Life Of A DON
by Don Toliver
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Clash Music
    Oct 13, 2021
    80
    A record that refuses to divulge its secrets immediately, ‘Life Of A Don’ is packed with immaculate sonic detail while also relishing a certain directness.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 13, 2021
    80
    Toliver adds a new flavour to his popular sound here, and while the result is a less cohesive record than ‘Heaven Or Hell’, the result is a similarly cosy sonic comfort blanket.
  3. Pitchfork
    Oct 13, 2021
    72
    As expected, Don Toliver’s latest album Life of a DON is hollow. ... But miraculously, the emptiness of it all is an afterthought—it sounds so damn good that who even cares if Don Toliver is an emotionless robot or not (he is). The hooks are catchy and slick. The beats are lush and radiant. And he has this distinctly piercing voice, with a wide range of melodies that could make an extremely basic line jotted down on a dinner napkin sound heartfelt.
  5. AllMusic
    Nov 1, 2021
    70
    At their best, they entrance to such an extent, like watching a slalom skier at half-speed, that the plainly worded sex talk is as inconsequential as any random boast about wealth. Toliver sounds anesthetized more often here.
  6. HipHopDX
    Nov 10, 2021
    64
    Life of a DON shows Toliver has a clear understanding of the strengths that have made him into a star already. It’s not a wack album, more so it’s just there, destined to be nothing more than late night background music.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Oct 13, 2021
    60
    The album does have its share of standout moments. ... But Don Toliver remains, perhaps intentionally, impenetrably enigmatic. In a culture replete with mysterious superstars, it makes Life of a Don ultimately a bit frustrating.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. destinyfan1
    Jan 3, 2022
    7
    An album that displays both his strengths and weaknesses.
    On this album donny goes more to a calm r&b sound instead of the loud trap    An album that displays both his strengths and weaknesses.
    On this album donny goes more to a calm r&b sound instead of the loud trap sounds.(some of those type of tracks are on here as well).
    The strength of don toliver is his amazing voice , not that his singing is incredible , but his voice is very unique. It can instantly make you hooked in to the track. Shame that he uses a bit to much autotune on some tracks.
    The production is outstanding but i do feel like tracks like bogus carry don toliver a bit to much.(still slaps though).
    His r&b songs go from boring to interesting, double standards is the only song with real meaning i think but i couldn't care less what he has to say. Which displays another weakness and that is his lyrics which sometimes are even cringy.
    Swanging on westheimer feels a bit long and boring at first but is probably the best r&b song on here if you listen to it more.
    I want to see more hard trap bangers because right now don toliver is the best at those. He already said that he wants to lean more in the r&b lane but he will need improve a lot to be succesfull in that lane. You is another interesting track with some amazing vocals and melodies. But it kinda lost some replayability over time.
    Top 5 tracks:
    - what you need
    - way bigger
    - swanging on westheimer
    - 2am
    - bogus/ you
    worst tracks:
    - get throwed
    - company pt 2
    - xscape    … Full Review »
  2. Fuerstenberg
    Jan 26, 2022
    7
    Don Toliver's second studio album "Life of a DON" showcases both the Houston artist's strengths and weaknesses. Besides catchy and slickDon Toliver's second studio album "Life of a DON" showcases both the Houston artist's strengths and weaknesses. Besides catchy and slick hooks, there is a decent mix of chill hip-hop and loud trap. Strong production with good instrumentals and dope beats - or as Donny would say "hella melodies".

    Don Toliver makes an interesting development compared to his debut album "Heaven or Hell". Unfortunately, there is a lack of deeper meaning in his lyrics, which are sometimes hollow. Songs like "Get Throwned" or "Company Pt 2" seem like gap fillers and show Don Toliver's weaknesses.

    Overall a good Hip Hop record, which can be perfectly listened to for late night chill or drive sessions.

    My favorites:
    "Flocky Flocky"
    "Swangin' on Westheimer"
    "5X"
    "What You Need"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    January 26, 2022    … Full Review »
  3. Renffur
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Life of a Don showcases just what Don Toliver can do with a euphoric instrumental. He shows that the hype surrounding his feature on "DONDA"Life of a Don showcases just what Don Toliver can do with a euphoric instrumental. He shows that the hype surrounding his feature on "DONDA" was true and real. Life of a Don from start to finish is a great listen and has excellent production!… Full Review »
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