Don Toliver, whose real name is Caleb Zackery Toliver, born on June 12, 1994, in Houston, Texas, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter who has swiftly risen to prominence in the music industry. Toliver’s early exposure to music was deeply influenced by his father, a rapper associated with the Swishahouse movement of the early 2000s, who frequently played music around him during his upbringing. This early immersion in the Houston rap scene laid the foundation for Toliver’s musical career.
Toliver’s journey in the music industry began in May 2017 with the release of the collaborative mixtape Playa Familia alongside fellow rapper Yungjosh93. This project marked his entry into the rap scene, but it was his solo endeavors that truly set the stage for his rapid ascent. In November and December of 2017, Toliver released his debut singles “I Gotta” and “Diva,” which quickly caught the attention of Atlantic Records. Recognizing his potential, Atlantic Records signed Toliver in March 2018, under which he released his major-label debut mixtape, Donny Womack, in August 2018.
During the creation of Donny Womack, Toliver garnered the interest of Travis Scott, a fellow Houston native and prominent figure in the rap industry. Scott invited Toliver to Hawaii to collaborate on his then-upcoming third studio album, Astroworld. This collaboration resulted in Toliver featuring on the track “Can’t Say,” a significant milestone that further propelled his career. Following the release of Astroworld in August 2018, Toliver was signed to Scott’s label, Cactus Jack Records, in a joint venture with Atlantic Records.
Toliver’s breakthrough as a lead artist came with the release of his 2019 single “No Idea,” which gained viral popularity on TikTok, leading to widespread recognition. The track was later included in his debut studio album, Heaven or Hell, released in March 2020. This album featured collaborations with Travis Scott, Kaash Paige, Quavo, Offset, and Sheck Wes, and was met with favorable critical reception, peaking within the top ten of the Billboard 200.
In addition to his solo success, Toliver contributed to the collaborative project JACKBOYS (2019), a compilation album featuring Cactus Jack Records members and Travis Scott. Toliver’s tracks “Had Enough” and “What to Do?” showcased his versatility and further solidified his presence in the rap community.
Toliver continued to build on his success with his sophomore album, Life of a Don, released in October 2021. The album featured prominent artists such as Travis Scott, Kali Uchis, Baby Keem, HVN, and SoFaygo, and once again peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200.
In 2023, Toliver released his third studio album, Love Sick, which continued to receive critical acclaim and maintain his momentum in the music industry. His fourth studio album, Hardstone Psycho, released in 2024, marked another high point in his career, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. The album’s lead single, “Bandit,” achieved top-40 status, showcasing Toliver’s consistent ability to produce chart-topping hits.
Throughout his career, Don Toliver has demonstrated a unique blend of melodic rap and trap influences, earning him a distinct place in the modern music landscape. His collaborations with notable artists, viral hits, and consistent chart success reflect his significant impact and ongoing influence in the rap and hip-hop genres. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Toliver remains a prominent figure in the industry, known for his distinctive sound and impressive body of work.