Don Toliver’s last studio album, “Hardstone Psycho” came out in the summer of 2024, and since then there have been an array of features and singles but nothing outstanding was released by Don. However, in early 2026 he began teasing a project called Octane. It was announced that this album was recorded in a studio located in the Mount Wilson Observatory in the San Gabriel Mountains above Los Angeles which was the same observatory Albert Einstein did research in. Although this has nothing to do with Don Toliver it is very cool and definitely did add to the mysterious aura of the artist and the album’s release.
Octane was finally released on January 30th. The album has 18 tracks and a run time of 49 minutes, making it a well paced listen. There are features from the artists Yeat, Rema, Travis Scott, Teezo Touchdown and SahBabii. Every song is filled with infectious production and incredible melodies and flows. He perfects an auto tuned but R&B vocal performance while singing over synth heavy trap like beats; this combination makes the replay value boost, forcing listeners like myself to repeatedly come back to the tracks.
The intro song on the album, “E85” immediately intrigues listeners by sampling Malcom Todd’s hit single “Chest Pain”, and it integrates a catchy chorus and smooth flow into this sample backed track. For me this album had very few to no low points, and a lot of high points. Some of the high points include songs like “Rendezvous” featuring Yeat. These two have collaborated a couple times, and recently it seems like they can’t create a bad song. This song features both their unique voices and innate ability to create addicting melodies that keep you wanting more. Travis Scott actually signed Don Toliver to his studio Cactus Jack and so far they have great cohesivity and always make a standout track together. Their song on Octane, “Rosary”, is more melodic and less of their usual hip hop based sound. They both deliver great verses and create a melancholic emotional track. Don has many solo tracks on this album that hit just as hard as the ones with features, such as songs like “ATM” and “Call Back” which both have great melodies and production. It seems like Toliver has found a sound that works so well with his voice and flow. The final standout track, which is also my personal favorite, I’d like to mention is “All The Signs” featuring Teezo Touchdown. The song’s bouncy production and great singing couples perfectly with Teezo’s raspy and aggressive verse that catches the listener by surprise. The song ends perfectly with some beautiful vocal runs. These two artists have worked together before, but this song is easily their best yet.
I don’t consider myself a Don Toliver super fan, but this album has caught my ear and forced me to listen multiple times. Don has created a perfect late night, melodic rap album that I would recommend to anyone willing to listen. I would give this album a proud 9 out of 10.
