This episode of Philly First 48 welcomes cohost Chea alongside North Philly’s own NR Boor for a candid conversation about his life, career, and the realities behind his rise. The rapper opens up about his and OT7 Quanny’s shared journey, the loss of Quanny’s mother, and how that pain became a source of motivation.
During the discussion, NR Boor speaks on surviving being shot nine times, staying true to himself, and carrying the torch for North Philly’s new generation. He also addresses ongoing tensions in the city’s rap scene, including his thoughts on Quilly’s disses, his criticism of Gillie and Wallo for what he describes as gatekeeping, and his belief that Skrilla and others borrowed from his crew’s sound.
Known to fans as “the top dropper,” NR Boor reflects on his path from the Penttown Projects to becoming one of Philadelphia’s most talked-about voices. His Real Dropper movement started as a way to distinguish himself and his circle but grew into a symbol of identity and pride for listeners across the city. For NR Boor, being the “biggest dropper” means being the person who uplifts those around him, a neighborhood figure focused on helping friends and family find better opportunities.
Though basketball was once his first dream, music eventually became his outlet. He began making songs alongside his brothers Lil Na and Quanny, with their breakout single Comeback earning over 20,000 plays in its first week and the accompanying video doubling those numbers within a day. That early success solidified their sound and introduced Boor to a wider audience.
He resists being labeled a drill rapper, describing his music instead as motivational, aimed at inspiring listeners to push toward success. His natural delivery, melodic tone, and straightforward approach have become key traits of his sound, one that he feels has influenced parts of Philadelphia’s current wave.
After being shot nine times in 2020, NR Boor used the experience as motivation to work harder and move smarter. The incident shaped his perspective on the dangers of fame and the responsibility that comes with representing his community. He also discussed the deeper meaning of his Zoo Gang affiliation, explaining that it was born out of unity following the loss of a friend named Zoo, who connected neighborhoods through love and respect.
NR Boor continues to stress that Zoo Gang stands for family and loyalty, not the negativity often portrayed in outside narratives. He remains focused on growth, emphasizing collaboration across Philadelphia’s scene and dismissing the competitive divides that hold artists back.
Currently signed to 10K Projects with a distribution deal, Boor operates independently through his team, Truth Addies. He describes the partnership as a business arrangement that gives him the tools to expand his reach while maintaining creative control. His top five Philly artists include Quanny, Skrilla, Leaf, Bucks, and the late Duel, while he credits Chicago’s Chief Keef as a major influence on his early inspiration to rap.
NR Boor also spoke on generational divides in the industry, urging older artists to support new talent rather than compete with them. He compared it to New York’s food vendors, where multiple sellers thrive side by side, noting that success in music doesn’t have to come at someone else’s expense.
Off the mic, NR Boor keeps a low profile. Between studio sessions and traveling for shows, logging more than 50 flights last year between cities like Atlanta, Miami, L.A., and Vegas, he focuses on work and avoids distractions. Looking ahead, he plans to explore ventures in fashion, real estate, and the legal cannabis industry, already researching and building credit to prepare for those opportunities.
He realized the impact of his music when fans began recognizing him in public, including during a trip to Las Vegas while recovering from his injuries. That connection, he said, made his success feel real. Even his mother, once skeptical of his career, has become one of his biggest supporters.
NR Boor’s message to young people is simple: stay focused, stay loyal, and never stop working. He believes persistence, passion, and consistency are what separate those who make it from those who quit too soon. With plans for a full-length project in 2026, he’s taking his time, waiting for that one undeniable single before dropping what he considers his best work yet. Until then, he continues representing North Philadelphia, making music that motivates, and standing as proof that resilience can turn pain into progress.
