Don Toliver

Don Toliver is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter recognized for his melodic approach to trap music, which has contributed to his distinct presence in modern hip-hop. His style incorporates influences from classic Houston rap, contemporary trap, and melodic R&B, resulting in a sound that is layered and emotionally expressive. Toliver's musical upbringing was shaped by his father, a singer and rapper associated with the independent Houston label Swishahouse, who frequently played music during Toliver's childhood. He has cited Sade, Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Lenny Kravitz, N.E.R.D., Travis Scott, and Teddy Pendergrass as central influences.

Toliver began his career by releasing music independently, reportedly using a PlayStation Eye Camera for his early recordings. His initial solo singles attracted the attention of Atlantic Records, leading to a record deal. While working on his debut tape, Toliver collaborated with fellow Houston artist Travis Scott on Scott's album "Astroworld," contributing to the track "Can't Say" and drawing inspiration for his own project, "Donny Womack." Shortly after, Toliver signed with Cactus Jack Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records.

As a lead artist, Toliver gained broader recognition with singles "No Idea" and "After Party," both of which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved triple platinum certification from the RIAA. These tracks gained viral popularity on TikTok and preceded his debut studio album, "Heaven or Hell," which peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Toliver also released the collaboration "Lemonade" with Internet Money, Gunna, and Nav, which reached number six on the Hot 100, marking his highest-charting song. His profile expanded through features on Kanye West's album "Donda" (on the track "Moon" with Kid Cudi) and Eminem's album "Music to Be Murdered By."

Toliver's second studio album, "Life of a Don," debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, followed by "Love Sick," which peaked at number eight. "Love Sick" blends futuristic R&B, soul, and melodic hip-hop, and includes collaborations with Justin Bieber, Future, Wizkid, and James Blake. His fourth album, "Hardstone Psycho," debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and produced the top-40 single "Bandit." In addition to his music career, Toliver has appeared in film projects, including the experimental short film "Love Sick: Open All Day, Every Night."

Toliver's fifth studio album, "Octane," debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his first chart-topping album. The 18-track release features songs such as "Rendezvous" with Yeat, "TMU," "Rosary" with Travis Scott, and "Body." Throughout his career, Toliver has collaborated with artists including Nav, Gunna, and Justin Bieber, contributed to high-profile soundtracks, and headlined tours such as the Life of a Don Tour, Love Sick Tour, and Psycho Tour. He has also performed at major music festivals, including Rolling Loud and Coachella. Toliver's trajectory from recording on a PlayStation camera to achieving Billboard 200 success reflects the influence of Houston's musical heritage and his genre-blending approach to hip-hop and R&B.