After “No Idea” took TikTok by storm in 2019, Don Toliver has been an unavoidable figure in the music industry. From his massive hits “After Party” and “Cardigan” to his most recent studio album, Octane, Don Toliver has proven to be a staple in the hip-hop and R&B industries.

Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Octane consists of 18 tracks, with some featuring artists like Travis Scott, Yeat and Rema. His 2024 album, Hardstone Psycho, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, leans towards grittier, more intense themes, while Octane explores love, intimacy and fame. Not only does this set up an easier and more palatable listening experience, but it also gives fans a personal insight into his life through songs like “E85” and “Sweet Home” that fans speculate reflect his long-term relationship with artist Kali Uchis.

Senior Ema Streng, a seasoned Don Toliver fan, said that she’s followed his work since 2020, but has only just started to favor his music in recent years.

“I love this album; I’d definitely give it a 10/10,” Streng said. “It’s been on repeat ever since it came out, and I don’t see it getting old.”

Although Streng rated Octane a perfect overall score, only one song rose above the others.

“‘Sweet Home’ is my favorite,” Streng said. “I love it when Don Toliver comes out with calmer songs. I think they are some of his best.”

While it’s easy to agree that the closing track, “Sweet Home,” is one of the best songs on Octane, following “E85” on the album, “Body,” samples Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body,” giving listeners a sense of familiarity and setting the tone for the rest of the tracklist.

Nearly seven years after his first hit, Don Toliver has shown time and time again that his success was never just the result of going viral on TikTok years ago, but has cemented his place on Billboard charts and in listeners’ ears. And if the title of the album didn’t indicate it enough, Don Toliver’s momentum shows no sign of slowing down.