During her cover reveal with Rolling Out, Dess Dior said if this project was a statement, it would mean confidence and unapologetic — and honestly, Take Notes feels like the clearest reflection of that mindset yet.

Dess Dior has been one of the most consistent female artists out of Atlanta over the past few years. She’s never disappeared. Whether she’s giving us melodic records like “Stone Cold” or turn-up anthems for the girls like “Don’t Play,” she’s always delivered something that fits a mood. But on Take Notes, it feels less like she’s testing the waters — and more like she knows exactly where she stands.

This EP sounds intentional.

It opens with a high-energy record featuring Belly Gang Kushington that taps into that nostalgic 2000s Atlanta crunk era. The production knocks, the energy is bold, and it immediately establishes that Dess is still that girl when it comes to making something you can play loud. Belly Gang adds that male perspective, but the record still feels centered around her presence. It’s a strong intro — confident, catchy, and unapologetic.

Then we get “Come Correct,” which Dess has said is one of her personal favorites — and you can hear why. It’s not just a song; it’s a standard. She’s not asking for the bare minimum. She’s not hinting. She’s clearly stating how she wants to be approached, how she expects to be treated, and the type of energy she’s matching. It feels mature. Controlled. Self-aware.

“Most Likely (Remix)” with KenTheMan and Saucy Santana is fun but still polished. It’s giving fashion week energy. It’s giving walk-in-slow-motion-with-the-girls. The chemistry works because all three artists carry that confident, playful aura. You can hear it on a runway, at a girls’ night, or blasting before a night out.

But where Take Notes really separates itself is in the melodic moments.

“Go” almost didn’t make the EP — and that’s wild to think about, because it adds so much balance. It’s vibey, rhythmic, and shows her versatility. There’s a softness in her delivery, but she still sounds in control. The switch-up keeps it from feeling predictable, which is important because melodic tracks can easily blend together — but this one doesn’t.

My personal favorite is “Spinnin.” There’s something about how she enters that record — it feels effortless. When Dess leans into her R&B/melodic pocket, it feels natural, not forced. Her voice sits comfortably in that space. It complements her personality. She’s already a chill, laid-back presence, and those smoother tracks amplify that instead of competing with it.

“Different Pages” is another standout because it feels the most vulnerable. It doesn’t scream emotion — it reveals it. There’s a difference. It sounds like someone reflecting, not reacting. Growth without oversharing. Confidence without pretending everything is perfect.

What stands out the most about Take Notes is that it feels curated. It doesn’t feel rushed. It feels like an artist who has experienced different phases of the industry, different sounds, different public perceptions — and actually learned from all of it.

She really took notes.

Not just musically, but strategically.

You can hear the balance between the records for the girls, the melodic records for the late nights, and the confident statements that remind people she’s still evolving.

This isn’t just another drop. It sounds like positioning.

If I had to guess which record takes off? “Spinnin.” It feels like the one that can live in multiple spaces — radio, playlists, TikTok, even sync.

Overall, you can hear the growth. You can hear the control. And most importantly, you can hear that Dess Dior knows exactly who she is now.

And that’s the real statement. Check out “Tell Me Now” below and let us know what you think!

Listen to Take Notes EP below and let us know what you think!