"A biased judgment" — Rhythm + Flow fans react to Dono's elimination

Rhythm + Flow released episodes 5-7 on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. In episode 5, the aspiring rappers battled it out against one another for a spot in the next stage of the competition. However, not everyone could advance. One such contestant was Dono whose journey ended in episode 6 when she lost to Detroit Diamond.

Hip-hop legend Eminem joined Latto and the other judges to decide which rappers would move on and which would go home. Dono knew Detroit Diamond would have the crowd's support since it was her hometown, Detroit. Even then, she was confident in her abilities and knew she could emerge victorious.

When their battle ended, the judges were faced with a difficult decision. They were equally impressed by Dono and Detroit Diamond. Ultimately, they handed the victory to Detroit Diamond because of her gripping stage presence and ability to work the crowd. Although it ended, Dono's time on the show, Eminem comforted her by saying she had the potential to establish herself in the music industry.

However, Rhythm + Flow fans were disappointed with the outcome. They claimed the judges declared Detroit Diamond the winner solely because they were in Detroit. Netizens believed Dono's rapping skills were better than her opponent's. They took to X to express their disapproval of the results.

"Dono VS Detroit Diamond was strictly a biased judgement. If it wasn’t for diamond having the home-court advantage the decision would’ve rightfully go to @justdono_" a fan wrote.

"I like Detroit Diamond but her over Dono is insanity," another fan commented.

"Dono won the rap battle against Detriot Diamond. Biased af," a netizen tweeted.

Many Rhythm + Flow fans criticized the judges for advancing Detroit Diamond over Dono.

"Dono should’ve won that!! Think it’s only cause the Detroit crowd hyped Detroit Diamond up that she got that battle," a user reacted.

"They definitely cheated and picked diamond just cuz they was in Detroit . DONO won that battle and im not being bias cuz she from the city idc," a person commented.

"Judges f**ked up!They cheated Dono bad, gave Detroit Diamond the edge cause they was in Detroit. Dono came prepared and had better punchlines this round. She even came for her brother. This a terrible mistake. I like Detroit Diamond but she did NOT win this round," another fan wrote.

"Judges made the wrong decision with this Dono and Diamond rap battle, sorry not sorry," one user posted.

Other Rhythm + Flow fans expressed a similar sentiment.

"Dono should have won the battle mannnn. Diamond didn’t even touch her, sh*t was weak asf. I’m so madddd!" a person reacted.

"I can’t believe Dono got eliminated over Detroit Diamond Dono was the clear winner. SHES COLD," another netizen commented.

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What did Rhythm + Flow judges say about Dono and Detroit Diamond's battle?

While preparing for her battle, Dono revealed she was not worried about facing Detroit Diamond. She believed she was a "natural competitor" who had the perseverance to overcome anything. Recalling the hardships she had experienced, Dono was confident she could outshine her opponent easily.

"I done slept on floors for this. I done been homeless. I done lost people, friends, relationships, myself. That's why I'm so confident. If I can get through the sh*t that I been through, I can get through Detroit Diamond," she said.

Both Dono and Detroit Diamond's performances garnered applause from the judges and the audience. While reviewing their battle, Eminem said Dono's verse was "slightly better." However, he felt Detroit Diamond had a way with the crowd which played in her favor.

Mr. Porter praised the Rhythm + Flow participants' syllable usage. However, he confessed it was difficult to say who performed better since Dono and Detroit Diamond's delivery and confidence were "crazy." Royce was impressed by their "aggressive nature" and acknowledged how well they portrayed the female presence.

Rhythm + Flow judge Latto complimented Detroit Diamond's "raw" personality and applauded Dono's growth during her time on the show. She commended the artists for representing the female emcees and doing them justice.

Although it was close, the judges needed to deliberate and finalize a winner. After much back and forth, they handed the victory to Detroit Diamond. Eminem expressed that she did what it took to win the battle. When Dono broke down hearing the results, Eminen comforted her and urged her not to let the loss define her. He knew she was "f**king ferocious" and could achieve big things.

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Rhythm + Flow episodes can be streamed exclusively on Netflix.