Fair use photo from Cactus Jack Records

About The Artist

Don Toliver was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is an artist known for his genre blending hip hop and R&B sound, releasing music professionally since 2017.

Since entering the spotlight, Don Toliver has made a name for himself in modern hip-hop. Using his atmospheric production and emotionally charged vocals. Toliver is known for blending genres, creating music that fits any type of mood. His breakout moment came when he collaborated with one of his biggest inspirations Travis Scott, on Astroworld. One of the highest rated hip-hop albums of the 2010’s. This introduced his talents to a global audience and led to his debut album Heaven Or Hell. His reputation took off from there, releasing his second studio album Life of a Don just one year later. Over the years he has continued to evolve his style, dropping Love Sick and Hardstone Psycho back to back years. He continues to make music as he works with all sorts of artists. Without question, Don Toliver has solidified himself as one of the most unique and distinctive voices of his generation.

Fair use photo from Cactus Jack Records

4.  Heaven Or Hell

This album is at the bottom of my ranking. It’s not bad by any means, it just lacks the depth compared to his future projects. About half of the songs from this album I still listen to currently. This album was a huge hit during the lockdown from the Covid-19 virus. Songs such as “No Idea,” “Cardigan,” and “After Party” becoming iconic sounds on TikTok. Songs “Euphoria” and “Had Enough,” include some special features that are perfect songs for a late night drive. Heaven Or Hell‘s success is primarily from the vibe and the catchy melodies it presents. Even though I put this album last, it still has some iconic songs that I come back to. It was also essential to pushing Don Toliver’s name into mainstream.

Fair use photo from Cactus Jack Records

3.  Love Sick

These last three albums are so notable in their own ways. This album shows off Don Toliver’s creativity with the different production styles. “Embarrassed” featuring Travis Scott and “Leather Coat” are probably my two favorite off this project. “No Pole” is Toliver’s fifth most listened to track of his career. It carries a lively, party-like feeling that makes it impossible not to bop your head to. I would say this album has more depth when comparing it to Life of a Don, it just doesn’t have that best song presence that the top two have. Overall, this album highlights his unbelievable vocals and how versatile he is as an artist. Toliver stated in an interview recently that his favorite song of his came from this album.

Fair use photo from Cactus Jack Records

2.  Life of a DON

Hard to not have this album top two when it features some of his best songs to date. In my opinion, this album showcases his best collaborative work. With stellar tracks from artists including Travis Scott, Baby Keem, and Kali Uchis. “Swangin’ On Westheimer” brings an old school vibe when it comes to the production. A very smooth beat to match a laidback delivery. “You (feat. Travis Scott)” consisting of the legendary Houston duo, is my favorite song of Toliver’s. Everytime these two are on the same song you know it’s gonna be amazing. They compliment each others voices so well and the smooth flow makes it seem cinematic. I was so impressed with this album considering he only dropped it a year after his debut album Heaven Or Hell. However, there are just a few skips from this album, keeping it behind the one spot.

Fair use photo from Cactus Jack Records

1.  HARDSTONE PSYCHO

No question this is his best album. It really has it all. From high energy rap songs to chill R&B songs. It’s his most complete project from start to finish. The first two songs off the album “KRYPTONITE” and “TORE UP” set the tone perfectly, electric beats that make you want to jump out of your seat. “GLOCK” is one of my favorites off this project, it contains a spectacular sample from “Exhale (Shoop Shop)” by Whitney Houston. “NEW DROP” and “INSIDE” are two more songs I would highly recommend. Hardstone Psycho offers a song for any type of mood, specifying his range as an artist. It’s Toliver’s most emotional track that lets listeners vibe and reflect. Hardstone Psycho leaves an impact to listeners long after the last track ends. It’s diverse melodies and emotional presence is what carries this album above the rest.