Which new judges will join the panel on Rhythm & Flow season 2? Everything to know

Rhythm & Flow season 2 has brought fresh energy and faces to its judging panel. This hip-hop competition series returns on Netflix on November 20, 2024, with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, and Latto as the main judges.

Renowned for their significant influence on hip-hop, these icons will assess contestants aiming to become the next rap superstar. The show has three segments. After the broadcast of the first four episodes, three episodes will be released on November 27, concluding with the finale on December 4.

The second season of Rhythm & Flow continues its legacy as a platform that celebrates raw talent, creativity, and the art of hip-hop. Contestants will showcase their unique style and lyrical skills to win $250,000. Interestingly, the show focuses on hip-hop as a culture and art form through authenticity and innovation.

The official synopsis of the show reads,

"Based in Atlanta, a hotbed of the American hip-hop scene, the trio of hitmakers will assess a talented group of young and hungry artists competing for a grand prize of $250,000 and the title of hip-hop’s newest star."

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Rhythm & Flow season 2: Meet the New Judges of the show

This cutthroat competition puts aspiring rappers through intense challenges, including auditions, battles, and live performances. For the second season, the judging panel includes three prominent figures. All of them are looking for a sound that has not come up ever before.

DJ Khaled: Khaled brings his production and artist development skills to the show. He is known for his out-of-this-world persona and number-one hits.

Ludacris: As a rapper-turned-actor with a career spanning decades, Ludacris has a lot of knowledge about stage presence and telling stories through lyrics.

Latto: Latto brings a new point of view to hip-hop as a member of the new generation. Contestants and viewers will both relate to her story of how she became a rising star in a very competitive field. During auditions, Latto mentioned that she wanted somebody who could survive in this new generation.

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Special guests adding star power

This season, Rhythm & Flow season 2 introduces notable guest judges who add a unique edge to the competition. Eminem, one of hip-hop’s most celebrated artists, will appear during high-stakes battles. Other guest stars include Busta Rhymes, Big Sean, Remy Ma, and Royce Da 5’9”. DJs like Holiday and Moe Beats will keep the rhythm alive, ensuring every round has top-notch beats and energy.

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Rhythm & Flow season 2 plot: The battle for Hip-Hop stardom

The competition begins with nationwide auditions, narrowing down contestants to 22 aspiring artists. Each brings a unique regional flavor, from the lyrical focus of the East Coast to the laid-back vibes of the West.

Contestants in Rhythm & Flow season 2 begin with auditions, performing their best tracks to earn a spot in the competition. They then face intense battle rounds, going head-to-head in lyrical duels to prove their skills. The finalists move on to live performances, delivering show-stopping acts to impress the judges and audience. Ultimately, one artist will win the $250,000 grand prize and the title of hip-hop's next superstar.

About how Rhythm & Flow season 2 aims to uplift hip-hop, Dionne Harmon, the co-executive producer mentioned:

"It truly is an art form that allows people to express themselves when they often don’t feel like they have another outlet. So I think it’s important that hip-hop has its own space in music competition shows too.

He further said:

I also hope Rhythm + Flow shows people what it takes to be a rapper. It’s not just putting the beat on and just smoking a blunt, or whatnot. You do have to put time, energy, and effort into the craft — it’s not easy to become a star."

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Diverse regional styles

Rhythm & Flow season 2 celebrates the rich diversity of hip-hop, with contestants showcasing the distinct sounds of their regions. Executive producer Dionne Harmon describes how each area contributes to the competition:

East Coast: Known for its lyrical focus and raw, cerebral style, East Coast contestants bring intricate wordplay and storytelling to the stage.

South: Southern artists lean into vibey, melodic flows, often characterized by their ability to connect emotionally with listeners.

About the West Coast and Midwest Harmon mentioned:

"The West Coast is generally laid back. It’s like sunshine, palm trees, play-it-in your-convertible-driving-by-the-beach type of energy. And then there’s a real grit to the Midwest, Chicago, Detroit."

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On November 20, 2024, Rhythm & Flow season 2 premieres on Netflix.