Nova Rockafeller
Nova Leigh Paholek (born 22 July 1988), known professionally as Nova Rockafeller, is an independent Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and music video director. Early life. Rockafeller was born in Edmonton, but raised in Jamaica, spending a quarter of the year there between the ages of 3–9, and moved there when she was 9 until she was 14. Her family had moved there to start a water sports business. In addition, she had briefly lived in Toronto and New York City. She dropped out of high school, and had spent time at the Edmonton Youth Emergency Shelter, where she  started rapping due to her boyfriend at the time. Music career. Rockafeller had grown up surrounded by music as her father and her brother Terry Paholek, were heavily involved with the Edmonton music scene, and had their own home studio. She began rapping at the age of 15 when she was living in a group home. The moniker 'Nova Rockafeller' was given to her one night during a party with other rappers, who decided she needed a new name as a rapper. In 2011, Rockafeller released her debut album "Insufficient Funds", which chronicled six months of her life. In 2012 , Rockafeller had her song 'call me (BAT MAN) 347-574-7192' placed on the front of The Pirate Bay during its period as 'The Promo Bay'; the song was available as a free download. Mercury Records took notice of her, so Rockafeller moved to New York and signed with them. The label would later become Island Records, and, in turn Def Jam. Her relationship with Def Jam ended when the company had dropped her without warning after three and a half years. She found out when her landlord said that the company would no longer pay her rent. Prior to  the label dropping her, Rockafeller had been working on an album "Accidentally Gangster", which has since been cancelled. In 2015, with her time with Def Jam, Rockafeller began to break out into the mainstream with her single "Made in Gold", which reached the Top 20 on Sirius Top Hits. The single was featured in teen comedy film The Duff. In addition, her music has been featured on Siesta Keys, Dancing with the Stars, and Bad Girls Club. That year had she has toured with Set it Off and All Time Low, as well as performing at SXSW, Riot Fest, Gathering  of the Juggalos. Since then Rockafeller has been associated with Insane Clown Posse and the Juggalo movement. She also performed at Violent J's first solo charity tour with Lil Eazy E. In 2021, Rockafeller released "Hey You", her first solo single in over 2 years to tease her newest album "Scared of Heights". The video acquired over 250k views within a single day. Side projects. In 2012, Rockafeller launched her line of jewellery 'Toys on Chains'. Personal life. Relationships. In 2017, Rockafeller began dating Canadian rapper Tom MacDonald. Together, they started the band GFBF and began writing music. When  Macdonald had written 'Dear Rappers' and became famous, Rockafeller poured herself into supporting him. She shot and directed all of his music videos after 2017, created his website, co-wrote hooks, and helped him navigate the music industry away from the pitfalls she experienced. Influences. Rockafeller has cited some of her influences as Good Charlotte, Blink 182, The Fugees, Tribe Called Quest, Damien Marley, Weezer, Busta Rhymes, Outkast, Bright Eyes, Nirvana, Die Antwoord, Meg Myers, Swollen Members, Three 6 Mafia, Cardi B and Justin Bieber . Discography. Singles. With Tom MacDonald With Violent J With The Wikid One With Rp Jesus  With Thrashole With D-LinQuint With Rachel Geek