"It was meant to be" -  Rhythm + Flow: Brazil contestant Muse reflects on her journey

The competition is getting fiercer in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil as contestants face live performance challenges. The first four episodes of this Brazilian adaptation of the popular rap competition series were released on November 12.

In episode four, the remaining rappers performed live after receiving mentorship from hip-hop legends KL Jay and Negra Li. However, the episode concluded with Muse Maya’s elimination.

Despite her exit, Muse expressed confidence in her performance, saying:

"I don't think anything went wrong. I think it was meant to be because.... I'm very different from the others."

Muse Maya was one of the contestants in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil. Her elimination sparked debate between judges. Some praised her artistic flair while others noted her lack of strong rhymes. Reflecting on her journey, Muse said:

"In my opinion, I took a risk. I think I took more risks than the other contestants. That's why I don't think their choice was that fair."

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Rhythm + Flow: Brazil: Judges' discussions and Muse's elimination

The backstage discussion among the judges—Djonga, Filipe Ret, Tracie, and Tasha—before the elimination highlighted differing views on Muse's performance.

Tracie noted that although Muse had style, presence, and confidence, she questioned her ability as a rapper, saying:

"I'm not quite sure she's exactly a rapper."

While the judges appreciated her stage presence and personality, they agreed that her rhyming lacked the impact necessary to advance.

Djonga pointed out that while Muse had an intriguing stage persona, "her flow wasn't very interesting," only improving toward the end of her performance.

He emphasized the importance of hooking the audience from the beginning in a feature performance, which Muse struggled with.

The final decision to eliminate Muse came on stage in front of the rest of the contestants. Djonga noted:

“Maria Preta and Afrodite are more prepared for this next round."

The judges agreed that Muse's confidence and artistry were undeniable but ultimately felt that her lyrical prowess wasn't enough to keep her in the competition.

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Comments on other contestants

In contrast to Muse, the judges had positive feedback for other contestants. Filipe Ret highlighted three standout performers—Capitu, RT Mallone, and Novak—who delivered powerful stage performances. He said:

“I think three people stood out and gave us a real show,”

emphasizing their ability to captivate the audience.

Novak received high praise, with Tracie saying:

“I can see this remix in the club. It could become really popular.”

RT Mallone was also complimented on his stage presence, with Tasha stating that his connection with the audience also felt natural. Both contestants were easily advanced to the next round.

Capitu, though praised for her dynamic performance with WIU, was critiqued for lacking impactful lyrics. However, Filipe Ret acknowledged her effort, saying:

“You added dynamics to your rhymes and flow.”

Despite some criticism, Capitu’s overall performance was strong enough to move her forward in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil.

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Episode highlights

Episode four of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil saw the contestants not only perform live but also receive valuable mentoring from KL Jay and Negra Li.

Capitu, for instance, sought advice from KL Jay on overcoming writer’s block, while Novak took inspiration from Negra Li’s suggestion to switch up the beat in his song.

The performances were varied in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil, with some contestants opting for more traditional boom-bap beats, while others, like Afrodite, explored different styles like trap.

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While episode 4 of Rhythm + Flow: Brazil ended with Muse Maya’s elimination, it set the stage for the remaining contestants to step up their game as they prepare for the final two episodes, set to release on November 19.