‘Rhythm + Flow’ Winner dreTL Discusses Season 2 Along With Finalists | by: VIBE.com

Season two of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow brought together a group of fiercely talented and diverse artists who not only showcased their lyrical prowess, but also their resilience in the face of personal challenges. Baring all of their bars in front of judges, Latto, Ludacris and DJ Khaled this time around, each artist brought their own flare with their city heavy on their back.

Out of 22 contestants from around the country, seven stand-out contenders made it through rounds of cutthroat challenges that tested their bars, stage presence, creativity and more. With hopes of claiming the $250,000 grand prize on the line, Sura Ali, Jaxs, Jay Taj, DreTL, Detroit Diamond, Tia P and Yoshi Vintage made it to the final stage.

While each contestant had their own unique story to tell—from parents being incarcerated to witnessing the deaths of loved ones—any of the aforementioned artists could have taken home the prize. However, one rapper reigned supreme, showing not only determination and consistency, but the willingness to listen and really learn from a few industry vets: dreTL!

“Seeing Eminem was really the reason that I won, because to me, it’s like if I just rapped in front of Eminem, I can literally do anything,” the Atlanta-native declared. He did admit that “the finale was not more scary than rapping in front of” the Detroit legend.

In an exclusive interview with VIBE, season two’s finalists along with fan favorite, Rhome, reflected on their journeys, defining moments, and the emotions that carried them to (or close to) the finale.

Kicking off the in-studio discussion with the contestants’ favorite moments, Yoshi Vintage admitted that a pivotal point for her during the show was stepping into uncharted territory during the battle rap segment. “I’m a student of the game,” she shared. “I’ve never battle-rapped in my life, but I knew I had it in me. It tested me in ways I never expected.” Her confidence and adaptability not only pushed her limits, but also captivated audiences, proving her versatility as an artist.

For Tia P, her standout moment came during the singles challenge. “That was when I felt most at home,” she revealed. Showing off her magnetic stage presence and having an incredible energy exchange with the audience, Tia found solace in the familiarity of performing. “When I get on stage, I don’t remember a lot of my performances because I’m so in it,” she said. “It’s almost like a disassociation. There’s nothing like it in the world. It’s therapy.”

The season was not without emotional weight for many of the contestants, like Jasx, who suddenly lost her grandmother during filming. “It was a mix of emotions” she shared. “I felt like I wasn’t really allowed to grieve in that moment because I needed to finish what I had already started. I needed to do the show. I do remember the support that I got. That was really important to me to know that I was still human in that moment and that the people around me really did care about me as a person.”

Similarly, Jay Taj found a deeply personal connection when his father’s image appeared on stage during his debut single performance. “That was like a punch in the nose,” he said, cherishing the moment as a tribute to his late father. “To have that moment with my pops on stage, so many years since he’s said goodbye, is going to stay at the top of the list of being able to immortalize my father.”

Many of the lasting contestants found strength in their vulnerability—a recurring theme throughout the season—showing the finalists turn their personal struggles into powerful art. Whether it was Detroit Diamond channeling the memory of her late brother, dreTL sharing a recorded prison call from his mother on stage, or Tia P finding solace in music—each finalist brought raw authenticity to the stage.

“Being a black male and growing up in the hood, you don’t really express your emotions. It’s not even encouraged to do so,” dre explained. “But specifically in Hip-Hop, it is okay, and it’s even highlighted. It’s only when I get up on the stage and I can express myself through the music, that I can really open up.”

This season also saw many “full-circle” moments, such as Rhome rapping before Big Sean, whose song “Blessings” was his alarm clock during middle school, and Detroit Diamond, who only imagined stepping onto the show’s big stage. “I was imagining and manifesting while I was performing back home in the little rinky-dink clubs or just local spots,” she reflected. “I always was like, ‘I’m going to be on a stage like this, a big stage.'” Her vision and tenacity turned her dreams into reality. “It was a rush,” she said. “I got addicted to that feeling.”

Meanwhile, Sura Ali’s favorite memory was rooted in the competition itself. “My favorite part was knocking out all my competition in my last show,” she said with a confident smile, embodying her suave persona.

The finalists also weighed in on the judges, who played an integral role in their development. Yoshi Vintage felt Khaled was the toughest, but also the most invested. “He wasn’t playing with me, but it was because he saw my potential,” she said. Detroit Diamond appreciated Ludacris for his relatability and Latto for her shared experience as a female artist who had also competed on a reality show. Guest judge Remy Ma, according to several contestants, stood out for her raw honesty. “She was real Hip-Hop,” dreTL said.

When asked to encapsulate the season in one word, the answers reflected each of their journeys. Words like “blessed,” “revolutionary,” and “unique” highlighted their transformative experiences. For Sura Ali, it was simply “Better.”

Watch the full interviews with the finalists above and stream Rhythm + Flow season two on Netflix now.