dean, Allen Ritter, Ojivolta, Rance, Oz, and Dre Moon all brought their A-game. NAV himself and Amir “Cash” Esmailian took the reins as executive producers. Lil Uzi Vert was supposed to be on the record, but a sample clearance issue got in the way—bummer.
From Teasers to Coachella: How the Rollout Played Out
NAV started hinting at this album as early as 2023, first calling it Nav2, a nod to his 2017 breakout mixtape. Fans caught the shift when he announced the OMW2 Rexdale title live at Coachella 2024, and the buzz only grew from there. Teasers, trailers, and snippets kept people guessing, especially after the initial mid-2024 release window came and went. When it finally dropped in March 2025, the pent-up anticipation paid off.
Mood Music at Its Best: What OMW2 Rexdale Sounds Like
This album lives in the shadows, in the best way possible. NAV leans into his signature introspection, painting a picture of heartbreak, ambition, and everything in between. Metro’s beats wrap around his words like fog in a Toronto alley—hazy, haunting, beautiful. “Unlimited” and “Pain Away” are standout moments, not just for their sound but for the raw honesty in the lyrics. Even with success, the scars haven’t faded, and NAV doesn’t shy away from showing them.
How’s It Doing? Fans Are Loving It
Early reactions have been strong. Some fans are even calling it NAV’s best project yet, and honestly, that’s not a stretch. Tracks like “Back 2 Business” are already generating fan theories about industry beef and hidden messages. The production? Impeccable. The emotional pull? Heavy. It’s the kind of album that hits differently on a late-night drive or when you’re staring out the window thinking too much.
Tracklist Highlights
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key tracks from OMW2 Rexdale (total runtime: 36 minutes and 42 seconds):
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“Real Me” (with Metro Boomin)
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“Unlimited” (featuring Playboi Carti + The Weeknd’s vocals)
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“You” (featuring Don Toliver)
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“Sinking”
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“Burbs”
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“Pain Away” (outro)
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“Back 2 Business”
The Numbers Game: Where It Landed
Commercially, the album had a decent start. It debuted at No. 37 on the US Billboard 200 and climbed to No. 14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Over in Canada, it hit No. 34. While those numbers don’t outpace Demons Protected by Angels, OMW2 Rexdale shows that NAV’s fan base is still riding with him—and that his artistry keeps evolving.
Final Thoughts: A Gritty, Honest Return Home
At its core, OMW2 Rexdale is NAV’s love letter to where it all began. The Metro Boomin collaboration takes the emotional weight to another level, blending sharp production with unfiltered reflection. It’s an album about coming full circle, about not forgetting where you came from, even when the view from the top looks nothing like the bottom.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re caught between two worlds, the past you’re running from and the future you’re chasing, this one’s for you.
