Last week, fashion and culture tastemaker and hip-hop sensation Dess Dior released her eagerly anticipated sophomore album, Note To Self, and it’s already making big waves in the rap world.
Consisting of 15 emotional yet self-assured tracks, the project acts as a love letter of sorts, with Dess taking a diaristic approach to her musical story so far, and checking in with herself at every step. It’s a powerful showcase of her musical evolution as she maintains a delicate balance between power and vulnerability, flaunting confidence and poise in the face of adversity and knowing precisely who is as she steps into her success. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dess all about the biggest lessons she’s learned so far as an artist and why the new album is such a critical step in her journey. Read our full interview with her below.
Sweety High: What does the album name Note To Self mean to you? Why did that title feel like the perfect way to sum up this collection of songs?
Dess Dior: Note To Self is really a love letter to myself in every sense. It’s me checking in, reminding myself who I am, how far I’ve come and where I’m headed. With everything moving so fast, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, so this project is about staying grounded in my own feminine power. Every track feels like a message I needed at a certain moment, whether it’s about growth, confidence, or protecting my peace, and that’s why the title felt like the perfect fit.
(Photo credit: Chad Lawson)
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SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
DD: The album really lives in duality. From the opening of “Too Blessed,” I’m balancing vulnerability with strength, reflecting on personal loss, emotional endurance and the pressures that come with leveling up, while still staying grounded and confident. That energy carries through the whole project.
There’s confidence, self-awareness, growth and resilience woven throughout. You hear it in the more high-energy records like “Come Correct,” “Fine AF” and “Pop Out,” where I’m standing firm in who I am, and also in the more introspective moments like “Missin You” and “Different Pages,” where I’m unpacking emotions and relationships. I want fans to walk away feeling empowered but also understood, like they can embrace every side of themselves and still move with confidence.
SH: How are the themes of standing up for yourself, practicing positive self-talk and setting strong boundaries present on this album? What do you hope to be able to share about them with your listeners?
DD: Those themes are at the core of this project. There are records where I’m being very direct about my standards and what I’m not willing to accept, and others where I’m having more internal conversations with myself. Songs like “Single Summer” and “What U Need” really speak to prioritizing myself and being clear about what I deserve.
At the same time, even in softer moments like “Spoil Me” or “Spinnin’,” there’s still a sense of self-awareness and control. I’ve learned that protecting your peace and setting boundaries is what allows you to keep growing. I want listeners to feel like it’s okay to choose themselves, to speak up, and to move with intention.
(Photo credit: Chad Lawson)
SH: How would you describe the album’s sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
DD: The sound is bold, polished, rhythm-heavy, and real confident. It’s rooted in Atlanta’s energy, which is unmatched, but it also has a global feel to it. I wanted it to feel like it could live anywhere.
Production-wise, it was about creating something cohesive but still dynamic. Each track builds on the last, so when you listen all the way through, it feels intentional and seamless. Whether it’s a hard-hitting record or something more emotional, everything sits in the same world.
SH: Tell us a little bit about the collaborations on this album. How did they come to be, and what unique flavor do you think each artist brought to each track?
DD: Each collaboration added a different layer to the project. Working with YFN Lucci was a full-circle moment. He represents that authentic Atlanta sound, and being in the studio with him pushed me creatively. Valiant brought that international energy. Tapping into dancehall gave the project a different texture and let me show my versatility beyond just one sound. Belly Gang Kushington is family, so that chemistry is natural every time.
SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you are in life right now?
DD: This project is a real reflection of where I am right now. I’m more confident, more self-aware and more intentional with everything I do. My pen is sharper, my delivery is stronger and I’m not afraid to be vulnerable.
You can hear my growth in how I approach relationships, how I move, and how I carry myself. There’s a clear evolution in choosing myself more and being okay with outgrowing certain situations.
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SH: What’s your favorite song on the album? Why?
DD: My favorite track on the album is “Go.” I love it because of the unique tempo change and how different it feels compared to everything else on the project. It really pushed me creatively. I had to fight for it a bit in terms of making sure we leaned into something more unexpected on the production side, but I’m glad I did. It adds a layer to the album and shows a different side of me sonically.
SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together the album?
DD: What surprised me most was how naturally I leaned into vulnerability. I went into it focused on making strong, confident records, but I ended up creating some of my most honest music. It showed me that growth isn’t just external, it’s internal too, and that balance made the project what it is.
(Photo credit: Chad Lawson)
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SH: How are you feeling about releasing this album to the world?
DD: I’m excited. This isn’t my first project, but it definitely feels like a defining moment. This is the most complete version of my story so far. There’s always a little bit of nervous energy putting something personal out there, but I’m ready for people to really connect with it and see the full picture.
SH: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
DD: This project is about evolution and freedom. Freedom to grow, to express myself, and to not be put in a box. From the sound to the visuals to the storytelling, everything reflects that. I want people to feel like they can step into their own power, embrace every version of themselves and keep evolving without limits.
Listen to the album in full here:
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