Dess Dior releases “Take Notes” EP
Dess Dior is back with her new Take Notes EP on February 20, 2026, her first major project since 2022’s RAW mixtape. The six‑song project brings fresh collaborations and highlights the artistic growth she’s cultivated over the past few years with consistent single releases. This EP marks a pivotal moment in her career, bridging the gap between her breakout mixtape and the next stage of her artistic development.
This release comes after a strong 2025 for Dess Dior, which saw the Savannah‑born artist drop multiple singles that resonated with fans and showcased her evolving style. By taking a strategic approach to releasing music, Dess Dior has built momentum while allowing listeners to see her growth as both a vocalist and songwriter.
A Defining Moment After RAW
Dess Dior first made waves with her RAW mixtape in 2022. That project introduced her raw energy, bold lyricism, and Southern rap influences. It included tracks that helped expand her audience and cement her status as an artist to watch in hip‑hop. The mixtape’s sound was characterized by gritty beats, catchy hooks, and a confident delivery that immediately distinguished Dess Dior in a crowded music landscape.
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Since the release of RAW, Dess Dior has maintained visibility through carefully timed singles rather than rushing into a full follow-up project. This allowed her to refine her sound and continue building a devoted fan base. Each single she released during this period added a piece to her evolving artistic identity, preparing fans for what would eventually become the Take Notes EP.
Take Notes Tracklist and Guest Features
The Take Notes EP contains six songs and features collaborations with several notable artists, including Belly Gang Kushington, KenTheMan, and Saucy Santana. These features bring variety and depth to the project while complementing Dess Dior’s distinctive voice.
Belly Gang Kushington adds a gritty Southern rap edge, bringing intensity to his verses. KenTheMan contributes punchy, confident lines that match Dess Dior’s assertive flow. Saucy Santana injects charisma and playful energy, adding a layer of flair to the project. These collaborations indicate that Take Notes is not only about Dess Dior’s solo artistry but also about creating a dynamic musical experience that blends different styles seamlessly.
Each of the six songs on the EP has its own unique identity, ranging from high-energy bangers to melodic tracks with more introspective lyrics. Listeners can expect a cohesive yet diverse listening experience that reflects Dess Dior’s versatility as an artist.
2025: A Year of Strategic Releases
Rather than immediately jumping into a new project, Dess Dior spent 2025 strategically releasing singles that helped define her musical identity. Tracks such as “Most Likely,” “IDC” (featuring BJRNCK), and “Single Summer” demonstrated her range and built anticipation for the upcoming EP.
“Most Likely” showcased her confident, anthem-ready energy. The song features bold production and catchy hooks that highlight her lyrical skill and vocal presence. “IDC” offered a slightly more R&B-infused vibe while retaining her assertive delivery, illustrating her ability to experiment with tone and mood. “Single Summer” presented a playful and relatable take on relationships, giving fans a seasonal, feel-good track that broadened her appeal.
By releasing these singles in advance of the EP, Dess Dior was able to maintain a consistent presence in the music landscape. Each track acted as a teaser for the larger project, allowing fans to follow her evolution over time. This approach not only helped keep her audience engaged but also allowed her to test new sounds and styles before compiling them into a cohesive EP.
Why Take Notes Matters in 2026 Hip-Hop
In today’s streaming-driven music world, shorter projects like EPs serve an important purpose. They allow artists to maintain relevance, maximize playlist placements, and give listeners a focused experience without the commitment of a full album. EPs also offer artists the flexibility to experiment with new sounds and collaborate with other musicians in a way that might feel too risky on a full-length project.
Take Notes is an example of this modern approach. It demonstrates Dess Dior’s focus on quality over quantity and emphasizes her intent to grow as an artist. The EP format enables her to present a clear vision while leaving room for future exploration. For fans, this means a digestible yet impactful collection of music that can be enjoyed repeatedly.
The title Take Notes itself conveys a sense of authority and focus. It suggests that listeners should pay attention not only to her music but to her trajectory as an artist. The EP serves as both a creative statement and a roadmap for what fans can expect from Dess Dior in the years to come.
Artist Growth and Audience Engagement
Dess Dior has always been recognized not just for her music but for her personality, confidence, and style. Her lyrics are often relatable, her delivery is direct, and her voice carries both authenticity and charisma. These traits have helped her cultivate a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates each new release.
Her 2025 single releases demonstrated a strategic approach to audience engagement. By sharing tracks that varied in tone and mood, she gave fans multiple entry points into her music. This approach allowed listeners to explore different sides of her artistry, deepening their connection to her work.
With Take Notes, Dess Dior continues to build on this strategy. The EP is designed to reward both longtime fans and new listeners by offering a concise yet rich musical experience. It reinforces her identity while highlighting her growth as an artist capable of blending genres, styles, and collaborations.
How Singles Led to Take Notes
Each of Dess Dior’s notable singles from 2025 played a key role in paving the way for the EP.
“Most Likely” introduced listeners to her confident and bold energy, pairing assertive lyrics with contemporary production.
“IDC” (ft. BJRNCK) allowed her to explore a slightly softer, more melodic side while maintaining her signature strength in delivery.
“Single Summer” added a fun, lighthearted element to her catalog, demonstrating her ability to connect with listeners in a relatable and playful way.
Together, these singles provided a blueprint for the EP. They reflected her versatility while keeping a consistent thread of personal expression and authenticity. By the time Take Notes was ready for release, fans had already seen the artistic groundwork laid by these tracks, making the EP a natural continuation of her musical journey.
What Fans Can Expect
As Take Notes drops, fans are anticipating a project that balances replay value, creativity, and cohesion. Rather than focusing on commercial gimmicks or viral trends, Dess Dior seems to prioritize substance and artistic clarity. The six tracks are expected to offer both high-energy moments and reflective, melodic passages, providing a full spectrum of her musical abilities.
Success for the EP will not only be measured in streams or chart positions. It will be defined by how well the songs resonate with listeners, how often they are revisited, and how they contribute to Dess Dior’s long-term artistic identity.
The Artist Behind the Music
Dess Dior, born Destiny Bailey, began writing music at an early age. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, she moved to Atlanta to pursue her music career full-time. Over the years, she has developed a signature blend of Southern rap influences with contemporary melodic elements. Her lyrical style combines confident storytelling with emotional honesty, and her performance style conveys both power and personality.
Her growth as an artist is evident in her ability to navigate different musical moods and genres while maintaining a cohesive identity. Each project and single she releases builds on this foundation, adding depth and variety to her catalog.
The Road Ahead
Whether Take Notes serves as a stepping stone to a full album or stands as a defining EP on its own, it is a clear statement of purpose from Dess Dior. It demonstrates her artistic growth, strategic approach to releasing music, and commitment to delivering quality projects.
Fans can expect this release to be a mix of energy, emotion, and experimentation—all packaged in a concise and impactful format. Take Notes represents not just new music, but a moment of clarity in Dess Dior’s career, signaling her next chapter in the music industry.
As listeners press play, they will not just hear six new songs—they will hear the progression of an artist stepping confidently into the next stage of her journey. In a competitive music landscape, this EP reinforces Dess Dior’s commitment to her craft, her audience, and her unique voice as a rising star in hip-hop. - via Hip-HopVibe
