Don Toliver, born Caleb Zackery Toliver on June 12, 1994, in Houston, Texas, grew up surrounded by using the sounds of hip-hop. His father was a rapper in Houston’s legendary Swishahouse in the start of 2000s. He was the one who added him to music early on.
While most kids of his age were busy with video games or sports, Caleb was diving into melodies and rhythms. Interestingly, he had a fascination with opera in his more youthful years, which made him a target for teasing at college.
Instead of letting the negativity stop him, he turned to rap, slowly building a style that was booming in vocal texture and emotional depth.
The Start of Toliver’s Music Career
Caleb’s music career truly commenced to take off in 2017. He released a collaborative mixtape called Playa Familia with fellow artist Yungjosh93. That exact year, he put out individual tracks like “I Gotta” and “Diva”, which received a few buzz and got him noticed by the industry. In 2018, things escalated quickly. He signed deals with Atlantic Records and We Run It Entertainment.
But the actual game-changer came when he appeared on Travis Scott’s track “Can’t Say” from the Astroworld album. The feature introduced him to a massive target audience and led to him being signed under Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records. That moment marked a turning point in Caleb Zackery Toliver’s career that transformed him into the Don Toliver the world is aware of nowadays.
Albums That Defined His Sound
Heaven or Hell (2020)
Don Toliver’s debut studio album, Heaven or Hell, was released in March 2020 and made an immediate impact. With songs like No Idea and After Party, he blended elements of hip-hop, trap, and R&B in a way that felt both modern and timeless.
Life of a Don (2021)
His second album, Life of a Don, came out in 2021 and further established his unique sound. Featuring collaborations with Travis Scott and his partner Kali Uchis, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The moody, atmospheric vibes and hypnotic beats made it a fan favorite.
Love Sick (2023)
In 2023, Toliver released Love Sick, an album that counted even more into R&B, soul, and emotional storytelling. Guest appearances from artists like James Blake, Lil Durk, and GloRilla added different flavors to the album, which debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200.
Hardstone Psycho (2024)
Don Toliver’s latest release, Hardstone Psycho, dropped in June 2024. This project reflects his love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and combines gritty hip-hop with rebellious rock-inspired energy. The album debuted at number three and once again proved Toliver’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to his artistic identity.
Don Toliver’s Big Collaborations and Career Highlights
Toliver’s growth in the industry is also connected to the major collaborations he has done over the years. His ability to blend seamlessly with different artists is a big part of his appeal.
Some of his standout collaborations include:
- “Lemonade” with Internet Money, Gunna, and Nav. It was a Billboard Hot 100 hit that reached number six.
- “Moon” alongside Kanye West and Kid Cudi on West’s Donda album.
- “Don’t Go” with Skrillex and Justin Bieber. It was a genre-blending track that reached fans across the globe.
- “Fantasy” with Kali Uchis. It was a dreamy, romantic collaboration that reflects their chemistry both on and off the mic.
A Glimpse Into His Personal Life
Don Toliver has kept much of his private life away from the spotlight, but one thing fans do know is his relationship with Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis. The couple began dating in 2020, and in March 2024, they welcomed their first child, a son.
Don Toliver’s net worth is estimated to be in the multi-million-dollar range as of 2024. A large chunk of his wealth comes from album sales, streaming platforms, and international touring. His YouTube channel alone has over 2.2 million subscribers and more than 1.5 billion views — bringing in an estimated $760,000 annually.
Don has not limited himself to just music. He has embarked on fashion, collaborating with brands like Puma and Off-White. These partnerships not only increase his earnings but also extend his influence beyond the music world, especially among younger, style-savvy fans.
Final Words!
From a kid who loved opera and was teased for it, to becoming one of the most unique voices in modern music, Caleb Zackery Toliver has come a long way. With his genre-bending style, creative vision, and an ever-growing fan base, he is not slowing down anytime soon. More collaborations, experimental projects, and possibly even ventures outside of music are likely on the horizon.
Whether you know him as Don Toliver or by his birth name, one thing is clear that this Houston native has made his mark, and he is just getting started.
