There’s a moment in every artist’s journey when the line between survival and stardom begins to blur. For Nova Justyn, that moment was his first trip to Los Angeles — not as a tourist, but as a dreamer, navigating the murky waters of ambition, hustle, and self-definition. That trip would eventually inspire “Sharks”, his newest single, which dives headfirst into the raw grind of chasing success while holding onto your identity.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nova Justyn represents a rare breed of artist: one who can articulate the weight of reality while still wrapping it in electric energy. And that’s exactly what “Sharks” does. “It was inspired by my first trip to Los Angeles,” Nova shares. “It’s a glimpse at the product of everyday hustle and the pursuit of success.” But this track is far from just another motivational anthem — it’s a full-body experience. Built on wit, clarity, and rhythm, “Sharks” captures the duality of the dream: grinding at a day job while envisioning something far beyond it.
The song itself is slick, fluid, and unrelenting — a sonic embodiment of the title. “Sharks” are predators, always moving, always hunting. In the context of Nova Justyn’s life and career, they represent those in the industry and in life who circle around ambition — some as allies, some as threats, and others as competitors.
There’s an awareness in the writing, a sharpness to the delivery that suggests Nova knows exactly what waters he’s swimming in.
But what takes the record to another level is its visual. “The official visual sheds the perfect light on the track,” Nova explains. “It highlights the reality of working a normal day job, and pursuing a lavish lifestyle full of luxuries.” There’s something masterful about how the video balances charm and realism. It’s upbeat and witty, yet grounded — mirroring how so many artists live: in-between shifts, in-between paychecks, and in-between the version of themselves they are and the version they’re becoming.
That duality — the now and the next — runs through everything Nova Justyn touches. But what’s striking is how effortless he makes it all look. From the writing and recording of “Sharks” to the planning and execution of the video, he says the creative process flowed naturally. “It was a ton of fun,” he admits, smiling. Still, even the best-laid plans meet resistance. The day of the video shoot — planned meticulously months in advance — was nearly ruined by a downpour. “It poured down rain, almost canceling the entire day,” he remembers. “That’s how I ended up wearing rain boots during the majority of the video. My original shoes were soaked.”
But here’s the thing about Nova: where most would see a setback, he sees a twist — something that adds texture, even personality, to the art. The boots weren’t planned, but they worked. Just like much of Nova’s story, what started as an obstacle ended up becoming part of the aesthetic. It’s this kind of improvisation — this confidence in the moment — that separates the talented from the transcendent.
And “Sharks” isn’t just a one-off or a left turn — it’s a pivotal point in Nova’s evolution as an artist. “This release gives me the opportunity to think and create outside of the box,” he says. “Rather than being known strictly as a rapper or being conscious, I broke out of my normal creative space.” That genre-blurring, border-pushing mentality is at the heart of the track. It’s still Nova — sharp with the pen, authentic in delivery — but now painted with broader strokes, with colors that signal freedom and growth. “This is me being a true artist. The beat is my canvas.”
There’s no mistaking the shift. “Sharks” isn’t just a song — it’s a statement. It tells fans, critics, and anyone watching that Nova Justyn is no longer confined by expectation. He’s navigating his own current now — blending lyricism, visual storytelling, and real-world grind into something vibrant and versatile.
So what does he hope people take away from it all? For Nova, the goal is emotional. “I’d hope the listener feels refreshed after hearing the song or seeing the visual,” he says. “Music has always been a safe space and even an escape for me, so my goal is to create that same thing for others.” In a time when music can feel manufactured and surface-level, Nova’s intention stands out. His work comes from a place of empathy — of wanting people to feel seen, to feel lighter, even if just for 2 minutes.
Still, Nova Justyn is just getting started. For those who want to support his climb, he points to “Fazes”, his most recent full body of work. “It’s out now on all platforms,” he says. “That’s where you’ll see the full picture — the growth, the risks, the range.” But that’s not all. Coming next is a rollout of more eclectic visuals, merchandise drops, and new music that will continue to evolve his sound and story. “Keep an eye out,” he says with quiet confidence. “I’m building something real here.”
And if “Sharks” is any indication, he’s doing exactly that — swimming full speed toward a future that’s entirely his own. The industry might be filled with predators, but Nova Justyn? He’s not afraid. He’s becoming one.
Follow Nova Justyn on all platforms: [@NovaJustyn] Stream “Fazes” now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major services. Watch the official “Sharks” video on YouTube.
