"Captivating is the word" - Rhythm + Flow season 2 judge Ludacris on Jay Taj’s performance

Episode 7 of Rhythm + Flow season 2, released on November 27, 2024, showcased performances from contestants trying to secure their spot in the competition. Among the performers was Jay Taj, a 32-year-old artist from Los Angeles, CA, whose song Believe Me, according to the judges, highlighted his storytelling abilities and connection to his roots.

Following his performance, Ludacris remarked:

"I believe where the f**k you from! That was captivating. Captivating is the word."

He also praised the visuals and presentation, noting how they improved the overall performance.

Latto commended Jay for delivering something fresh and polished, while DJ Khaled compared the song to a movie soundtrack and expressed his long-standing support for Jay.

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Jay Taj’s process and song concept in Rhythm + Flow

Jay Taj’s creative journey for this round began with a collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Streetrunner, who has worked with prominent artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. During their session, Jay described the concept of his song as an exploration of duality, stating:

"The whole record is about duality. There are so many layers of my identity that is dual."

He elaborated that his lyrics are about the complexities of street culture, combining storytelling with a reflection of his personal experiences.

Despite his clear vision, Jay initially faced challenges in adapting to the producer’s style. In a confessional, he admitted feeling discomfort during the first hour of their session, likely stemming from adjusting to the dynamics of collaborating with an established professional.

When the producer played beats, Jay remarked, “It just doesn’t feel like home to me.” Streetrunner suggested they merge their styles to create a song that integrated both their perspectives, saying:

"And you’re open to coming to my world a little bit? Cause I’m a little more, ‘big and anthem.'"

Jay also reflected on his connection to his roots during the photoshoot. He shared that when asked where he was from, his immediate response was Santa Ana. He spoke about the influence of his late father, who passed away 12 years ago, describing himself as "daddy’s son."

He expressed that his life revolved around his father. Jay explained that for this performance, he was determined to be entirely himself, making his art a true representation of his identity in Rhythm + Flow.

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Judges' feedback on Jay's performance in Rhythm + Flow

The judging panel highly praised Jay’s performance of Believe Me in episode 7 of Rhythm + Flow. Ludacris highlighted how the visuals complemented the performance, making it more engaging and compelling for the audience. Ludacris also commended Jay’s presentation, lyrics, and flow, adding that every performance aspect came together well.

Latto added to the feedback by calling the performance “fresh and new. " She pointed out that while many contestants showcased their rapping skills, Jay elevated his artistry to another level. She described his delivery as "polished," highlighting the refinement and effort he brought to the stage.

DJ Khaled praised the cinematic quality of the song, mentioning that if he were an executive producer, he would have used it for a movie soundtrack. He also expressed his ongoing support for Jay, stating that he had been rooting for him since the beginning of the competition.

Collectively, the judges’ feedback encouraged Jay’s ability to blend storytelling, authenticity, and technical skill into a performance that resonated with the audience, further making him a strong contender in season 2 of Rhythm + Flow.

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Fans can watch the new episodes of Rhythm + Flow, which are currently streaming on Netflix.