If you’ve spent any time in a car late at night with the windows down, you’ve probably heard that eerie, atmospheric hum of Around Me Don Toliver. It's one of those tracks that sticks to your ribs. It isn't just a song; it’s a whole mood. Honestly, it’s arguably the emotional anchor of Metro Boomin’s massive 2022 album, HEROES & VILLAINS.
While everyone was busy blasting "Superhero" or "Creepin'," real Don fans were stuck on track seven. It’s got this hazy, drugged-out vibe that only Caleb Toliver can really pull off without sounding like he's trying too hard. But what's the deal with the song? Why does it feel so different from his usual high-energy Cactus Jack output?
The Metro Boomin Connection
Basically, Metro Boomin and Don Toliver are a cheat code. When they get together, they create this dark, cinematic trap that feels like a noir film set in Houston. Around Me Don Toliver was produced by Metro alongside Prince 85, and if you listen closely, you can hear that classic Metro "darkness."
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The beat is sparse. It's ghostly.
It lets Don’s voice—which, let’s be real, is more of an instrument than a traditional vocal—do the heavy lifting. He’s got that warble, that vibrato that makes you feel like you’re floating in a pool of cough syrup. It’s not about the bars here. It’s about the texture.
Why the Morgan Freeman Outro Matters
One of the wildest parts of the track is the outro. You've got Morgan Freeman—yes, the actual voice of God—narrating the end. He talks about heroes emerging only when needed and the realization of their "ultimate destiny."
It’s deep.
It adds this weird, philosophical weight to a song that is, on the surface, about drugs and girls. It bridges the gap between the "Villain" and "Hero" themes Metro was playing with throughout the record. You aren't just listening to a rap song; you’re listening to a story about a guy who’s barely keeping it together.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and Vibe
"I seen too many worlds, and I... want you to be my girl."
That’s the core of the hook. It’s simple, but it hits. Don is talking about the chaos of his life—the "worlds" of fame, substances, and the industry—while trying to find one anchor. He mentions keeping "drugs around me" and "plugs around me."
It’s honest. Maybe a little too honest.
He’s admitted in interviews that his music reflects his lifestyle, and Around Me Don Toliver is no exception. It’s the sound of a guy who has everything but feels like he’s "about to jump out the window," as he says in the first verse.
- Production: Metro Boomin & Prince 85
- Release Date: December 2, 2022
- Album: HEROES & VILLAINS
- Standout Feature: That haunting Morgan Freeman narration
The Sound of "Love Sick" Era
Even though this was a Metro Boomin project, it perfectly bridged the gap to Don’t own album, Love Sick, which dropped a few months later in early 2023. You can hear the evolution. He was moving away from the pure "Astroworld" sound and into something more melodic and R&B-leaning.
If you look at the stats, "Around Me" wasn't necessarily the biggest radio hit. It peaked at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100. But on Spotify? It’s a monster. It’s got that "discover" quality where people find it and then put it on every "Late Night Drive" playlist they own.
What Most People Miss About the Track
A lot of listeners just vibe to the beat and miss the "Shiesty" references. Don mentions going "Shiesty with the all-black fitted." For the uninitiated, that’s a nod to Pooh Shiesty and the trend of wearing full balaclavas.
It’s a subtle way of grounding this high-concept, cinematic song in actual street culture. He’s mixing the ethereal with the gritty.
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The song also features background vocals from Young Thug and Future in the intro. You might miss them if you aren't paying attention, but their presence adds to that "Cactus Jack / Freebandz" universe feel. It’s a family affair.
Actionable Steps for Don Toliver Fans
If you're still rinsing this track, here is how to get the full experience of that specific 2022-2023 Don Toliver sound:
- Listen to the "ChoppedNotSlopped" version. Metro released a remix version of the album handled by OG Ron C and DJ Candlestick. For a song like "Around Me," the slowed-down, Houston-style remix is actually superior to the original for certain moods.
- Check the "Love Sick" short film. If you want to understand the visual aesthetic Don was going for during this time, the Amazon Music short film is a must-watch. It provides context for the "lonely star" persona he plays on this track.
- Cross-reference with "WHAT TO DO?". If you love the dark, synth-heavy vibe of "Around Me," go back to the JACKBOYS album and listen to "WHAT TO DO?". They are basically sonic cousins.
The staying power of Around Me Don Toliver comes from its atmosphere. It’s a song that doesn’t demand your attention with a loud chorus, but it holds onto it with a hypnotic rhythm. Whether you're a fan of the Houston rap scene or just like music that sounds like a fever dream, this track is a masterclass in modern mood-setting.
To truly appreciate the engineering, listen to it on a pair of open-back headphones. The way the bass pans and the Morgan Freeman vocals sit in the mix is a testament to why Metro Boomin is currently the most sought-after producer in the world.