Don Toliver performing live

Don Toliver has become one of hip-hop's most distinctive voices

Credit: ObjectWire Music

ARTIST PROFILEHIP HOP8 min read

Don Toliver

Houston's Melodic Trap Pioneer | Cactus Jack Records

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ObjectWire Music Desk

Music & Entertainment

Updated January 30, 2026

ARTIST INFO

  • Real Name: Caleb Zackery Toliver
  • Born: June 12, 1994 (31 years old)
  • Origin: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Label: Cactus Jack Records / Atlantic Records
  • Genres: Hip hop, R&B, Trap, Pop rap
  • Active: 2017–present

Caleb Zackery "Don" Toliver is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Houston, Texas, who has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in modern hip-hop. Known for his melodic flow, autotuned vocals, and genre-blending sound, Toliver rose to prominence after being featured on Travis Scott's 2019 hit "CAN'T SAY" from the album ASTROWORLD. He is currently signed to Scott's Cactus Jack Records and Atlantic Records.

Toliver's music seamlessly blends elements of trap, R&B, and psychedelic hip-hop, creating a signature sound that has influenced the current wave of melodic rappers. His ability to craft infectious hooks and atmospheric production has made him a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like Kanye West, Travis Scott, Young Thug, and The Weeknd.

🔥 LATEST RELEASE

OCTANE

Don Toliver's latest album featuring Ye, Travis Scott & Young Thug

8/10
ObjectWire Score
Solid production, star-studded features
Read Full Album Review →

Biography

Early Life & Career Beginnings

Born Caleb Zackery Toliver on June 12, 1994, in Houston, Texas, Don Toliver grew up immersed in the city's rich hip-hop culture. He began making music in his late teens, initially releasing tracks on SoundCloud under the name Don Toliver.

His early work caught the attention of Houston's underground rap scene, leading to collaborations with local producers and artists. In 2017, Toliver released his debut mixtape Donny Womack, which showcased his unique melodic approach and laid the foundation for his signature sound.

Breakthrough & Cactus Jack Era (2018-2020)

Toliver's big break came in 2018 when he signed to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records, a subsidiary of Epic Records. His appearance on Travis Scott's ASTROWORLD album, particularly on the track "CAN'T SAY", introduced him to a global audience.

I wanted to create something that felt like Houston but also pushed the sound forward. Travis believed in that vision.
Don Toliver, On signing to Cactus Jack Records, 2019

In March 2020, Toliver released his debut studio album "Heaven or Hell", which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. The album featured hit singles like "No Idea" and "After Party", both of which went viral on TikTok and achieved platinum certification. The project solidified Toliver's status as one of hip-hop's rising stars.

📊 STREAMING STATS

40M+

Monthly Spotify Listeners

5B+

Total Streams

4

Studio Albums

15+

Chart Entries

Continued Success (2021-Present)

Toliver's second album "Life of a Don" arrived in October 2021, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The project featured collaborations with Travis Scott, Kali Uchis, Baby Keem, and HVN, showcasing Toliver's growing influence and versatility.

In 2023, he released his third studio album "Love Sick", which further experimented with R&B influences and featured artists like Future, WizKid, and Charlie Wilson. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single "Private Landing".

Most recently, in 2026, Toliver dropped "OCTANE", his most ambitious project yet, featuring heavyweights like Kanye West (Ye), Travis Scott, and Young Thug.

Discography

STUDIO ALBUMS

1

Heaven or Hell (2020)

Debut album featuring "No Idea" and "After Party". Peaked at #7 on Billboard 200. Certified Gold.

2

Life of a Don (2021)

Sophomore album with Travis Scott, Kali Uchis, Baby Keem. Peaked at #3 on Billboard 200.

3

Love Sick (2023)

Third album exploring R&B influences. Featured Future, WizKid, Charlie Wilson. Peaked at #4.

4

OCTANE (2026)

Latest album with star features: Ye, Travis Scott, Young Thug. ObjectWire Score: 8/10.

Notable Mixtapes & EPs

Donny Womack (2017)

Debut mixtape that established his melodic trap sound

Playa Familia (2024)

Collaborative project with Charlie Wilson exploring funk influences

Hit Singles & Chart Performance

🎵 Top Tracks

"No Idea"

Heaven or Hell (2020)

💿 2× Platinum
Billboard Hot 100: #29

"After Party"

Heaven or Hell (2020)

💿 Platinum
TikTok Viral Hit

"What You Need"

Life of a Don (2021)

💿 Gold
Billboard Hot 100: #62

"Private Landing" (feat. Justin Bieber)

Love Sick (2023)

💿 Platinum
Billboard Hot 100: #18

Notable Collaborations

Don Toliver's collaborative work has been a significant part of his success, working with some of the biggest names in music:

🔥 TRAVIS SCOTT

  • • "CAN'T SAY" (ASTROWORLD)
  • • "HIGHEST IN THE ROOM" Remix
  • • "ESCAPE PLAN"
  • • "MAFIA"
  • • Multiple OCTANE features

🎤 KANYE WEST (YE)

  • • "Moon" (DONDA)
  • • "Heaven and Hell" (DONDA)
  • • "Ok Ok Pt 2" (DONDA)
  • • OCTANE features

🐍 YOUNG THUG

  • • "Ski" (So Much Fun)
  • • "Real Love"
  • • OCTANE collaborations

Other Major Features

  • Internet Money - "Lemonade" (2020)
  • Eminem - "Use This Gospel (Remix)" (2021)
  • Jack Harlow - "Nail Tech" Remix (2022)
  • Kali Uchis - "Drugs N Hella Melodies" (2021)
  • Future - "Way Bigger" (2023)
  • The Weeknd - "One Right Now" (2021)

Musical Style & Influence

Don Toliver's sound is characterized by its melodic trap foundation, heavily processed vocals with autotune, and atmospheric production. His music often features:

  • Autotuned Melodies — Extensive use of vocal effects creating a signature sound
  • Psychedelic Production — Spacey, reverb-heavy beats influenced by Houston's chopped and screwed tradition
  • Genre Blending — Seamless fusion of trap, R&B, pop, and alternative hip-hop
  • Hook-Driven Songwriting — Catchy, memorable choruses that dominate tracks
  • Emotional Range — Balancing party anthems with introspective, romantic material
Don Toliver has one of the most unique voices in hip-hop right now. He's like Travis Scott's little brother, but with his own distinct flavor.
Complex Magazine, Review of Life of a Don, 2021

Awards & Recognition

🏆 Accolades

  • 2020 — Billboard Music Awards: Top Streaming Songs Chart (Artist)
  • 2021 — Grammy Nomination: Best Melodic Rap Performance ("Moon" with Kanye West & Kid Cudi)
  • 2021 — XXL Freshman Class
  • 2022 — BET Hip Hop Awards: Best Collaboration ("Way Bigger" with Future)
  • 2023 — MTV Video Music Awards: Best Hip-Hop Video nomination

Latest Release: OCTANE

OCTANE

Don Toliver's fourth studio album

Released: January 2026

8
/10
ObjectWire

Featured Artists:

Ye (Kanye West)Travis ScottYoung ThugFutureMetro Boomin

Why it's solid:

  • Star-studded features elevate every track
  • Production quality is top-tier throughout
  • Cohesive sound while experimenting with new styles
  • Replay value with infectious hooks and melodies
  • ⚠️ Some tracks feel like feature-heavy rather than Don's spotlight
📝 READ FULL OCTANE REVIEW & TRACK BREAKDOWN →

Social Media & Streaming

Related Coverage

SOURCES & REFERENCES

  • [1] BillboardChart performance and music industry coverage
  • [2] PitchforkMusic criticism and artist profiles
  • [3] ComplexHip-hop culture and artist interviews