Rhythm + Flow is back.
Netflix’s first-ever reality competition show announced its long-awaited return on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 18) with a trailer featuring new judges Ludacris, DJ Khaled, and Latto.
The new trio will replace original judges T.I., Cardi B, and Chance The Rapper, and surprise judges will also appear on the show. Past surprise judges include Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, and the late Nipsey Hussle.
“We are taking things up a notch with a new cast of global hitmakers in our judges and a new pool of undiscovered artists,” said Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction Series, Netflix. “Hip-hop continues to evolve so it’ll be thrilling to see Ludacris, Latto and DJ Khaled mentoring contestants during their journeys, along with legendary guest judges like Eminem providing their own brand of insight and advice.”
Presently in production, the show scours the nation in search of unknown rappers to compete for $250,000 and the title of hip-hop’s newest superstar. D-Smoke from Inglewood, California won the first season of the show in 2019. D-Smoke promoted the new season trailer on his Instagram stories while shooting for Mayor of Kingstown.
The debut season conducted the search for contestants in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon, the executive producers of the show, talked about expanding in season 2 to keep up with the evolving hip-hop scene.
“In this significant moment for the genre, the focus extends beyond the music alone,” they said. “We’re seeking unconventional voices and authentic stories that peel back layers and invite fans to immerse themselves in the contestants’ world as we spotlight the continually evolving spirit of hip-hop.”
The show has gone international with adaptions in Italy and France. Season 2 is set for late 2024.
As a former winner of a hip-hop reality competition, Latto knows about coming up with your best verses when you are in the spotlight. She flexed her freestyle skills with Funk Flex in the Hot 97 studio in 2022. See why she is the biggest, below.