Atlanta, Georgia based rapper Dex Channels has returned with ‘Angels on Dorcher’ a 12-track full-length ode to his hometown of Orlando, Florida and a follow up to 2020’s EP ‘Guns Go Off in the Summertime’. ‘Angels on Dorcher’s name originates from Dorcher Road in Orlando, an infamous area in the west section of the city, known for its crime and admired rappers such as Hotboii, Danny Towers, and Tyla Yaweh. The album, while a tribute to The City Beautiful and filled with personal experiences from life altering accidents to relationships, is somehow lyrically understandable to the layman. Easily accessible due to its crisp production, solid Southern hip-hop sound, and genre fluidity, the LP has little gold nuggets to keep everyone entertained no matter the rap preference.

‘Message From June’ features fellow Orlando artist Your Cousin Alex as well as Dea’Quez Sorari, a producer hailing from Orlando as well. The meaningful poetry held within the track was inspired by perhaps the most famous example of jazz poetry to date: Gwendolyn Brooks’ ‘We Real Cool’, released in 1960. The samples within ‘Message From June’ have an underwater ethereal sound, as though letting your mind’s thoughts drift while watching the wavy shadowing of the water over your skin on a sunny day. Much of ‘Angels on Dorcher’ has a lighthearted feel to it, despite the hardships, insecurities, and critiques inside the LP. The next track ‘Southern Gumption’ is a chef’s kiss to the south and also discusses the near-fatal car wreck Dex Channels survived back in 2020 that changed not just Channels’ vocals, but the way he physically stood, and of course his entire perspective. ‘Stuck…Play Me Under’ is an intriguing entry point to the rapper’s work – although nearing the end of the album if in order – exemplifying an eager yet humble artistry, with satisfying loops and a changeup halfway through that’s refreshing while also carrying onto the glued in place vibes. ‘Angel Numbers’ and ‘Stardust’ both feature Casey Captivates, the former having a stripped down unhurried production that has touches of gospel backing but lets the lyrical content shine. ‘Stardust’, the last track off the LP, is hopeful, and sees Channels reaching for the stars with a somber exhausted attitude. Through all the fatigue there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.

Check out ‘Angels on Dorcher’ as soon as possible to become hooked on engrossing storytelling and polished beats.

Sarah Medeiros