Don Toliver, Deep in the Water | Song Review

Rapper/singer Don Toliver delivers a surefire vibe with his enigmatic, reflective, and enjoyable single, “Deep in the Water.”

“You want me done with the strip club, you know I’m done with them dancers.” That’s a sign of maturity, Don Toliver.  The rapper/singer is “Deep in the Water”, or so he asserts on his mid-March 2024 single. The sub-three-minute song was produced by Broadday, IWantDior, 206Derek, Oh Ross, and Buddy Ross. It features an enigmatic sound at the onset, comprised of slickly produced synths, pads, and keys.  Once the record settles in, I love the drum programming, which is rhythmic – an ear-catching beat. More production contrast arrives later in the song, always maintain a sense of non troppo.

Ultimately, this backdrop proves to be an optimal canvas for Don Toliver to paint upon.  And paint he does! Toliver is on his melodic ish, serving up warm vocals. The vocal effects – echo, reverb, etc. – establish a cool aesthetic. His best moment is the memorable chorus, which is, indeed, deep in the water as the title suggests:

“Deep in the water, far as I can see (I can see)

Deep in the water, it’s just you and me

Deep in the water, far as I can see (Can see)

Deep in the water, through your pregnancy.”

The verses are intriguing too,  though an argument can be made that the song’s aesthetic bears more influence than the lyrics.  Still, Toliver reflects on his relationship (with singer Kali Uchis), as well as the birth of their child – big life moments. All told, “Deep in the Water” is a surefire vibe – another winning song following “Bandit”.

Don Toliver // “Deep in the Water” // Cactus Jack / Atlantic // 3.14.24

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Cactus Jack / Atlantic; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]