On June 14, 2024, the well-known rapper Don Toliver released his newest album, Hardstone Physco. His last album came out in 2023 and fans have eagerly anticipated something different from him. Toliver delivers a rock-esque album compared to his last album’s funk-soul feel. The album itself is composed of 16 tracks in total.
Toliver chose to have every song on the album be written in all caps, which helps create a sense of cohesion throughout the various tracks.
Starting the album, “Kryptonite,” energizes the listener and captivates them. It is a perfect start to the album and a stand-out song. Finishing the album with “Hardstone National Anthem” allowed Toliver to leave his audience with a good feeling about the album as a whole. The structure of the album was well thought out, which reflects on the flow of the listening experience.
The album’s singles are “Attitude,” “Bandit,” and “Deep in the Water.” ‘Attitude’ features the artists Charlie Wilson and Cash Cobain, meshing well together to create a stylish single for the album. The next single, “Bandit” includes a sample of the song “One More Hour” by Tame Impala, sets an exciting mood for the song. The last single, “Deep in the Water,” has fans anticipating the album’s release.
Overall, the album curates for a cohesive listening experience due to the tracks having both similar beats and Toliver’s vocals. The most impressive thing about this album is the amount of varying artists featured, such as Charlie Wilson, Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, Teezo Touchdown, Future, Metro Boomin, Kodak Black, and Cash Cobain. Each feature adds a stunning new touch to Don Toliver and his sound.
In comparison to his last album, Love Sick, Hardstone Psycho has a completely different mood. From love songs to hard-hitting lyrics about his life, he showcases a unique blend of rap and R&B. By doing so, his music reaches a much more vast audience. It is a well-made album that includes everything that his fans appreciate.
Hardstone Physco has left a substantial impact on the music industry. Toliver shows off his ability to blend genres like hip-hop, R&B, and rock, which creates a unique sound that will inspire new music. Aspiring artists will be able to listen to his music and learn from his techniques. This album showcases his abilities and creates a new world for his fans to love.
