The previous birth of Sage Narada happened during the previous cycle of creation. As per stories in Puranas, Sage Narada is present in all the four Yugas of this kalpa.
During one Kalpa (a day of Brahma), there lived a handsome Gandharva with a melodious voice. Once he was in an inebriated state and entered the assembly of Devas who were performing rituals. Instead of singing glories of God he sang amorous songs detailing the beauty of celestial women and lovemaking.
The angry Devas cursed him to be born on earth. This was at the fag end of a Kalpa and it was Kali Yuga on earth.
During one Kalpa (a day of Brahma), there lived a handsome Gandharva with a melodious voice. Once he was in an inebriated state and entered the assembly of Devas who were performing rituals. Instead of singing glories of God he sang amorous songs detailing the beauty of celestial women and lovemaking.
The angry Devas cursed him to be born on earth. This was at the fag end of a Kalpa and it was Kali Yuga on earth.
On earth, he was born in the house of a servant. When the
boy was five years old, a group of saints came to his town. He got the
opportunity to be with them. This close association with the sages at the young
age developed in him devotion for God.
From that day, he roamed around singing the glories of God.
Later he sat in meditation and did intense penance. Pleased with his devotion,
Lord Vishnu blessed him that in the next cycle of creation, or kalpa, he will
be born as the son of Brahma.
Thus in the present Kalpa, Sage Narada was born as the son
of Brahma. He roams around the world singing the glories of Narayana.