'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgX/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMkrQVf/xAAgEAABBAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEBQAGERIhQYGh/9oACAEBAAE/AKDUN21XwmUkxyjLOJsGyjASA6RBuWyp34+5CtdbHDYILetQFAVTnCbMva8e8//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMi/9oACAECAQE/ALNNuR//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDIf/aAAgBAwEBPwCuKxH/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In episode 4 of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil, the top five contestants faced a live performance challenge. Judge Tracie, anticipating an intense round of performances, set the tone for the night, stating,
“S**t about to get wild tonight, Djonga.”
Her excitement echoed the high stakes, as two contestants were set to be eliminated, raising the tension for the performers who were striving to secure their place in the next round.
Rhythm + Flow: Brazil, which premiered its first four episodes on November 12 on Netflix, has been a hit with audiences. The show brings together established Brazilian rap stars like Djonga, Filipe Ret, and Tasha & Tracie to mentor and evaluate rising talent, to discover the next big name in Brazilian hip-hop.
Trending
Episode 4 featured performances from the remaining artists after they received mentorship from hip-hop legends KL Jay and Negra Li, pushing them to refine their styles and showcase their individuality.
Rhythm + Flow: Brazil: RT Mallone's tribute
One of the standout performances of the night came from RT Mallone, a 28-year-old contestant who dedicated his song to his late brother. Titled, The Elephant in the Room, the track highlighted RT’s journey, blending themes of black culture and the struggles of his community.
In his emotional pre-performance interview in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil, RT shared how the song was inspired by his brother, Vandinho, who was tragically murdered the same day RT passed his audition for the show. He explained,
“He was a badass slam poet, an outsider with his own style… I wrote this as a tribute because he should be remembered with dignity.”
RT’s performance was powerful, as he engaged with the crowd, getting them to chant along with him, “Being black gets…” to which the audience responded, “Under their skin…” The judges found his delivery was raw and emotional, and his ability to connect with the audience didn’t go unnoticed by them.
Judges react to the contestants in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil
The judges had mixed reactions throughout the night as they evaluated each artist's performance. Djonga, a well-respected figure in Brazilian rap, commended RT’s bravery, stating:
“At this moment in the contest, I think the choices he made were very brave.”
He was moved by RT’s dedication to his brother, adding:
“That part he said about his friend, I almost cried again. It’s f***ing tough, man. Really.”
Tasha and Filipe Ret also shared their thoughts, agreeing that RT's choice to focus less on melody and more on message was a bold strategy. Filipe highlighted the effectiveness of RT’s deep voice and beat changes, while Tasha noted his connection with the crowd, saying:
“He engaged with the audience… The crowd was really into it.”
Other contestants of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil, such as Capitu and Afrodite, also delivered strong performances. Capitu, who faced writer's block earlier in the episode, used KL Jay’s advice to overcome her struggles and gave a memorable performance.
Afrodite, despite considering a trap beat, stuck to her boom-bap roots after advice from Negra Li, ultimately delivering a solid performance that stayed true to her style.
Highlights from episode 4
Episode 4 of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil was intense, with each contestant fighting to stay in the competition. Before hitting the stage, the remaining artists had the opportunity to record their original tracks in a professional studio with renowned producers like Zegon. This experience allowed the contestants to fine-tune their tracks, incorporating feedback from both the producers and the mentors.
The mentorship from KL Jay and Negra Li proved crucial, as they helped the contestants navigate through challenges and perfect their songs. KL Jay encouraged RT to focus on relatable, everyday struggles that resonate with a broader audience.
Meanwhile, Negra Li advised Afrodite to lean into her strengths, leading to a strong performance in her preferred boom-bap style.
The final two episodes of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil will be released on November 19.
