Life of a DON / Don Toliver / October 8, 2021
- Joshua Yoo
- Dec 23, 2021
- 1 min read
Since his debut a mere year ago, Don Toliver has become synonymous within the rap world for capturing the dark, smoky trap ambiance and hazy atmosphere that draws heavy influence from his industry supporter under the Cactus Jack label. Toliver makes this second album, however, an effort to distinguish his own unique sound, but ultimately falls too short on the very strengths that make his artistry so captivating.
The instrumental palette across the record consistently sets a mood, creates the vibe that Toliver so comfortably and predictably operates in, but a lack of capitalization on the writing end leaves him in the shadows of much of the arrangement. Often he opts for immoderately limiting flows and/or lackadaisical structure in his songwriting, which lead to tracks such as “Company, Pt. 2” or “Smoke” that melodically and creatively confine him in a cage of redundancy and transparency.
On the flip side are the moments on the album that showcase the ear-worm hooks, soaring melody lines, and alluring timbre that define the unique quality of his sound. On “Crossfaded” or “Way Bigger” for example, Don Toliver not only allows himself the room to demonstrate his melodic chops, but also exhibits much more animated and invested energy that breathes life into these tracks, a component that could be far more consistent across the entirety of the record.
The capability is evident within the backbone of this record, but Toliver needs a more consistent presence and impact on his own tracks.
Highlight(s): Crossfaded, Drugs N Hella Melodies, BOGUS, Swangin’ On Westheimer, Way Bigger
Lowlight(s): Double Standards; You; Company, Pt. 2; Get Throwed; Smoke
SCORE: 5/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6muc5fSyQsM
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