Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Don Toliver first caught mainstream attention with his standout feature on “Astroworld,” appearing on the track “Can’t Say.” Since then, he has carved out his own lane and created a strong fanbase with breakout hits like “After Party,” “Bandit” and “No Pole.”
Now with his new album “Octane,” Toliver looks to keep that momentum going while continuing to evolve his melodic trap style and expand his place in hip-hop. While the album is solid throughout, a few songs stand out as highlights worth checking out.
E85 by Don Toliver
Toliver starts off the album with a banger, which immediately sets the tone for the project. The song starts with a smooth melody that slowly builds up to a heavy trap beat. Toliver has been known for having a great vocal range, and it shows on this song. If you like atmospheric trap with strong melodies, this is definitely one of the standout tracks to start with.
Body by Don Toliver
Toliver follows up “E85” with a song called “Body,” which has been gaining popularity through TikTok. Toliver leans more towards his melodic style for this song rather than making it rap-heavy. With its catchy hook and smooth delivery, this is definitely a song that highlights Toliver’s ability to blend R&B melodies with trap production.
ATM by Don Toliver
Toliver decides to switch gears. This song is more energetic than the others, with a fast-paced beat and heavy bass that immediately grabs your attention. This song feels like it’s built for the car or the club. He does another great job with a catchy hook that gets stuck in your head. Overall, this is a good switch-up from the other songs, with it bringing more energy.
Tiramisu by Don Toliver
“Tiarmisu” goes back to the smoother side of songs that Toliver has been doing recently. In this one, you can definitely see the R&B influence that’s in Toliver’s work. This song, being slower paced, allows Toliver to use that great voice to shine through. This is one of the more laid-back songs, so if that matches your vibe, you should definitely check it out.
Rosary by Don Toliver ft. Travis Scott
It makes sense that the collaboration between these two artists was included on this list, as their past work together has consistently produced standout songs. “Rosary” brings a darker and more atmospheric feel to the album, with echoing production and a steady beat that slowly pulls you into the track. The beat doesn’t do too much, which allows Toliver and Scott to do what they do so well with their vocals. If you need music late at night, try putting this one on.
Gemstone by Don Toliver
Concluding this list, the most popular song stands out for its strong reception and memorable, catchy composition. “Gemstone” starts off with a hard beat and repetition that just gets stuck in your head. Toliver leans more toward rap for this song, showing off his skills as a rapper. The reputation doesn’t overdo it, but makes the song better. If you are looking for more of a hype song, this is definitely for you.