The energy on Netflix's Rhythm+Flow is contagious. Contestants are rapidly eliminated as they fight for their dreams and carve out an identity for themselves. The premise of the show is clear, and it's one of the most engaging artistic competitions of all time.
Join Chance the Rapper, T.I., and Cardi B. as they find the next rap star. Then, check out these 10 hidden details about the popular series. The show is evocative and addictive, and it lets you see things about performers new and old that you haven't noticed until now.
Release Format
Unlike many other Netflix productions, Rhythm+Flow was not released all at once. It had three installments. Its launch date brought the first four episodes. A week later, three more arrived, and a week after that, the final three episodes became available. This created some anticipation and probably helped keep the show on the map even longer. After the fact, the show is easy to binge and finish in a few days.
Potential for Contestants
Opportunities abound in the age of social media. Even if someone does not win a reality competition, they will come away from it with a new level of exposure. This is the case for many Rhythm+Flow contestants.
Those who did not win, like Caleb Colossus, Ali Tomineek, Troyman, Londynn B., Sam Be Yourself, and Flawless Real Talk, are still rapping. These previous contestants have connections in the industry now, and many of them enjoy collaborating with one another after their shared experience.
Hussle's Impact
T.I. describes the late Nipsey Hussle as "somebody who made it his unwavering mission to give back to his community no matter what." T.I. continues, "Little did we know that it'd be one of the last times that we'd see each other. And his music, along with his message, will live on forever." Nipsey Hussle helps T.I. find LA talent in the first episode of Rhythm+Flow. Most know about Hussle's passing, but the rapper was also active as a philanthropist. He created employment opportunities with his stores and sought to empower the South LA community, according to Congresswoman Karen Bass. His part in Rhythm+Flow at the LA Recording Academy is brief, but T.I.'s tribute to Nipsey Hussle is moving, and everyone gets to see Hussle's kind personality and investment in the lives of young rappers.
What's in a Name?
According to a great review published by Oregon Public Broadcasting, Rhythm+Flow is subtly named after the 2005 movie Hustle & Flow. The reference is fitting because Hustle & Flow involves an aspiring rapper in Memphis trying to get his first record made. While no one discusses the naming of the Netflix original series, it's a clever move that created a memorable title.
Cascade
Location is important on Rhythm+Flow. In addition to a group from the Los Angeles area, most auditionees come from the places the judges call home: New York for Cardi B., Chicago for Chance the Rapper, and Atlanta for T.I. We follow the audition process and see who gets to continue the competition in LA. Hometowns are most relevant when the final eight make music videos. They must use their music videos to tell a story, which often involves each contestant's hometown. Troyman chooses a notable location, the Cascade skating rink in Atlanta, Georgia. Cascade is the setting of the 2006 film ATL, which Chance feels nostalgic for while watching Troyman's video. You might not catch this detail the first time, but it's cool that Troyman used such a memorable place.
Cardi B., the Practical One
The personalities of Chance, Cardi, and T.I. come out more and more throughout the series. Cardi is the practical one because she says what is on her mind, even if it isn't pretty.
Cardi B. brings a lot of levity to the judges' table. She squeals and trills and truly connects with a lot of contestants. She doesn't hold back if a song sounds like something she wouldn't listen to, or if a contestant's look stands out to her. This is exemplified when she repeatedly tells Sam Be Yourself that he looks like Bill Gates' son.
T.I., the Philosopher
Based on his cute scene with Cardi in the first episode, we know that T.I. likes to use big words. But his wisdom goes beyond that. He has some profound words for Beanz in the cyphers episode: "If you don't make your music conversational from you to the fan, at least let the fans in on a conversation from you to yourself." Similarly, T.I. levels with Ariyon: "Ariyon, I think you could be a star. But I also see that there's something in you that could stand in front of you and block your path, and there's something in you that can push you forward. Only you can decide which one of you is gonna get to drive."
Chance, the Spiritual One
The judges share their respect for God every now and then on Rhythm+Flow. It's no secret that Chance the Rapper is a Christian, but he really helps a contestant who has a similar background on the series. When Caleb Colossus films part of his music video in a church and has a live Pieta depiction on the altar, Chance takes note. He warns Caleb to be careful of producers who will try demonic editing, like flipping a religious image upside down. Later on, Chance also cautions Caleb against being preachy when infusing faith into art. Chance is a tough judge, but he cares about the souls of his contestants and wants them to protect their work and their faith.
No Labels
Variety learned from Brandon Riegg, vice president of comedy specials and nonfiction series at Netflix, that “There is no label deal — Chance famously didn’t have a label, he launched things on his own. So when we spoke to [executive producer] John Legend and to Cardi and to Tip [T.I.], it was about staying authentic to hip-hop and what was best for the hip-hop community; it was less about tying them down to some sort of management or label deal." The creative freedom of winning this competition with no contract or label is rare. There is so much potential for a winner with $250K in hand and no contractual obligations, not to mention the other prize, a performance spot on the Spotify RapCaviar Live Tour.
Laughter and Personality
The best-hidden gem of Rhythm+Flow is the window into each rapper's real life and personality. For those unfamiliar with the genre, rap might come across as a very serious and somber style of music. It absolutely can be that, but it can be lighthearted and comical, too. It can speak the truth and use humor at the same time. The judges are in stitches at raps both unplanned and planned, like how one eliminated contestant accidentally called himself a prostitute, or like Old Man Saxon being called a broke Steve Harvey. Chance the Rapper and Cardi B. get in on the fun and show a much lighter side of themselves sometimes. When Cardi gets hit on, she cutely says, "I'm married!" When Chance gets really excited about a track, he totally lets loose with a giant grin on his face. It's fun to watch everyone smile and chuckle at the comedy, and it helps to break up the severity of the circumstances around which rap music is often built.