Words @miles_holder

Photography @jackalexanderUK

Fashion @ana.sta.sia

Grooming @vennerjames at @aframe_agency

Hair @katt_bella

Producer @josephhagan_

Fashion Assistant @georgiabier

Since his platinum-certified debut Heaven or Hell, the Houston-born Don Toliver has built a universe that exists entirely on his own terms, where Southern-rooted hip-hop swirls with cinematic R&B, off-kilter pop, and flashes of rock ‘n’ roll psychedelia. His fourth studio album Hardstone Psycho sees Don’s vision reach new heights, not just musically but culturally, from headlining arenas on his PSYCHO Tour to launching his own custom game in Fortnite.

In this exclusive FAULT interview, we catch up with the multi-platinum hitmaker to unpack the emotions behind the music, his fearless sonic experimentation, and why 2025 is shaping up to be his boldest chapter yet.

You’ve reached major milestones—has your creative process changed now that you’re performing for massive crowds, or do you still write from the same place emotionally?
I still write from the same emotional place, but I definitely get energy from the crowd and use that to my advantage.

Does your current string of successful hits create more pressure on your future releases to succeed, and do you find it hard to still experiment when you’ve found a winning formula?
No, my current run of hits doesn’t make me feel pressured, and I don’t find it hard to keep experimenting or finding new winning formulas.

What was the most emotionally challenging track to record on Hardstone Psycho, and why?
The most emotionally challenging track would be “Last Laugh,” because I had to channel a kind of ‘fuck you’ energy into a song that says, “Look at me, and now look at you.”

With artists like Pharrell and j-hope, who are both visionaries in their own right, did working together on “LV Bag” stretch your sound in ways you hadn’t anticipated?
No, “LV Bag” is a record I love, so I didn’t have to stretch my sound in any new direction. It felt natural.

While your sound is very contemporary and futuristic, you still inject your Houston roots into every release. How important was your upbringing in crafting the artist you are today?
Very important. Houston taught me how to be a man and stand on my own two feet—I can never forget that.

Looking ahead to your next phase, what part of your creative identity are you most excited to evolve or reveal in 2025?
The part I’m most excited to reveal is my next album, and really, just my future in general. It’s going to be a fun time, and I’m excited for it all.

Looking back on your musical journey, what’s been the hardest creative hurdle you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest creative hurdle I’ve overcome was getting comfortable creating in front of anyone. Some of my craziest songs were made in rooms full of people I didn’t even know.

What is your FAULT?
I’d say my fault is that I’m an overachiever.